Planning Guide for Final wishes

When a loved one has just passed, the last thing we want to think about is money.
Unfortunately, with the average cost of a funeral and burial cost ranging from
$7,000-$11,000 it’s something that may make the grief more difficult

It is important to sit down ahead of time and think about your final wishes, both your own
and those of your loved ones. That way when the day comes, you or your heirs won’t be
faced with making the decision on their own.

Learn what’s involved.

To plan a funeral, you need to know what happens at one. There are three general
components: preparing the corpse, holding the ceremony and handling the interment.
There are a range of options for each. Embalming or cremation? A full service at a funeral
home, a graveside one or a DIY ceremony? Who will be there? A viewing of the body or
not? Burial in the ground or in a tomb, or ashes scattered someplace meaningful? You
can get funeral planning checklists online to help you know what decisions you’ll need to
make.

Plan in advance, but don’t pay in advance

Funeral homes sell plans that promise better rates if you buy a package now, years before
you die. Don’t do it, You can plan a funeral ahead of time without prepaying. “Planning is
not the same thing as prepaying.” The drawback to prepaying, is you can lose your money
in cancellation fees if you change plans or move away from the state where you bought
the plan. “A much better approach to save money is to comparison shop at the time of
death. The one exception is if you’re facing a Medicaid drawdown. In that case, a prepaid
funeral can be a smart move.
 Planning Guide for Final wishes

Shop around.

With the average funeral costing between $7,000 and $11,000, you need to treat this like
any other large purchase. You wouldn’t buy a car from the first dealership you walked into.
So don’t buy a funeral without checking with more than one funeral home. You can pay
thousands less just by going a few miles down the road. Call several funeral homes and
get quotes. Some funeral homes are reluctant to reveal prices, but if they resist, insist.
The Federal Trade Commission requires them to quote prices over the phone or in
person. They are not required to give prices online or by email.

Be sure you know exactly what’s in a package deal.

Funeral homes sell packages of goods and services, but sometimes there’s more
wrapped into them than you want. Sometimes they don’t have all the goods and services
you want. For example, a gravestone and cemetery plot may not be included in a
package. Ask for an itemized list upfront, with prices for each service or item.

Buy only what you want.

You don’t have to buy a package. You can unbundle them and buy goods and services
individually and combine them into the funeral you want. You don’t have to buy everything
from the funeral home, either. You may save money by buying flowers, an urn or grave
site elsewhere. You can even buy a casket somewhere else. The average cost of one
bought from a funeral home is $2,400. Amazon will deliver a $740 casket with free
shipping for Prime members. Really.

Talk it over and write it down.

Tell your loved ones what sort of funeral you’d like to have, and how much you want to
spend. Be specific, but realize your loved ones may not be able to deliver on everything
you want. “Funeral planning is not a dictation to your survivors, It’s a conversation you
have with your loved ones. Make them part of the process. Make sure they know it’s ok if
there has to be a plan B.

Look into purchasing Final Expense Insurance

Final expense insurance is meant to cover the cost of funeral and burial services but final
expense insurance can also help cover outstanding debts, probate fees, and other
remaining expenses. This type of life insurance also allows you to choose your until the
whole life policy ends at age 100. When purchasing Final expense Insurance it is best to
use an independent agent who has various carriers and plans that will fit your specific
need. Let your independent agent shop around for you.
 Planning Guide for Final wishes

Write a letter of final wishes

A letter of instruction is a document that simplifies the communication of instructions and
desires at the time of an individual’s death. Although the letter is not a legal record, it is an
efficient means of providing answers during what can be an emotionally overwhelming
time. Think of this letter as a supplement to the official paperwork an elder law attorney
helps you to prepare. It acts as a guide to direct family members through personal,
financial, and funeral information.

Letter of final wishes should include the following:

o The names and contact information for specific individuals who should be notified at
the time of death. Which family members, friends, clergy, or business associates
would you like personally contacted?

o Contact information for attorneys, insurance agents, and financial advisors as well
as the locations of bank accounts and a list of account numbers.

o The location where important documents are stored, such as a file drawer or safety
deposit box. Vital documentation could include a will, power of attorney, trust
documents, income tax returns, social security cards, deeds, titles, mortgages, birth
certificates, marriage certificates, and/or a divorce settlement.
 Planning Guide for Final wishes
o A list of debts along with identifying loan account numbers, credit card account
numbers, and/or privately held notes.

o A list providing the names and contact information of beneficiaries. This list can also
include any specific instructions clarifying your intentions for sentimental items
without monetary value. For example, if a granddaughter has requested to receive a
favorite cookie jar, indicate that her wish should be honored.

o Instructions regarding care for surviving pets. Who should obtain ownership of them
and how should their care be provided and funded?

o Provide specific information regarding any desires and pre-existing plans for final
arrangements. Provide deeds of plot ownership and specific instructions regarding
flowers, pictures, or music. Is there a specific article of clothing desired for viewing
and burial? Is there an individual who should be asked to provide a eulogy? Is there
information you would like specifically included in an obituary? Is there a charity you
would like supported in your honor?

o Clarify the location of important medical documents. Restate wishes articulated in a

living will, including whether or not you are an organ donor.

Make family members aware of this letter’s existence and review the document with
your executor to ensure it is understood. A lawyer is not needed to make changes
to the information if circumstances or wishes change. Update the letter annually,
even if only with a date indicating it as the most recent version, and store it in a
safe place.

Preparing this letter can be a challenging and even emotional task. To simplify the
process, consider the letter’s benefit as providing peace of mind for the whole
family, including yourself. Not only will the specific instructions provide clear
guidance during a difficult time, but they will also ensure that your final wishes will
be honored.

If I can be of any assistance, answer any questions or review your current coverage to
explain what you already have please contact me.

Armored Heart Insurance Tiffany Curtis (Managing director) 443-624-3950