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5 Tips For Funeral Planning

Far too many Americans are not engaging in funeral planning. While no one enjoys talking about death, it is an important discussion to have.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, just 21% of Americans are talking to families about their final wishes.

This leaves loved ones in a bind because they do not know what to do after a tragic passing.

Now is the time to start planning a funeral before it is too late.

5 Tips For Funeral Planning

Read on for your start to afterlife planning. Explore 5 tips for funeral planning that are certain to make things easier on your family.

1. Cemetery Burial or Cremation

One of the first decisions to make is whether a cemetery burial or cremation is preferred. A growing number of people are opting for cremation because it is cheaper.

With a household columbarium, a loved one’s ashes can be stored in a tasteful way.

This way, loved ones are always nearby and a trip to the cemetery is not necessary. If this is the decision made, you can consider the various cremation options available.

However, many people still opt for the more traditional cemetery burial. There are a lot of factors to consider when going down this route.

2. Cemetery Selection

If you select a traditional burial, you will need to pick a cemetery. The best way to do this is to search for public cemeteries that are within your immediate vicinity.

You may not want to select a cemetery that is too far away. This places a burden on family members that want to visit your remains.

Married couples need to discuss the potential for a double plot. This way, they can be buried together when both of them ultimately pass away.

5 Tips For Funeral Planning

3. Funeral

Another part of the process is selecting a funeral home. This is where the wake is held. Family and friends arrive at the funeral home to say their final goodbyes.

The funeral home helps with many steps in the process. They will guide you to local cemeteries or discuss cremation options with you.

4. Casket

For those choosing burial, you need to consider what casket you want. There are a number of different options out there.

Cost is one of the major considerations for the casket selection. There are high-end caskets out there, however, they are expensive and consume a significant part of your funeral budget.

The best way to handle the funeral process seamlessly is by leaving a will. Less than half of the country does not have a living will.

5. Prepare a Living Will

The absence of a will often leads to confusion and contention over how to handle the funeral.

Writing a will gives you the ability to dictate cremation or burial, cemetery selection, and the distribution of assets.

5 Tips For Funeral Planning

Use These Funeral Planning Tips to Help Your Family

While this is not an easy discussion to have, its value could not be more evident.

By planning these things ahead of time, you save your family from stress and potential in-fighting.

If you enjoyed this article about funeral planning tips, check out our blog for more great content.

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