Prepaid Funerals: A Gift To Your Family
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Let us get this out of the way—we know that prepaid funerals are not the most lively of topics! However, prepaid funerals are becoming a more popular topic of discussion during the estate planning process. We want to share with you the details regarding prepaid funerals and why you may want to consider one.
What Are Prepaid Funerals?
As the name suggests, prepaid funerals mean making funeral arrangements for yourself or your loved one and paying for those arrangements while you are alive. Prepaid funerals can plan for as much or as little as you would like, from choosing a funeral home to planning the service, choosing a casket, and selecting burial arrangements. Depending on the funeral home, you may also be able to lock in today’s prices.
Why Would I Consider A Prepaid Funeral?
One of the most difficult parts of the bereavement process can be making funeral arrangements immediately after losing a loved one. This process can be especially difficult if you lose a loved one unexpectedly. Families and friends are often left making plans and decisions in a fog, going through the motions while mourning, often not knowing the wishes of the deceased person.
In some cases, loved ones are also left footing the bill. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral in 2019 was $7,640. This amount does not include other expenses typically associated with funerals, like purchasing a burial plot or niche.
Prepaid funerals can be thought of as a gift to your loved ones. You can plan and prepay your entire funeral, down to the smallest of details. Thus, your loved ones can spend more time healing and less time planning.
How Do I Set Up A Prepaid Funeral?
Prepaid funerals can be accomplished in several ways. Your estates and trusts attorney can help facilitate your discussions with a funeral provider. At Sessa & Dorsey, we recommend making your preferred funeral arrangements and paying for them before you pass away. Using a prepaid funeral is often a better alternative than some of the other more common methods used, such as:
- Setting up a joint bank account or a payable on death account with a loved one and asking the person to use those funds to pay for your funeral.
- Purchasing a life insurance policy, also known as burial or final expense insurance.
- Having your funeral paid for from your estate assets.
At Sessa & Dorsey, we advise our clients on the estate planning process, which can include discussions regarding prepaid funerals. If you have questions, please contact us at (443) 589-5600.
