**This guest blog was written and submitted by Lucille Rosetti from The Bereaved.**
As a society, we don’t like to talk about death. We barely even want to think about it, but despite our discomfort, death is a part of life for everyone. Being more in control of your own funeral can actually bring you some peace of mind and save some stress for loved ones in the future. If you haven’t started planning for your final wishes, here are some reasons you should start.
Funerals Can Be Expensive, Especially Without Insurance
If you have yet to help plan a funeral, you may be shocked at how expensive they can be. The average funeral in America can cost $11,000 or more. Luckily, there are insurance options that can help. Many people choose to purchase final expense coverage, or burial insurance, to help out. The funds from burial insurance plans can help cover costs of funeral arrangements, but any leftovers can also be put toward bills. Plans for seniors can range from $18 to $286/month depending on the person’s age, gender, overall health, and coverage. You may also want to look into life insurance to give your family members more financial peace of mind.
Pre-Planning Takes Pressure Off Family
Dealing with all the little details of a funeral can be overwhelming when your loved ones are already so overcome by grief. Planning your own funeral can feel odd, but it won’t be nearly as stressful for you. You can make the process simple by using a pre-planning funeral checklist. Using the list, go through all the details that may be involved in your memorial, from the kind of service you would like to the form of burial. One of the most basic choices for many people is whether to be buried or cremated. Religion, cost, and personal preference can all make a difference in which one you choose, so take your time deciding what makes you the most comfortable.
You Can Make Advanced Care Plans, Too
Few people take the time and consideration to plan for their death. Even fewer people think ahead when it comes to their final medical care. But laying out some advanced care directives can be even more helpful than planning for final arrangements. It can be really tough for your family members to make objective decisions regarding your care in the moment, and planning ahead takes this burden off of them. You should also consider the legal steps that are involved in allowing family members to act on your behalf when you are unable to make medical decisions on your own. You may need to establish power of attorney, create a living will, or appoint a social security representative. Try working with an estate attorney to ensure the proper forms are filled out, as well as a will and other legal items.
Having a Tough Conversation Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Once you have all your final plans sorted out and in writing, it’s time to talk to your family. Having a conversation with loved ones ahead of time will ease some strain by letting them know what to expect. To make things easier, try writing out your thoughts and then pick a time that feels right to talk to your family. Don’t be disappointed if it takes more than one conversation but make sure you talk to everyone that may be affected by your choices. We don’t talk about death as much as we should, so give yourself and your loved ones time to adjust to this uncomfortable topic. You can help diffuse any disagreements between loved ones and help them avoid the stress of dealing with those issues while they’re mourning your passing.
You may not be able to escape death, but you can definitely plan for it. Planning for your own funeral and final care can take a great deal of pressure off your family. Give your loved ones and yourself some peace of mind by tackling tough details now so you can get back to just enjoying life together as a family.
