Why it is Worth Starting to Plan Your Funeral Now
Death is a topic many of us shy away from discussing. However, preparing for the inevitable is not just practical—it’s a compassionate decision that can alleviate stress and financial burden for your loved ones in the future.
Consider Insurance for Any Eventuality While life insurance covers many expenses, burial insurance is specifically designed to handle funeral costs and any remaining debts, such as medical bills or loans. The average funeral can range from NZD$7,000 to $12,000, making adequate coverage essential to prevent financial strain on your family. By estimating your final expenses and debts, you can determine the appropriate level of coverage needed.
Ensure your preparations align with your financial plans. Tools like My Final Farewell can help you outline and budget for these costs effectively.
Decide What Services You Want
Funeral services vary widely in cost and style. Traditional funerals with formal services and viewings are more expensive compared to direct services that involve burial or cremation without additional ceremonies. There are ways to reduce costs, such as opting out of embalming for prompt burials or considering rental options for caskets.
Explore your options with My Final Farewell to customise your funeral arrangements and ensure they reflect your wishes and budget.
Explore Alternative End-of-Life Choices
Today, there are alternatives beyond traditional funerals. Donating your body to science or choosing a green burial are viable options that align with personal beliefs and environmental considerations. Discuss these choices with your family to ensure your wishes are understood and respected.
Consider documenting these preferences on My Final Farewell to inform your loved ones about your chosen alternative arrangements.
Let Your Wishes Be Known
Communicating your preferences about end-of-life arrangements can be uncomfortable but is crucial. Ensure your loved ones know your desires, especially if you have specific preferences about medical care or funeral arrangements. Having these conversations and documenting your wishes legally can prevent confusion and delays during a difficult time.
Use My Final Farewell to record and share your wishes, ensuring clarity and peace of mind for your family when the time comes.
Organise Your Documents
Compile all essential documents—including your will, advance directives for medical decisions, and any final requests—into a single, accessible location. Consider creating both physical and digital copies to ensure they are easily retrievable when needed. This proactive step can streamline processes for your family and provide peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
Utilise My Final Farewell to keep your documents organised and easily accessible, facilitating a smooth transition for your loved ones.
Start Planning Today
The best time to start planning your funeral is now. By taking these steps, you not only alleviate future financial burdens but also ensure that your end-of-life preferences are clear and respected. While discussing these matters may feel uncomfortable, the foresight you demonstrate now will be invaluable to your loved ones in the future.
Planning for your funeral is ultimately an act of love and responsibility. It’s about easing the burden on those you care about and ensuring that your final wishes are fulfilled. Consider exploring tools like:
• My Final Farewell Website: Your comprehensive guide that helps you plan your funeral in advance, ensuring your wishes are respected and providing support for both you and your loved ones. It offers peace of mind through personalised planning, reducing future stress and offering grief support.
• My Final Farewell Planner: Organise your end-of-life wishes, from funeral arrangements to financial details. Ensure peace of mind for you and your family by preparing ahead. Document your life story, share memories, and leave messages for loved ones. Start preserving your personal history today.
Begin the conversation today—it’s a decision that can provide comfort and security for you and your family in the years to come.
Blog post based on insights from Andrea Needham of EldersDay.org. For more information, you can read the original article by Andrea Needham on EldersDay.org here
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