Arranging one’s funeral in advance is a topic that’s generally not spoken about due to the context of the death of a loved one.
Naturally, among family members, this topic is deemed insensitive.
Over time, this has changed and it has become one of the most popular financial education tools in recent decades.
It is now a necessary conversation to have that will allow you and your loved ones to get to understand each other better and grow closer. But how can you get started with planning your funeral in advance?
What are some questions you must ask yourself when planning a funeral in advance?
- Do you prefer cremation or burial?
- Where would you like to be buried?
- Would you like your ashes to be scattered somewhere?
- Would you like a religious ceremony at your funeral?
- Would you prefer only your immediate family to attend?
- How would you dress for the day?
It is better to have answered these questions earlier when pre-planning funerals, as funeral arrangements can become extremely complex and costly if decisions are taken at the last minute.
How can advance funeral planning services be beneficial in the long run for you and your family?
Below are a few reasons advance funeral planning services can be beneficial.
1. You get to create your own storyline
In the end, all that is left is the legacy you leave behind for your family and friends to cherish and for generations to remember you by. When you have the opportunity to pre-plan your funeral service in advance, you have the space to customize it to your preferences. You can put your wishes on paper so that your loved ones know exactly how to celebrate your life and honor your memory.
You may have a preference for burial or cremation, the epitaph on your headstone, or the music and readings at your service. Plus, when you plan your burial, you get to make special requests of certain people, ensure that certain religious rites are performed, and request that special family traditions be carried out.
2. You get to lock in today’s prices
Professional funeral homes offer many services. In addition to advance funeral planning services, they also offer services where clients are able to prepay for their funerals. This is a great option if you want to relieve the financial burden on your family, as this locks in current prices for all funeral services provided by the funeral home.
This is in many ways a better decision to make since inflation is likely to cause the prices of these services to increase. The fee could either be paid fully or in installments; the funds are typically used to purchase an insurance policy or put into a trust. When included as a part of a retirement or long-term care package, advance planning of your burial arrangements makes sense and ensures you have control of your financial roadmap.
3. You get to have peace of mind
The days immediately following their loss are often characterized by a feeling of confusion and sadness for your family and friends, but if you’re prepared, it can make the process just a little bit easier as having to plan a funeral or memorial on top of dealing with all the emotions can be really tough.
It’s important to answer the key questions ahead of time because it can spare your family from having to do it in the future. If you plan your funeral in advance, you can alleviate some of the burden that will fall on your loved ones. They won’t have to worry about trying to plan and pay for your funeral services, and that’s a weight off your shoulders—and theirs!
Contact a professional funeral home to learn more about advance funeral planning services
Professional funeral homes are better equipped with all the necessary experience and knowledge on how to pre-plan your funeral. They will assist you every step of the way to sort everything out and make sure the service will be done exactly according to your preferences.
