No one likes talking about death or the loss of a loved one. Yet, at some point, we are going to have to cover this topic. Some people put it off until it is too late, and their loved ones are left trying to figure out what their dearly departed wanted. Others mistakenly assume they don’t have to think about planning their funerals because they are young, and this is something only the elderly have to worry about.
By taking the time to find out what is involved with funeral planning now instead of later, you can make the right decisions, so your loved ones won’t have to later.
Tip #1: Understand the funeral planning process.
A lot goes into planning and holding a funeral. You have to decide on what type of service you want, decide between
cremation or
burial. You have to pick a casket or urn, find someone to officiate the service, pick out flowers, choose music, and so on. A funeral director can go over every detail with you and answer any questions you have.
Tip #2: Find out how much your funeral is going to cost.
Funerals can be a financial burden on your family if you don’t preplan and prepay for it. One good thing about preplanning is you can inquire about a payment plan so you can make monthly payments on the total cost now so your funeral will be paid for later.
Tip #3: Create a custom package that fits your needs.
Some funeral packages have more than what you want or need. Ask for a breakdown and itemized list of costs. Work with a
funeral director who will allow you to customize your package with exactly what you want nothing more.
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to shop around.
Most of us don’t walk into the first car dealership and drive home with a new car. We shop around and compare prices, amenities, and other such things to determine which dealership will earn our business. Planning a funeral and paying for it should be considered a major purchase.
Tip #5: Get your family involved in the planning process.
You won’t be there to tell them exactly what you wanted or answer any questions that they might have. By getting then involved now, you can clearly convey what you want, answer their questions, and ensure your wishes will be carried out as you intended.
Tip #6: Get a travel insurance policy.
If you decide to prepay for your funeral, make sure you look into the Guaranteed Travel Assurance Plan. The reality is that in your retirement years, you probably want to enjoy and travel the world. For your peace of mind, you can add this one-time charge of $495 that will protect you and your Spouse in the case of a sudden death 100 km away from the place of the residence. It will take care of all the above preparation for the family so that they don’t need to be concerned about the logistics of bringing you home.