A growing number of people are trending towards making decisions regarding their own final arrangements. Doing this takes away a lot of the stress normally felt by the survivors, plus it makes it more likely the individual will get their desired farewell. Before taking on pre need funeral planning, there are some things of which to be aware.
A common misconception is that making preliminary plans means paying for everything up front. The main focus is on letting those left behind aware of exactly how one would like to be sent off and which rituals and events they want observed on their behalf. An individual can dictate everything from songs to flower and on to final resting place.
There are a few risks involved with early payments. Sometimes a person may change their mind regarding choices or they may move, and a company may change owners or go out of business. Read contracts carefully to see how funds already received will be handled in these cases.
There are safer ways to pay such as designating a life insurance policy or bank account exclusively for these matters. Any and all financial contracts are best reviewed with great care, making sure the instructions are clear and cover all circumstances. In any situation where money is exchanged, it is advisable to consult one's attorney before signing.
The primary things one does in making advanced plans is to state their preferences on all the details of their death arrangements. This takes the burden off of their survivors and no one is responsible for making difficult choices while grieving. If they honor the instructions left for them, the occasion will be just as the individual wished and the stress will be more controlled.
One or more individuals should be aware of any funerary plans that have been made. Whether it be a family member, close friend or attorney, make sure they either have their own copy or know how to locate the original. Wills and banks are not acceptable places to keep these papers since those avenues may not be accessible prior to burial.
A common misconception is that making preliminary plans means paying for everything up front. The main focus is on letting those left behind aware of exactly how one would like to be sent off and which rituals and events they want observed on their behalf. An individual can dictate everything from songs to flower and on to final resting place.
There are a few risks involved with early payments. Sometimes a person may change their mind regarding choices or they may move, and a company may change owners or go out of business. Read contracts carefully to see how funds already received will be handled in these cases.
There are safer ways to pay such as designating a life insurance policy or bank account exclusively for these matters. Any and all financial contracts are best reviewed with great care, making sure the instructions are clear and cover all circumstances. In any situation where money is exchanged, it is advisable to consult one's attorney before signing.
The primary things one does in making advanced plans is to state their preferences on all the details of their death arrangements. This takes the burden off of their survivors and no one is responsible for making difficult choices while grieving. If they honor the instructions left for them, the occasion will be just as the individual wished and the stress will be more controlled.
One or more individuals should be aware of any funerary plans that have been made. Whether it be a family member, close friend or attorney, make sure they either have their own copy or know how to locate the original. Wills and banks are not acceptable places to keep these papers since those avenues may not be accessible prior to burial.
