Why it’s Smart to Pre-Arrange a Funeral
Nobody particularly wants to spend their day visiting a funeral home—especially if no one has passed away. Yet, thousands of people across America are taking the proactive step of pre-arranging their funeral services. Why? Because planning ahead not only helps families during a challenging time but also provides peace of mind and financial benefits.
At one time, pre-planning a funeral was considered somewhat taboo. However, that perspective has shifted significantly. Today, many financial experts recommend pre-planning as a practical way to ease the burden on survivors and ensure that your personal preferences are honored.
How Does Pre-Arranging a Funeral Relieve Family Burden?
When a loved one passes away, the surviving family faces emotional stress and a flurry of decisions. They must find a funeral home, choose between burial or cremation, select caskets or urns, arrange flowers, and more. Families also need to decide on an obituary, pallbearers, and post-funeral gatherings.
By pre-planning your funeral, you take these decisions out of the grieving process, allowing your family to focus on supporting one another. Pre-planning with a professional ensures that many choices are made in advance, which can help prevent conflicts and reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Find a funeral home that fits your needs here.
What Are the Benefits of Customizing Your Funeral Arrangements?
Pre-arranging your funeral allows you to personalize your service according to your preferences. Whether you want specific music, a unique casket design, or special decorations, you can tailor the arrangements to reflect your personality and interests.
While it’s important to keep requests reasonable, as extreme specifications might be challenging for your family to fulfill, working with a funeral director can help you explore all available options. This ensures your final wishes are honored in a way that suits your individual style.
How Can Pre-Paying for Funeral Services Save Money?
Pre-paying for funeral services offers significant financial advantages:
- Lock in Today’s Prices: By pre-paying, you can secure the cost of services at current rates, protecting against future inflation and price increases.
- Relieve Financial Burden: Pre-paying helps avoid the sudden financial strain on your family, which can be substantial given the average cost of a funeral is around $7,000. Pre-paid arrangements also prevent delays related to life insurance claims or disputes over wills.
It’s important to inform your family about the details of your pre-payment plan. Keep this information in an accessible place to ensure your loved ones can easily retrieve it when needed.
Learn more about managing funeral expenses here.
Types of Pre-Payment Options
There are three main ways to pre-pay for funeral services:
- Simple Savings Account: Establish a joint savings account with a funeral home. Ensure the interest earned covers the rising costs.
- Pre-Need Insurance: Insurance policies specifically designed to cover funeral expenses.
- Pre-Need Trust Accounts: Trusts set up to handle funeral expenses.
Each option has its advantages and can be discussed with your funeral director to find the best fit for your needs.
Find an obituary for a specific person: For help locating an obituary, check out How to Find an Obituary for a Specific Person.
FAQ
How does pre-arranging a funeral relieve family burden?
Pre-arranging a funeral allows you to make decisions in advance, which reduces the emotional and logistical stress on your family during their time of grief.
What are the benefits of customizing your funeral arrangements?
Customizing your arrangements lets you reflect your personality and preferences, ensuring your final wishes are honored in a way that suits you.
