1: Why Plan Your Arrangements Now?
There is a great deal of planning that goes into one's final arrangements, including many options and costs that you or your loved ones might not become aware of until you sit down to make those choices. Waiting until the last minute -- or the time of passing -- may add a great deal of stress or burden for yourself or those closest to you. Getting your arrangements taken care of now alleviates much of that while also securing today's prices
Take Control
Most of us shy away from the topic of death and mortality in general, let alone the fact that one day we will be faced with it ourselves. But the families we've helped have confirmed that advance planning of their funeral arrangements has given them some of the same feelings of relief and peace of mind as planning for retirement, getting life insurance, funding a college savings account, or establishing a will or trust. The fact is the more we can plan in advance for future significant events, the more freedom we give ourselves to fully enjoy and experience life in the present.
Planning your funeral service now has many financial benefits of locking in today's prices and allows you to Tell Your Story, Your Way.
Remove the Burden
You may already know how you want to be remembered, but does your family? If they know your wishes, are all the family members in agreement? We have found that it is difficult for the family members of a deceased loved one to decide what that person would have wanted, especially in the midst of grief. Even after talking among family, some may remember your expressed wishes in different ways when the time comes. These differences can cause disputes, uncertainty and second-guessing.
Taking care of your final arrangements now is a gift of time and relief. Advance planning allows your loved ones to avoid emotional overspending, a stressful situation that can lead to disagreements, and lifts a huge burden at a very sensitive time.
Plan for Others
Anticipating the death of a loved one is a stressful time commonly filled with anxiety and sadness. If you are aware your loved one is reaching the end of their life, your grieving may have already begun.
The truth is, it is not possible to fully prepare yourself for the experience of losing a loved one, but it is possible to plan for this painful time in your life. Your loved one may also wish to be involved in planning his or her funeral or memorial services. This may seem premature to you, but we have found through helping families that many individuals whose death is imminent want the rituals that will follow their deaths to reflect the values and wishes they believe have characterized their lives.
No Need to Wait
You plan and save for retirement, weddings, college and host of other live events. Your funeral wishes are uncomfortable to think of, but not different and the benefits of doing it in advance are numerous; from the cost savings to the peace of mind to the lifting of the burden on others.
Whether it's the burial, funeral service or cremation options, more and more families tell us that advance planning is as essential and beneficial as other major decisions. It just makes sense that eliminating tomorrows anxiety by proactively creating plans today, helps everyone enjoy the moments that matter most.
2: Who Are You Planning For?
Advance Planning isn't something that you can only take care of for yourself.
The next part of the process is understanding who it is you are advance planning for. Often time, spouses or entire families will plan ahead at the same time. Our Family and Friends Referral Program extends to non-immediate family members as well and our advisors are also equipped to handle planning for large groups and organizations as well.
Depending on the circumstance, anticipated time horizon, and most importantly the wishes of the person you are planning for, there are few things to consider. If you are planning for yourself and/or spouse as a way to complete a financial life plan or to take the burden off of your family later, you should complete the planning guide worksheet and/or speak to one of our sales counselors to begin planning how your life story will be told. If you are planning for a loved one to ensure their final wishes are carried out, you should use this planning guide to capture their thoughts on how they want their legacy to be honored. You can also call and speak to a sales counselor who will help you uncover the important things to consider and plan for. If you are planning for someone who is currently unable to assist with this process due to their condition or personal preference, it would be helpful to have a copy of their living will on hand if it exists so we can identify some of those important things to consider.
Plan Your Story
Your funeral might be decades away, but planning your burial now relieves some of the future stress of your loved ones having to hurriedly make arrangements at high costs when the time eventually does come. Planning your story by arranging your funeral now gives your loved ones the chance to treasure the memories they shared with you, rather than worrying about the burden of funeral costs and expectations. It lets you set your legacy how you want to be remembered.
Get Started - Free Advance Planning Guide
3: What Options Do You Have?
There are many things to consider when deciding on your final arrangements: what type of burial you would prefer, how and where you would like to be memorialized and cost are just a few of the options.
The first thing to consider is what type of burial you would prefer. Note that not all options are available at all of our properties, so its best to speak to one of our family service counselors at your preferred cemetery or funeral home. However, the most common options are:
- In-Ground Burial
- Above Ground in a Private or Community Mausoleum
- Lawn Crypt
- Cremation
- Natural Burial
Not only are there many different types of burial choices, there are also a variety of funeral service options available as well. Some of the most common include traditional religious services, non-religious services, direct cremation and a green or natural funeral. Again, our family service counselors can help advise you on what options are available and how to pick one that best tells your story.
Needed Burial Items
Different Ways to Get Started
Did You Know?
Many Families are Planning Ahead
4: Find a Cemetery
There are many different types of cemeteries and funeral homes and many different reasons to choose what feels right for you and your family. One important discussion to have when advance planning is where you would like to have your services. Waiting may limit your options or may force your loved ones to have your arrangements done in a different area than you would have preferred.
Use our location finder to see the locations in our network that are closest to where you would like to have your final arrangements.
Want to advance plan in a different city or state than your currently reside in? That's not a problem as our advisors can meet discuss options with you either over the phone or through a video chat in addition to meeting with families in home or at the cemetery.
5: Get Started
Ready to get started with your Advance Planning? Just use the box to the right to find a cemetery near you, fill out some information and get a free advance planning guide. You will also receive a call from a friendly representative to help get you started as well with setting a consultation.
