Planning a Funeral: Most Common Questions and Answers
Planning a funeral can be time-consuming and it has its fair share of challenges, but it’s also one of those things we need to do in order to appreciate our loved ones that just passed away. With that in mind, it can be hard to plan a funeral without knowing where and how to get started. Here are some of the most common questions and answers related to planning a funeral.
When should you start planning your funeral?
Ideally, you want to prepare your estate and a funeral early on in your life. Stats are showing that preparing your funeral during your 30s can be a very good idea, although you can easily do it later on in your life. It’s also recommended to get life insurance when you are 35 or older, as it might be helpful. Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to funeral planning. Just get started whenever you feel it’s the right time for that.
Is pre-planning a funeral a good idea?
The idea of pre-planning a funeral might not be such a bad thing after all. You always want to be prepared for any possible issues that can arise. That’s why being prepared can really help and it’s one of those things that will make a huge difference. You are not a burden on your family, instead you prepare everything and they will follow the guidelines you left. It’s the ideal thing to do and it will actually help more than you might expect.
Is it normal to plan your own funeral?
Planning your own funeral is very normal. After all, every person tends to have different wishes for the things that happen when they die. Which is why it makes a lot of sense to prepare and plan your funeral on your own. You can also ask for assistance and help from your family and loved ones, that’s also just as normal. Try to take your time and ensure that your family follows your wishes. Simple things like that will help quite a bit, and it’s exactly why it’s normal and something common to prepare and plan your own funeral.
What is the cheapest way to plan a funeral?
Ideally, you want to purchase any of the necessary items early on, when they are cheap. There are plenty of Black Friday deals on items for funerals. Shopping around and checking for discounts is always a good idea, and it never fails, so try to take that into account as much as possible. Negotiating is also extremely good and it can bring in great benefits.
Direct cremation can be an option since it ends up being less expensive. You can also skip services like embalming, because they can be quite expensive themselves, so avoiding those can be a good option. The same thing can be said about finding a good casket, stick with the simpler designs, don’t opt for those with fancy designs. Direct burial is also less expensive, so it can help if you want a cheap way to plan your funeral.
How do I plan a funeral checklist?
When you create a funeral checklist, the main focus is to determine the costs involved in the funeral service, but also the services and other costs related to them. Think about memorialization and disposition, as they can be just as important in a situation like this.
While there, record the obituary information and any preferences, as that can be just as helpful. Make payment arrangements well beforehand, just to avoid any possible problems that might arise. It’s also a good idea to be prepared for any unknown expenses, as those can arise depending on the situation.
What are the pros and cons of a prepaid funeral?
A prepaid funeral does have its fair share of pros and cons. The upside with a prepaid funeral is that you have a peace of mind knowing that everything is handled beforehand. You can also lock funeral prices, since they can go up as time goes by. There are flexible payment options, not to mention you can fully customize the funeral according to your own needs and requirements.
There are downsides too. For example, you tie up funds that can be used for other things you may need. On top of that, depending on the company, not all funeral costs might be covered. It’s also not worth it if death is close and expected. In case you do end up moving to a new country, many plans won’t be supported overseas, so that’s certainly a thing to consider.
Can you pay funeral costs before probate?
In general, funeral expenses can be paid from the estate. However, you do need to wait until the probate process is completed. Otherwise you can’t pay for those expenses from the estate. Which means that no, you will not be able to pay for those funeral costs before probate, just try to take that into consideration here.
How do I make a funeral with no money?
You can still make a funeral even without money, although you do need to find funds from other places. For example, you can receive Medicaid funeral assistance, which is widely known for covering this type of cost. On top of that, you can also look into things like Veteran death benefits, if those are applicable. Going with a prepaid funeral plan so you can set money aside beforehand is a very good idea and it might actually be one of the better options to pursue here. Asking for donations or going with direct cremation can also be an idea.
Who is responsible for arranging a funeral?
The family is usually responsible for arranging a funeral. However, the deceased person’s will can also name a specific person to handle the funeral. That person is named the executor, and their focus is to ensure every part of the funeral process is managed appropriately and without issues. Simple things like that matter because you do want everything to be adapted and implemented properly.
Why are funerals 3 days after death?
It’s a question that people have been asking for many years, for a very good reason. It’s one of those habits that has been transferred from generation to generation. That being said, funerals take place within a few days since the body starts decomposing soon after the person dies. 3 days is the right amount of days because the start of the decomposition process might take more time than that. It also offers families enough time to pick the right day for the funeral, while also making the right arrangements. Modern preservation methods can help stop the decomposition process, but in general funerals still take place after 3 days!
