Death is a topic that is often paired with feelings of dread, mourning, and sadness. Death can be difficult to come to terms with, whether you have lost someone close to you or you are personally nearing the end of your days. However, there is something beautiful about remembering someone and celebrating their life. Funerals can be a difficult time for those who were close to the celebrated individual, so it is extremely important to plan for a funeral ahead of time. For some tips to help make funeral planning easier, continue reading.
Why Funeral Planning Is Important
In wake of a friend or family member’s death, it falls to the family to take care of funeral planning. It is a sensitive and confusing time following the death of a loved one, making it difficult to make plans for a funeral. The cost of a funeral also increases all the time, so making the preparations in advance can greatly decrease the financial and emotional burden that will be on the family. That is why it is vital to make these plans ahead of time.
Make Your Wishes Known
There are circumstances where individuals pass unexpectedly, however, most of the time people have some understanding of when their time may come. It is vital to make sure that your opinions regarding your funeral are heard. Many families will be unsure of what to do, and so they will just get the best of the best for everything. Others may choose only the least expensive options. You may not want or need such accommodations, or you may want something less traditional for your funeral.
Consider Your Options
There are many options to consider when it comes to funeral planning. Most of the time, plans are made with an estate planner (or funeral planner) and a funeral package is purchased. There are options for different funeral packages that can be paid before an individual passes. One option is to buy a life insurance policy with a funeral home named as the beneficiary and another option is to make payments for a funeral over many months and years.
Another approach is to set funds aside for your funeral in a Funeral Trust. A Funeral Trust is funded by life insurance and can earn interest over time. A funeral trust makes it possible to set aside funds and then have a funeral at any funeral home, unlike the other options which require that you have your funeral at a certain funeral home. Also, any money that is left in the funeral trust after the funeral will be added to the person’s estate and given to the beneficiaries. At Stevenson Smith Hood Knudson, P.C., we can help you evaluate these different options.
Speak With A Professional
Our last recommendation for funeral planning is to speak with a professional. While all the tips in the world can get you started with funeral planning, speaking with a funeral planning professional and an estate lawyer can make the process move more smoothly. Not only can they give you information as to what will help make your funeral planning process easier for your family, but they can also help you create the plan. An estate lawyer can also help you find out what will work best for your personal financial situation.
Need Help With Your Estate Or Funeral Planning?
While it may be a bit scary to think about at first, making decisions regarding your funeral can bring feelings of control and comfort. Having a funeral plan will also help your family and friends in a very difficult time. Knowing that things will be taken care of in an efficient and economical manner after your passing can be a peaceful feeling.
Stevenson Smith Hood Knudson, P.C. offers estate planning services to help make your life and lives of your family members much easier. If you want to start the funeral planning process, we would be happy to be of service. Reach out to us today with any questions.
