The median cost of a funeral in the United States is just over $7,000. This includes a base service fee, payment for merchandise, etc. Regardless of how much a funeral costs, it can be highly difficult for other people to plan after you’re gone.
For this reason, planning your own funeral is becoming more common as time goes on. We’ve put together a brief guide full of funeral planning tips that can help you make the best decision.
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors you need to consider.
Locked-in Costs
One of the primary benefits of planning your own funeral service is locking in costs with a funeral home before prices increase. This allows you to plan accordingly and make sure that your family won’t be left with a large financial burden following the ceremony.
It’s also advantageous to have an idea of what services are included in the price. Some funeral homes may charge extra for things like casket rental or transportation costs. A reputable funeral home will have no trouble providing an itemized list of costs.
They should also be transparent when it comes to how their costs increase annually. Never move forward without having a solid understanding of what you need to pay for their services.
Flexible Payment Options
Planning your own funeral allows you to take advantage of flexible payment options.
This is especially important if you know your family is not in a position to cover the costs. Most funeral homes offer financing or payment plans that can be tailored to your specific budget.
For instance, some providers may allow you to pay in full at the time of service. Others could enable monthly payments with no interest. Other common opportunities include using credit cards, prepaid options, and insurance policies.
Make Your Own Decisions
You’ll have a greater level of control when you plan your own funeral. This is beneficial if you want to ensure that your service and memorial are personal, unique, and reflective of your life.
You can make decisions regarding funeral details like flowers, casket selection, and ceremony location. Others include music selections, readings, etc. It’s important that you discuss these details with your family.
You can provide insight on how to carry out the service in a way that honors your legacy and memory. For example, not everyone wants their funeral to be a time of mourning.
Some people would prefer it to be a celebration of their lives. Having an atmosphere of positivity can help those in attendance cope with their loss.
No Oversights
Many people have certain requests they would like to be carried out after their death. When you plan your own funeral, you can ensure that these requests aren’t overlooked. This could involve leaving certain items of value or donating organs for medical research.
It’s also important to appoint someone as the executor so that you know your wishes are being fulfilled properly. Planning ahead of time allows you to iron out all of the details. When someone else is required to develop a plan, they might make oversights that can result in more expenses.
These oversights might also upset your friends and family if the funeral doesn’t align with your vision.
Peace of Mind
There’s something to be said about the peace of mind that comes with knowing your funeral arrangements have been handled. Having a plan in place can help make the grieving process easier for your loved ones.
It also alleviates the stress of having to make decisions in the midst of emotional turmoil. Many people find solace in knowing that their funeral will be a fitting tribute to their life. Once you have this information in mind, it will bring much-needed after a difficult process.
Getting Started
Before you can move forward, there are certain steps you need to take. Handling these will help everything go smoothly.
Listed below are some of the most notable.
Establish Your Needs
This is the nonnegotiable first step in planning your own funeral.
You need to determine how much you can afford, what kind of services you want to include, and any special requests. Certain arrangements might take time to organize, so it’s in your best interest to get started as soon as possible.
The good news is you don’t have to do it all at once. Many people take months to plan their funerals.
A good way to handle this obligation is to write ideas down as you think of them. This will allow you to focus on other areas of your life without neglecting your funeral planning.
Choose a Funeral Home
This is a critical decision you cannot take lightly. It’s essential to choose an establishment that can accommodate your requests and provide quality services at an affordable price. You’ll also want to consider their reputation, customer service record, and location.
When looking for potential providers, make sure to obtain an itemized list of their services and pricing. This will provide insight into the costs associated with each plan. It’s a good idea to shop around before you make your decision.
Getting multiple quotes could allow you to negotiate better deals.
If you want a traditional burial, it’s best to plan ahead as some cemeteries can be quite costly. If you want a more unique ceremony (such as a green burial), make sure that the funeral home provides these services.
Not all funeral homes will be able to meet your needs.
It’s also a good idea to inquire about the types of services that are offered and any packages available. Never work with a professional with whom you are not comfortable communicating.
If they are difficult to get in touch with or don’t seem interested in helping you meet your goals, you should look elsewhere. Before you explore too deeply, reach out to a representative and have them fill you in on the details.
Appoint an Executor
You’ll need to designate someone who can act as the executor of your wishes. This should be someone you can trust to make sure everything is handled properly when the time comes.
It’s important that they are aware of all of the details associated with your funeral so there won’t be any misunderstandings. Otherwise, things might not go as planned.
This is something that could cause conflict between family members and other loved ones.
Make a Will
If you don’t have one already, this would be a great time to create a will.
This document should include information about how you want your assets distributed after your death. It will also include who is entitled to them.
Making a will can be a complicated process, so it’s best to get in touch with an attorney. They can help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to problems later.
To clarify, the language and your will might be too ambiguous without their input. This could create a situation where multiple people feel entitled to certain assets.
Sharing Plans
Determine how and when you want to share your plans with family and friends.
You may choose to tell them all at once or spread out the information over time. For instance, you might have a family member or close friend who you want to be in charge of making sure your wishes are carried out. They could send out invitations and coordinate transportation for those who plan on attending the funeral.
Finalizing Plans
Once you have everything in place, make sure to record all of the details somewhere that is easily accessible. This should include how much money you are spending and how you allocate it.
Be sure to provide your executor with copies of the relevant paperwork.
Seek Support
Planning a funeral can be emotionally exhausting.
Don’t forget to ask your loved ones for help if you need it. They can provide support and guidance throughout the process.
You should also look for ways to maintain your mental health. This could be anything from talking with a therapist to joining support groups.
Planning Your Own Funeral Is Simple
Although it may seem complex at first, planning your own funeral is a straightforward process. Consider the above guidelines so that you can make the decision best for your needs. From here, you’ll get the best results possible and leave behind a legacy you are proud of.
Looking for more information on how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
Leave a Reply