The Money Scoop.org: Preparing for Death

Experts agree that it is critical that we all plan ahead and tell the people who matter what we believe about life and how we want to face death.

AARP suggests that the first conversation you must have is with yourself, to find out what your feelings are regarding your own death.

* Where do you want to die? At home? In a hospital or medical facility? Do you want to move to be closer to relatives, friends or other loved ones?
* What kind of medical treatment do you want? What don't you want?
* Who do you want to take care of you?
* What do you think is a "good death?"
* What kind of funeral services do you want?
* What do you want done with your remains?

Legal Documents You May Need

A power of attorney, a living will or medical directive and a will or trust in place so that his or her wishes can be followed is advised by many experts. If your family doesn’t have these legal directives, they may not be able to enforce your wishes, so you should consult an attorney and have the appropriate documents drawn up.

This is also the time you should consider planning your estate and your funeral. Financial issues and fights over who gets what shouldn’t be your legacy. Remember, the more you plan now, the easier it will be for your loved ones to focus on remembering the joys of your life, instead of focusing on the business of concluding it.

From the FCIC:

Funerals: A Consumer Guide
A Consumer Product (excerpt)
Funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. A traditional funeral, including a casket and vault, costs about $6,000, although "extras" like flowers, obituary notices, acknowledgment cards or limousines can add thousands of dollars to the bottom line. Many funerals run well over $10,000.
Planning
Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. It allows you to choose the specific items you want and need and compare the prices offered by several funeral providers. It also spares your survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions.

You can make arrangements directly with a funeral establishment or through a funeral planning or memorial society - a nonprofit organization that provides information about funerals and disposition but doesn't offer funeral services. If you choose to contact such a group, recognize that while some funeral homes may include the word "society" in their names, they are not nonprofit organizations.

One other important consideration when planning a funeral pre-need is where the remains will be buried, entombed or scattered. In the short time between the death and burial of a loved one, many family members find themselves rushing to buy a cemetery plot or grave - often without careful thought or a personal visit to the site. That's why it's in the family's best interest to buy cemetery plots before you need them.
Estate Planning