The-Importance-of-Pre-Planning Funerals

I felt it is important to include this article on reasons for pre-planning your own funeral because I learned points I did not know.  Hope it helps you as well. 

In searching for the logical reasoning for pre-planning while honoring your wishes are:  

1. Only you know what you want. Let your family know your wishes!
2. Attempt to save money by locking in lower prices on the items you want and make clearer decisions without emotions and urgency when you are alive and not in a need situation.
3. Lessen the financial burden on your loved ones giving them peace of mind reducing stress on your family when the time comes. 
4. It will enable your family to follow your plan and have permission to add things knowing that is what you wanted for your funeral or memorial service so they can say farewell and begin the healing process.
5. Consider the pre-plan as your gift to your family members.

I have searched for ways to give you ideas on how to cut costs down on either burial or cremation.

1. Limiting days a funeral home is used for visitation or use a private home.
2. Supply funeral clothes without the use of funeral home arranging rentals or purchasing their clothes.
3. Supply your own pallbearers.
4. Eliminate embalming if not necessary.
5. Rent a casket from funeral home or elsewhere. You can cut much of the expense.
6. Reduce the number of flowers and funeral sprays, etc.
7. Know your rights as a consumer.

Know the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule that was created to regulate the funeral Industry. 

1. Consumers are legally entitled to an itemized “General Price List” from funeral homes. This does not follow for cemeteries. This single piece of paper will be the most important information you have when deciding on buying a funeral plan and the way you will save money. 
2. You only have to buy the goods and services you want.
3. You can choose not to embalm a loved one when not required. 
4. You have the legal right to purchase a cremation urn or casket elsewhere, the funeral home has to accept this alternative. They cannot charge additional fees.
5. Receive a written statement of the exact goods and services you want before you pay. Never be rushed, take our time. You are legally entitled to a price list that has all the charges for goods and services.

These are some of the most common funeral and pre-planning planning errors people make especially when you find you are doing something you are not familiar with.

1. Waiting until it’s too late until a will may be read or a will litigated. Most people do not start planning a funeral until a death occurs, there is a terminal diagnoses, or a major health issue near the end of life.
2. Choosing the first funeral home or funeral pre-plan you see could be costly. “Shop around” All funeral homes and directors are not created equal!
3. Being clear about your wishes. If it’s confusing to you then certainly it will be for the family and funeral director.
4. Be a good steward of you funds. Set an example for your family. Once you have investigated all your options make your choices and write them down.
5. Keep your pre-plan agreement where you spouse or family can find it easily when needed. That will tell them how to follow your wishes.
6. Estate planning is important. It helps protect your loved ones when you pass away. It is a common known fact that proper estate planning not only makes the grieving process easier, it also helps protect your family financially. That is where you make decisions on the heirs or beneficiaries, tax matters, life insurance and often dictates the type of funeral or memorial service is to be used or needed.