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Funeral Planning - Getting Started
By Kim Gibson
If you have recently lost a loved one and are
responsible for making funeral and burial arrangements,
you have quickly realized that you have at lot to do in
a short amount of time. Even though you have several
tasks that need to get accomplished, you should take
some time to collect your thoughts and get organized.
Here is some helpful information to help you get
organized and get started planning a funeral or memorial
service.
1. Gather important papers and information. This
includes a will or any written funeral arrangement
instructions, insurance paperwork, birth certificates,
social security cards or military paperwork. This
information will help with assisting funeral directors
or other personnel with paperwork such as death
certificates and newspaper obituaries and other
important documentation.
2. Determine what your funeral budget is. Of course,
money is the last thing that you want to think about
right now, but it is crucial that you give it some
thought before you start planning. It helps to have an
idea of what funds you have available before you speak
with a funeral planner. Take a few minutes to review
financial resources available to you for the funeral or
memorial service. Does the deceased have regular or
burial insurance? Will you have to pay for the service
upfront? Will there be assistance from the military or
other organizations or family members? It helps to
understand what your budget is before your speak with a
funeral planner.
3. Familiarize yourself with funeral costs. Even though
you are very busy and may not have a lot of time, it
helps to get a general idea of how much funeral items
cost. There are typical expenses associated with
funerals including funeral home administrative costs,
caskets, transportation, printing and several other
items. You should take a few moments to understand some
of these cost before you speak with a funeral planner.
Understanding costs can help you make the best decisions
when working with your funeral director, especially if
budget is a consideration. Consult the internet for more
details about typical funeral costs.
4. Contact a Funeral Home, Disposition or Cremation
Service. Once you have have briefly reviewed your
paperwork, considered your budget and familiarized
yourself with general funeral and burial costs, you are
ready to meet with a funeral director. Make sure you are
comfortable with your funeral director, and don't feel
pressured to overspend. Consider bringing a trusted
friend, family or clergy member with you to serve as a
second set of ears, or to assist with decision making.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions to
ensure that you and your deceased loved one's wishes are
carried out.
Kimberly Gibson is owner of Elegant Memorials Funeral
Program Templates. She also writes and publishes a wide
range of articles about funeral planning. |
