Planning your own funeral is one of the best gifts you can leave behind for your loved ones. With your funeral and burial plans already laid out and paid for, your family won’t have to face the additional stress of making these decisions during a time of grief. Even if you anticipate being around for many years to come, remember the future is unpredictable and it’s always better to be prepared. If you’re ready to face this tough topic and make your own end-of-life arrangements, we’ve outlined how to start the process:
1. Cover Your Funeral Costs
Funerals are more expensive than most people realize. You can avoid saddling your loved ones with this major expense by covering your own funeral and burial costs.
One way to do this is to purchase final expense insurance. Final expense insurance, also known as burial insurance, is a special type of life insurance intended to cover your final arrangements. It can also be used to pay existing debts like medical bills and loans. However, it may not be your best option if you need more than $20,000 in coverage.
Before purchasing final expense insurance, you can estimate your funeral costs with this funeral costs and pricing checklist from the Federal Trade Commission, and ensure there will be enough left over to pay other debts. While applying for burial insurance typically does not require a medical exam, you will still need to answer questions about your health. People under 70 with no health issues receive the best rates. Read online reviews to find a reliable insurance provider that specializes in final expense policies before purchasing a policy.
2. Consider Your Burial Options
Choosing a burial option is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when planning your final arrangements.
Cemeteries often offer a range of burial options for purchase, from a single burial space to an above-ground mausoleum. If you decide on a traditional burial, you can also choose your casket and headstone. However, you may also want to consider alternatives to the traditional burial, such as cremation, donation, and lesser-known modern options like natural burials and eternal reefs.
If you choose to be cremated, think about what you would like done with your ashes. You can opt for a unique and personalized urn like those offered from Une Belle Vie Memorial Urns.
In addition to having your ashes preserved in an artistic urn, you can consider having some or all of them scattered. If you would like your ashes scattered consider the following:
- Where would you like them to be released?
- Will you need a permit?
- Is there someone special in your family or circle of friends who you would like to do it for you?
- Do you want all of your ashes scattered, or would some of your family members like to keep a portion of the ashes in a small keepsake urn?
3. Personalize Your Funeral Service
Planning your funeral now gives you the chance to personalize your memorial service.
You can personalize nearly every aspect of your funeral, from the decorations and music.
For example, you may choose to hold your memorial in a location that’s meaningful to you, such as in your home or outdoors. If you have specific scripture or piece of poetry that you would like read on your behalf, then choose that now as well.
If you want your loved ones to have a little fun at your send-off, don’t be afraid to get creative! Consider releasing butterflies or lighting off fireworks. The latter options are a celebration of life, which is a festive experience in contrast to the somber tone of a traditional funeral service.
4. Gather Important Legal Documents
Talking about your end-of-life decisions can be a challenge. Knowing that, try to enter into these conversations from a place of trust free of assumptions. While it’s a good idea to discuss your final arrangements with loved ones, HG.org notes you should make sure to ultimately get your wishes down in writing. Write out your funeral and burial plans in a document that’s separate from your will and ensure your family knows where to find it.
It’s also important to legally authorize someone to handle your funeral arrangements. Otherwise, your next-of-kin will be given this responsibility. While you’re at it, this is a good time to gather other legal documents for end-of-life planning, including a living will and power of attorney.
Get the Conversation Started
It can feel morbid or uncomfortable to plan your own funeral, but this shouldn’t stop you from making important final arrangements. Remember that death is a natural part of life. By taking steps to outline your wishes and finance your funeral now, you’re saving your loved ones from making stressful, expensive decisions during an emotional time.
Contact Une Belle Vie Customer Service