In Part One of our Funeral Arrangements series, the Secure Aging team outlines a few important planning aspects to help make things go smoother for you and your family when the time comes. See Part Two here.
Funeral Arrangements
Planning for the future will not only enable you to have peace of mind, but will help your family immensely during their time of grief.
While many people include their final wishes in their will, this can be problematic because wills are usually read after the funeral. Therefore, it is very important to include your desired funeral arrangement information in a separate document. It also helps to notify family, friends, or a trusted attorney or financial manager verbally so that your wishes are clear.
Funding the Funeral
Many funeral homes provide prepaid services which can be helpful, but are also known to cause problems for family members. While the main service is prepaid, there are many unexpected costs that can appear such as limos, flowers, food, etc. If you would like to create your own funeral savings account, there is also an option for you to start saving with a Totten Trust. This is a payable on death account where a named beneficiary receives control of the funds upon the owner’s death. Having a trust helps avoid probate which can typically take several months.
Final Resting Place
Much thought should go into your final resting place whether you choose burial or cremation. When it comes to burial, you can purchase a family plot if you don’t have one already or purchase individual burial spaces. Make sure you know all of the regulations of the location you ultimately choose. Some properties require caskets to have an outer burial container to prevent the grave from damaging the casket.
When it comes to cremation, some people choose to put their remains in one or several urns for family members to keep. There is also the practice of scattering ashes in favorite or memorable locations. Keep in mind when scattering to make sure the location allows this. Some cemeteries also have columbariums which is a resting place for urns similar to a mausoleum.
Whatever you choose, make sure to note these wishes in a separate document with a financial advisor and talk with your family about these decisions. The National Funeral Directors Association has more advice on how to plan a funeral.
Secure Aging wants you and your family to have peace of mind when making plans for the future. We can help make life easier by tracking monthly income and expenses, as well as fully advocating for our clients’ well-being and safety. We are here to help make your life easier and keep your loved ones safe.
