Death is not an easy topic to talk about but it is part of life. It’s important that we all think about death and prepare ourselves and those around us for the inevitable. It doesn’t mean that when someone you love, you won’t grief. But it can make the process easier and be especially helpful in terms of dealing with the more official side of dying – organising the funeral.
There are many ways to organize a funeral. It is still largely common for people to have no kind of instructions for what they want the funeral to be like. A lot of people still avoid planning their own funerals beforehand – leaving the task to the friends and family left behind.
But there is an alternative: prepaid funeral plans. These allow the individual to pick the kind of funeral they would like to have and ensure the payment has been taking care of before the day arrives. Funeral plans can be a beautiful way to provide your loved ones with a little less stress during the sad time and also a touching way to ensure your final goodbye looks and feels like your personality. You want to be yourself in life and in death.
So, how to go about picking a funeral plan? Here are some tips to help you select the right plan.
Start by thinking what you want
It’s important to start the choosing process by simply understanding what you want. Is the plan more about the financing aspect of your funeral and if so, what kind of budget would you be OK with.
Think about the other elements too. Do you want to be buried in a coffin or be cremated? Would you like to plan to b detailed in terms of music and even the flowers? By answering questions like this, you ensure the plan is just the right for your needs.
Always compare different providers
Funeral homes and other funeral providers will probably have a number of different options for you to choose from. The important thing is to compare your options not just within a single provider but also between a number of providers. You don’t want to go with the first company you find – you’ll be better off comparing at least three different funeral providers and their plans.
Remember your situation might change
If you are picking a funeral plan while you are still in relatively good health, you might want to be careful regarding the conditions of the plan. Small local funeral homes might not be able to cater to your needs outside of the location. But you might not live in the same place in ten or even five years. It’s important to carefully analyze what is on offer and how it might be impacted if you change your mind.
Understand the terms of conditions
Indeed, it is important to understand the fine print – you must be aware of all the terms and conditions of your plan. It might sound boring and overly careful, but you’d rather be safe than sorry with your own funeral. You are trying to help those left behind deal with grief, not causing them more trouble.
You need to first make sure the provider answers all your questions and carefully explains to you what the plan entails and what it doesn’t. You then need to make sure you read the documents before signing them. If you are unsure about anything in the contract, always ask a professional lawyer or funeral expert to go through the plan with you. It might seem like a lot of hassle but it is worth it.
Don’t pay in cash
Whatever plan you choose, you do not want to pay in cash. A digital trail of the payment is much better because it can always be retraced – even if you lose the receipt. Make sure you are also given copies of the plan and the contract.
Provide details of the plan to a few friends and family members
It’s important to share the information with friends and family. You don’t have to tell everyone, but ensure enough people know about the funeral plan to guarantee its execution. You want to tell the people what the plan covers and how they are able to claim it.
Consider other alternatives
While a prepaid funeral plan can be a fantastic option, it’s not the only option. You can always just write down your wishes about the day and share them with your loved ones. It’s also a good idea to talk about death and the funeral with those closest to you – death shouldn’t be a taboo for any of us.
In terms of the financial aspect of organising a funeral, you might be better off considering a life insurance type of plan. These are often available for people in retirement age and instead of having to sign up with a specific funeral home, you are simply putting money away for the family to use for the funeral. Investment and savings account are other options to consider in terms of financing your funeral. You should consider looking for VoucherBin special offers – they have offers with Scottish Friendly, for example.
So, take your time and consider carefully what kind of funeral plan is the right for you.
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