Five Benefits of Preplanning Your Funeral Arrangements
Posted by: Erin Ward in Funeral Information | February 15
We know preplanning is an uncomfortable topic for many people. However, the uncomfortable topics are often the most important ones to talk about with your loved ones. Avoiding the conversation doesn’t do anyone any good. As it will just cause everyone more stress and pain later when a loved one passes away, and you’re unprepared.
By taking the time now to have a simple conversation about your end-of-life wishes, you’ll be much more prepared when the time comes. It doesn’t have to be a morbid conversation. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn more about each other and what matters most to everyone.
If you’re still on the fence, here are a few benefits of preplanning your funeral arrangements.
Gain Peace of Mind that the Funeral Arrangements Are Taken Care Of.
Preplanning your funeral arrangement gives you peace of mind that it’s taken care of. Rather than worrying about it later, you know it’s done. Of course, you can always alter your wishes if you change your mind about anything.
It’s not just about your peace of mind; it’s about your loved ones’ peace of mind too. By preplanning, it eliminates that burden from falling onto your loved ones while they’re grieving. They’ll know it’s taken care of and won’t have to worry about it ahead of time.
Know that You’ll Be Honored How You Want to Be.
If you don’t preplan, your loved ones will have to come up with something impulsively while experiencing all sorts of emotions. This means the funeral likely won’t turn out how you want it to.
To prevent this, document what parts of your life you want to be highlighted and choose your end-of-life arrangement option. If you want to choose cremation or a green burial method, make that clear so your loved ones don’t choose an option you’re unhappy with. Also, don’t forget to consider your loved ones’ needs when choosing your prearrangements, so they can properly grieve their loss.
Learn More About Your Loved Ones in the Process.
By having an open conversation as a family, you may learn something new about your loved ones in the process. For example, these are some questions you could ask them:
- What's your favorite childhood memory?
- Were you involved in any sports or activities in school?
- What are your favorite hobbies?
- Is there a hobby you’d like to try?
Discover What’s Most Important So You Can Live Life to the Fullest.
While talking to your loved ones, you also may learn more about yourself. By asking yourself tough questions like these below, you can discover what matters most in your life. If you’re not currently living in a way that reflects those answers, you still have time to change that.
- What do you want to accomplish in life?
- If you died tomorrow, is there anything you’d regret not doing?
- How do you want people to remember you?
- What three words do you want people to use to describe you?
Prepay for the Funeral Arrangements So You Know It’s Taken Care of Financially.
Another part of preplanning to consider is prepayment. By prepaying, having savings set aside, or at least having a prepay option in mind, that’s one less thing for your loved ones to worry about. If you have no payment plan, this can cause unnecessary tension between loved ones since they’ll have to decide who is paying for it.
Ultimately, preplanning gives you and your loved ones peace of mind and brings you closer together as you learn more about each other. It also helps you learn more about yourself, so you can make the most of your time and not have any regrets.
Have you started preplanning your funeral arrangements? Share your tips in the comments below.
1 Comment
Joanne Gillet
April 6
I have filled out the forms but never had anybody reach out to me I haven't even left a message.