Do I Really Need to Plan My Own Funeral?

Death comes to us all.

You are human.

As such, you are mortal.

You will die.

When this inevitable event happens, the body you leave behind will need to go somewhere.

According to a recent Hometown Life recent article titled “Perhaps awkward, preplanning funeral makes sense,” the best person to make these arrangements is you.

Why?

When you die, your family and friends will grieve.

And possibly in shock.

They will not be in a state emotionally to make decisions on your service, burial and headstone.

Do not do this to them.

Need another reason?

Those who do not plan for their funerals will end up spending more money than necessary.

Plan ahead and you will leave more to your heirs.

You now know the importance of funeral arrangements.

What do you need to do?

• Decide if you want to be buried or cremated.
• Select a funeral home.
• Choose a casket.
• Arrange your service.

By making these tough decisions now, you will be protecting your loves ones while allowing them to grieve.

Now, for my personal opinion when it comes to all things funeral.

All of that noted, there are some wonderful, salt-of-the-earth people in the funeral home business.

And it is a business.

As an estate planning attorney, I am more than well-familiar with what the families of my clients experience when it comes to funeral arrangements.

However, especially in smaller, rural communities the funeral director and his or her staff perform a wonderful and valuable service.

In fact, when they have provided respectful, loving care of your generations of your own family members, they actually become part of your family.

For example, Todd Schneider of Schneider Family Funeral Home & Crematory is just such a "member" of my extended family.

I am proud to call him "friend," too.

When it comes to every professional service in life - and even at death - you tend to get what you pay for.

When it comes to Todd Scheider, you really get even more than money can buy.

Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When making your financial, tax and estate plans, do not go it alone. Be sure to engage competent professional counsel.

For more information about estate planning in Overland Park, KS (and throughout the rest of Kansas and Missouri), visit our estate planning website and be sure to subscribe to our complimentary estate planning e-newsletter while you are there.

Reference: Hometown Life (July 26, 2017) “Perhaps awkward, preplanning funeral makes sense”