It may be hard to imagine planning your own death, but eventually, we will all transition.
Each of us has our own experience with mortality; some people have not yet attended a funeral; others have attended so many they’ve lost count. It is important to recognize that regardless of your having attended a funeral, you have the benefit of pre-planning yours.
How do you want to be remembered?
Do you want to be cremated, buried, or would you like to be an organ donor?
Which type of service would you like?
Do you even want a service?
Answering these questions are important so that your loved ones can honor your wishes.
Here are our top 5 reasons to plan your funeral in advance:
1. Control
There are very few things in life we can control. Since control is a part of human nature and despite the many technological advances in creating the next superhuman, most of us still do not have control over our death. By pre-planning your funeral and memorial services, you leave your loved ones with a gift by having already expressed your wishes for your final farewell. Do your best to keep them from guessing by making some of the hard decisions for them.
2. Affordability
A study by the National Funeral Directors Association has determined that a funeral, including burial fees and a casket, in the United States averages around $8,300. A funeral service with a cremation and an alternative casket (urn, etc.) is $6,280. Consider that because funeral expenses are almost immediate, a will might not be the best choice for your next-of-kin since probate is involved. There are a few ways to provide your next-of-kin with faster access to fund for funeral expenses. For example, by opening a Payable on Death account or purchasing a life insurance policy. You can check with your bank or trusted insurance broker on the details of those accounts.
3. Emotional Relief
During their grief, your loved ones may find themselves unable to reconcile with the important decisions they need to make. Knowing that they could decide on something that you would disagree with or is unlike you can cause immense pressure in an already trying time. By pre-planning your funeral service, they can focus on supporting each other.
4. Customization
This goes back to taking control; think about the little touches you’d like as part of your service. Want to play a custom-playlist? Pre-plan with the songs you love. Don’t want white roses? Tell your loved ones which color to get. The list can go on, but the most important thing is that you can decide and pre-pay for what you’d like, so you don’t go without.
5. Include Your Family and Friends
Your loved ones will be mourning your death and will most likely be the people who bring your pre-planned vision to fruition. Include them in your pre-planning. Discuss the important details, share information and locations of important objects in your home, for example, so that they understand your wishes and can make sure that your final farewell is the event you deserve.