Let’s face it, no one wants to think about their own mortality. The fact is, most people feel uncomfortable enough just talking about death, much less planning for it!
However, can you imagine just winging a wedding, not making reservations for a vacation or letting family members know at the last second they’ll have to plan your holiday party for you? Planning ahead for events like these is not only smart, it’s beneficial, and the same is true of pre-planning your funeral. Here are five benefits of getting your funeral arrangements done ahead of time:
- You Ensure Your Wishes Come True
From music to pallbearers to caskets or urns to readings and more, you can control every aspect of your funeral so the service is exactly how you’d like. This takes the guesswork out of these decisions for your family, and eases their concerns about making sure they are doing things the way in which you would have wanted. In addition, you’re ensuring you’ll be thought of in exactly the way you’d like to be remembered.
- You Make Things Easier on Your Loved Ones
As difficult as it is discussing death before it happens, having to make decisions and plans during the highly emotional time of actual death can be stressful on family members and cause tension between them. Dealing with a long list of details as well as costs can tear families apart and cause a heavy burden on everyone involved. Preplanning eliminates the stress on your loved ones, allowing them to grieve instead of struggle to make decisions on your behalf.
- You Gain Peace of Mind
Knowing you have everything in order relieves stress for yourself, not just your family! With a plan in place, and especially if it’s already paid for, you can rest easy knowing you are not leaving family members with a bunch of decisions and a financial burden. This allows you to focus on that bucket list of yours and to enjoy your golden years without worry!
- You Save Money
You can certainly pre-plan your funeral without paying anything up front, but if you do choose to pre-fund it, there’s the additional benefit of protecting your family against inflation. Your money will be put into an insurance or state-approved trust account, and once your pre-plan is paid in full, your price is locked in and guaranteed – your family will never have to pay an extra cent.
- You Show Your Loved Ones How Much You Care
Planning for the inevitable is one of the most considerate things you can possibly do for your loved ones. It shows you don’t want them to worry or have to make difficult decisions in a time of grief. Your family will be truly grateful for you having taken care of all the details, and instead of leaving them with a burden, leaving them with the knowledge that you loved and cared about them, taking care of them even in death.
Events in your life go more smoothly and are less stressful when you plan ahead. Preplanning a funeral is no exception. If you are interested in discussing your plans or would like to know how to get started, contact Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services by calling 231-726-5210 or 616-842-6100. You can request an appointment with a pre-planning advisor, or start the confidential planning process online.
We are happy to answer any questions you have and help in any way.