Advice for Planning Your Own Funeral
Thinking about your own funeral may be difficult, but there are steps you can take now that will help your loved ones with the necessary arrangements. By planning your funeral now, you can determine what’s most meaningful to you, and talk about options and costs with your family. There are insurance policies you can buy that will ensure your family can pay for the funeral expenses, as well as additional coverage for paying off other bills or debt.
Importance of Pre-Planning
By taking on the work of pre-planning your funeral, you’ll be taking some of the responsibilities off the shoulders of your family as they cope with your passing. You can ensure your final wishes are carried out and can get a clear idea of the actual cost of those wishes. If you envision an elaborate service or memorial, setting aside money now will mean a great deal to your family when it comes time to plan the actual event.
Funeral Planning 101
While it’s unnecessary to plan every detail, this checklist will help get you started. You should consider whether you want to be buried or cremated, and be sure to speak with your family about your wishes. If you choose to be cremated, think about where you’d like your ashes to be scattered, and communicate that to your family as well.
If you know where you’d like to be buried, you can make those plans with a funeral home and pre-purchase a plot at your preferred cemetery. Determine what you’d like for your gravestone, whether it’s a simple stone plaque or large carving to memorialize your life.
Find a funeral director to help you plan the service, and consider what goods or services you may want to include. If you’d like to have a memorial service, you can choose an officiant and organize personalized elements you’d like to have included. If you’re religious, contact a spiritual advisor and collaborate on what you’d like your funeral service to include.
Some people who know they’ll be dying soon plan what’s called a living funeral to say goodbye to their family and friends. If you’re in the throes of planning your actual funeral and are feeling somber, a living funeral could help bring some joy to your final days.
If you haven’t already, be sure to leave a final will and testament to your family, and include as many details about your wishes as possible.
Consider the Costs
Funeral costs can be expensive, and often those financial burdens fall on your family members as they are grieving. While you will likely include some costs in your planning — cremation, burial, and funeral home services — there are some often-overlooked expenses such as flowers, police escorts for a funeral procession, and venue charges for the memorial service.
You can start setting aside money now to help cover these costs, or you prepare by buying burial insurance. Burial insurance will help cover any costs and loose ends associated with your funeral, and can often be added to life insurance policies. Some burial insurance plans may even cover other debts, such as medical bills and personal loans. Burial insurance can be a good option for people who want a simple insurance policy to cover specific funeral costs and can’t qualify for larger policies because of age or health. Shop around for policies, and buy the first one that falls into your lap. Look at company reviews before you purchase to get an idea of value and benefit. For example, ValuePenguin offers reviews of insurance companies like Funeral Advantage and explains who this type of policy is good or bad for.
Taking responsibility for your funeral planning will help your family carry out your wishes and eliminate difficult decision-making while they grieve. Be sure to communicate your desires well ahead of time, and put it down in writing. By setting aside money or purchasing insurance, you’ll help ease the financial burden of your passing and can even help cover additional bills.