Anything? Nothing?
Unfortunately, many of us will be the ones responsible for the charges, posthumously.
$7,755.00 was the average cost of a traditional funeral in 2011 according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
Many of you know my passion for advanced funeral planning because I see too many families bury their loved one via Visa, MasterCard or American Express, further complicating and adding financial stress to the existing emotional stress and grief accompanying the loss of a family member.
Advanced funeral planning isn't a topic many of us want to think about, however most people can agree that planning for what happens after your death will reduce the stress of grieving loved ones. It’s easy to understand how making decisions now about your funeral arrangements can help assure those left behind that your wishes are being honored.
You may not realize, though, that preplanning your final arrangements also makes good financial sense. There a few key ways in which funeral preplanning can impact your financial bottom line.
Avoid Grief Overspending
Planning your final arrangements in advance ensures your funeral will be conducted according to your wishes, which will ease the burden on your loved ones to make choices they think you’d want. But advance planning also helps your loved ones avoid spending on things not important to you by communicating exactly which merchandise and services you want for your funeral.
Find the Quality and Value You Want
If you're like me, you probably shop around to find the car, new electronic gadget or vacation that delivers the quality and features that are right for you, so why don’t more people do the same when it comes to funeral providers?
Contacting different funeral homes is an important part of planning a funeral. Compare options and services to find the right fit for your final wishes. Our community, St. George, Utah, is home to the following funeral providers:
Heideman Hughes Mortuary - 435-674-5000
Metcalf Mortuary - 435-673-4221
Spilsbury Mortuary - 435-673-2454
McMillan Mortuary - 435-688-8880
Pine View Mortuary (Metcalf) - 435-986-4222
SereniCare Funeral Home - 435-986-2085
Comparison shopping now allows you to feel secure you’re receiving the quality and value you deserve.
Lock in Today’s Prices
If you choose to fund your advanced funeral plan, you can lock in today’s prices for products and services that will be more expensive in the future. It is important to work with a funeral professional to understand the laws that regulate and protect advanced funeral funds. You need to feel comfortable that your funds are secure in an insurance policy or in trust with a reliable provider.
Take Advantage of Additional Benefits
You may be eligible for additional funeral benefits if you are a military veteran or civil servant. By planning your funeral, you can learn about these benefits in advance of your death so your loved ones will have all the information they need at the time of your passing. Our entire staff can provide information regarding additional benefits for which you may be eligible.
The reasons to make your final arrangements in advance are valid for everyone, no matter your age or financial status. While saving your loved ones from difficult decisions at an already difficult time, advance funeral planning also makes good financial sense. In today’s economic climate, it’s good to know that your final expense is one you can control.
If you would like to lean more about advanced funeral planning please contact me at 435-674-5000 for a no cost/obligation consultation at your home or my office.
-Mark Heiner
Heideman Hughes Mortuary
St. George, Utah
(information found via the library of dignitymemorial.com)
