My View
I made my final arrangements about 15 years ago. When we arrived in our forever home—retirement home—we did not want our final wishes to be guested by relatives and friends. The moment when you’re dealing with the loss of a spouse is most traumatic, and if it was expected due to someone’s poor health, funeral costs vary significantly. For example, like purchasing a new car, some options are required by law. You can choose from many add-on services in PrePlan Funeral’s Top 20 Tips.
I am not a lawyer, and I do not give legal advice. But please have an Estate Plan in force ASAP. Consult a qualified Estate Planning Attorney. They will help you navigate your needs based on the size of your estate. They can help avoid probate costs and delays. Title to real property needs to be set up for easy outside probate transfer on the death of a spouse. If you cannot afford an Estate Planning Attorney, check with your state bar association in your state for bro-bono (a free assistance estate attorney may be available)
Unless the correct title to joint bank accounts or any financial accounts are transferred to you upon death, you may temporarily lose access to that money. The account may have to go into Probate.
I planned out my complete final funeral. You may want to read about leaving a family legacy after your health. You purchase an annuity with the funeral home that will cover the cost of your funeral and any option services you want the funeral home to provide. The funeral home guarantees you will be covered, and the funeral will be to the letter as you detail your needs upfront. I sleep easier knowing my final plans are done, paid for and can be started with just a phone call to our local funeral home. No stressing family or relatives to pick a casket or shop for prices.
My plan is to be cremated and have my ashes released into the sea near San Diego harbor. There is a service that performs this legally. The last piece is letting relatives and friends know where the necessary papers are and what funeral home to call. We have an “On Death Folder”. That family knows how to access it and will make sorting out final plans easy. There is one thing we all know. We do not live forever. We do not know when our last day on this earth will be. But it will arrive.
My Top 20 Tips for Funerals
- Type of Service: Decide on the kind of service, such as a traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, or religious ceremony.
- Location: Determine where the service will be held, such as a funeral home, place of worship, or other venue.
- Date and Time: Set a date and time for the service that accommodates family and friends.
- Officiant: Choose who will lead or officiate the service, such as a religious leader or celebrant.
- Casket or Urn: When selecting a casket for burial or an urn for cremation, consider personal preferences and budget.
- Burial or Cremation: Decide between burial or cremation based on personal, religious, and environmental considerations.
- Cemetery Plot: If opting for burial, select and purchase a cemetery plot or mausoleum space.
- Cremation Arrangements: Arrange for cremation services, including the handling of remains and any desired ceremonies.
- Memorial Items: Choose memorial items such as flowers, candles, photos, or personal mementos for display.
- Music and Readings: Select music, readings, or speeches that reflect the deceased’s preferences and life.
- Guest List: Compile a list of guests to invite to the service and any post-service gatherings.
- Transportation: Arrange transportation for family members and guests to and from the service if needed.
- Reception: Plan a reception or gathering following the service, including location, catering, and logistics.
- Obituary: Prepare an obituary or death notice to announce the passing and provide information about the service.
- Legal and Permits: Ensure all necessary permits and legal requirements for burial or cremation are met.
- Funeral Home Services: Coordinate with the funeral home for services such as embalming, viewing, and logistics coordination.
- Veteran Services: If applicable, arrange for military honors or veteran-related services.
- Donations: Specify any preferred charities or organizations for memorial donations instead of flowers.
- Video or Livestream: Consider options for video recording or livestreaming the service for those unable to attend.
- Thank-You Notes: Prepare thank-you notes or acknowledgments for those who offer condolences or support.
Conclusion:
These PrePlan Funeral Top 20 Tips provide a guide. By addressing each aspect—from selecting a casket or urn to coordinating services and honoring personal wishes—you can create a fitting tribute that celebrates a life well-lived and provides comfort to loved ones during a challenging time. Remember, careful planning not only honors the deceased but also supports those left behind in their grieving process.”.