5 reasons for pre planning funeral arrangements

Surveys show that pre planning funeral arrangements is important to the majority of Americans,, however only 25% actually make some plans before dying. We believe one of the most loving acts you can do is to pre plan your funeral arrangements, so that you can minimize the emotional and financial distress associated with an unplanned funeral.

Here are five reasons for funeral pre planning

Funeral pre planning gives you total control over your funeral

Pre planning funeral arrangements gives you decision making power over almost every detail at your funeral service. You can pick and choose services exactly the way you want them. Detailing your last wishes ensures  your remains are handled as you wish them to be.

Funeral pre planning takes the guesswork and accompanying stress from your family

Most people have no idea how to start pre planning a funeral. Planning burial or cremation arrangements is a tremendous opportunity to minimize the pressures on the family you leave behind. A structured pre plan can also  reduce (or eliminate) disputes among your family members as they will know exactly what to do.

Funeral pre planning lets your family focus on processing their grief

Because your pre-planned funeral is already taken care of, the extra time lets your family work through their grief and loss, notify other loved ones, and write your eulogy among other things. And if your family isn’t rushed planning your arrangements, it gives them more time to plan a truly personalized memorial service to celebrate your memory.

Funeral pre planning gives you peace of mind

When all of the details of your funeral are planned in advance, it can give you great peace of mind knowing you have created a comprehensive end-of-life plan.

Pre-paying your pre-planed makes financial sense

By prepaying your funeral, you lock in your services and merchandise at today’s prices, hedging against inflation.

Being proactive when pre planning funeral arrangements

Regardless of your age and health, knowing and sharing your end-of-life wishes is essential for just about everyone. None of us knows when we will reach our end, so the best way to ensure that your needs are met in critical situations is to be proactive. Here are three simple ways to make sure that you prepare properly.

Think it through

Your very first step in preparing an end-of-life plan is to know your own wishes. Many of us explore these ideas vaguely when coming into contact with them through film, news stories or the experiences of friends, but few of us give it serious thought without serious provocation.

Set aside some time to dig deep and think about your personal beliefs and strongly-held values. Consider your family, your religion and where your priorities lie. You may also find it worthwhile to do some research—it is likely that you will discover a great variety of options.

Discuss and  discuss again

Don’t wait until serious illness or accidents to address pre planning funeral arrangements. Tell your loved ones clearly what you would like done in various situations; address who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself, when you would and would not wish to be resuscitated, what measures you would want taken to sustain you.

What’s more, this should not be a conversation that happens once and is then relegated to the back of your mind. Revisit these topics periodically. Understand that technology changes, medicine changes and so do you. As you learn more about yourself and those closest to you, your wishes may change.

Write your wishes down

Whenever you visit your primary care provider, you can ask to fill out a health care proxy. This simple form gives permission for someone you trust to speak for you when you are unable to do so. The form is also available online and can be shared with every physician  you visit frequently.

Make sure that your spouse or adult children are aware of and comfortable with who you’ve indicated as your health care proxy; also consider asking them to fill out this form for themselves as well. If you would like a more in-depth outline of your decisions, especially if undergoing a medical procedure, consider drawing up a DNR order or including this type of information in your living will.

While no one can truly prepare for the tribulations of death, proper planning and conversation can make a very difficult time slightly easier, for you and your loved ones.

We are experts in pre planning funeral arrangements, and we have helped thousands of families pre plan and pre-pay their funerals so they have peace of mind knowing that when the time comes, everything will be taken care of.