Planning your funeral may not be as weird as it sounds. In fact, it may be a good idea to prepare for the future by deciding to pre-plan your funeral. Here are some advantages this approach might offer as opposed to leaving it in the hands of others:
1. You can call the shots. There won't be a need to worry that Cousin Sue will get revenge for a 50-year-old grudge by arranging a peculiar memorial service--or none at all. Or, if your spouse predeceases you, there may be some confusion about which family member will take charge of your final affairs. By preplanning your funeral, you can make decisions now that others will carry out later. If you change your mind, you can change your plans, too.
2. You can pay now for services later. While you may wonder about any possible advantage to taking on another payment for something that you hopefully won't use for years to come, the advantage is that you pay at today's rates now, not the inevitable higher prices that will come with time. So the current fee is locked in for you permanently. Furthermore, if you invest in an interest-building plan, your heirs may receive a dividend that remains after the funeral bill is paid in full.
3. Your family will have less stress to deal with. At the time of your death, your loved ones will be upset enough during the mourning process by final medical bills, your sudden or prolonged passing, and getting along without you. Planning ahead means you can lift the burden of making funeral arrangements from their shoulders, leaving everyone content in knowing that this is how you want things to be. Even if they disagree with some of your choices, they will be unable to override your plans.
4. You can select the type of service you want. You will get the final say on which pastor will perform your service, if there is to be a eulogy, and where you will be buried. You can select your headstone and engraving for it, the casket style, and even whether your body will be embalmed or cremated. Music selections, the clothes placed on your body, and even your obituary can be handled in advance of last-minute directives. You need not worry that a well-meaning relative will overrule your final wishes.
5. You can choose the funeral home to work with. This can be a difficult decision for family members, especially in making a last-minute choice based on little or no previous contact. After thoughtfully reviewing a number of ads or even visiting a funeral home or two and talking with their administrators, you will know which company to go with based on facts and fees.
Making funeral plans is not necessarily an entertaining enterprise, but it is a handy option for maintaining control of your affairs and minimizing stress and inconvenience to others during a typically difficult time. Contact your local funeral home association or contact a mortuary for details.
