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.
For payment purposes, the most recommended solutions are to either purchase a life insurance policy, or set up a bank account, ear marked exclusively for these arrangements. Any financial contracts should be carefully reviewed to make sure funds will be handled in this manner. Anytime the contractual exchange of money is involved, it is best to consult an attorney.
The main thing is to use these plans to make clear how one wishes their final arrangements to be handled. This also releases the bereaved from the burden of trying to make the right decisions regarding what the deceased would have wanted. Putting things into action is much simpler when one is basically given an instruction manual.
When opting to do a little preemptive arranging, make sure at least one or two other people are aware of this. This can be a friend, relative or attorney, who should either have copy or know where the original is kept. Avoid storing them in a safety deposit box or with the will as those places may not be accessed early enough.
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.
For payment purposes, the most recommended solutions are to either purchase a life insurance policy, or set up a bank account, ear marked exclusively for these arrangements. Any financial contracts should be carefully reviewed to make sure funds will be handled in this manner. Anytime the contractual exchange of money is involved, it is best to consult an attorney.
The main thing is to use these plans to make clear how one wishes their final arrangements to be handled. This also releases the bereaved from the burden of trying to make the right decisions regarding what the deceased would have wanted. Putting things into action is much simpler when one is basically given an instruction manual.
When opting to do a little preemptive arranging, make sure at least one or two other people are aware of this. This can be a friend, relative or attorney, who should either have copy or know where the original is kept. Avoid storing them in a safety deposit box or with the will as those places may not be accessed early enough.
