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Step 1

This subject is about something no one wants to talk about nor do they want to think about and that is planning for their own funeral. I know this to be true because when me and my wife talk about this subject my wife gets so morbid that we end up changing the subject. I know one day that everyone will have to plan or make plans for themselves or someone they love.

The first step is to know about the choices available to you.
You will in some way want to be remembered by the ones you leave behind living with the thoughts and memories of the life they shared with you. There is two basic funeral services offered today in the United States and those are a burial or cremation. You also have many other choices that you can include like music, videos, photographs, special speakers, or items of memorabilia. Prearranging your funeral will make things easier because this decision will be made in an unpressured environment and you have full control to put all your wishes in writing so the spouse or loved one left behind will have one less thing to think about.

Second is to make sure to document everything you want.
You need to have a will and a living will written. A will usually leaves instructions for a persons financial affairs and a living will usually clarifies certain or special wishes regarding medical treatment. Wills and living wills need to be recorded in writing with an attorney and shared with family members. Always keep a copy of these important papers in a place that is easily accessible to you or your family.

Step 2

Third is to talk with your spouse or family member about any wishes that may want to be incorporated.
Your opinions and wishes should be considered and followed and two of the basic services that are offered is a funeral or a memorial service. You may choose not to have a funeral home to provide all of the services you need or desire.

Forth decide the final disposition.
The traditional burial methods are mausoleum entombment, or cremation.

Fifth dont hesitate to ask about the prices of any services a funeral home has to
Offer. Make sure you discuss all options.

Sixth consider prepaying and planning for all your arrangements. If you prepay and get the price locked into a contract that contract will have to be honored no matter how much the cost may be ten years from then.

Step 3

Seventh is insurance may not be enough.
Life insurance alone may not be enough to cover any long hospital stays or numerous doctor bills acquired before and after you or your loved one dies.

Eighth if you prearrange a funeral or cremation service and Medicaid Assistance.
In many states a prearranged funeral or cremation service funded by life insurance may be treated as an exempt asset for Medicaid qualification purposes. This will allow you to prearrange while maintaining your assistance eligibility. Your state may have no maximum limit for a prearranged funeral or cremation service.

Ninth search out the government benefits you may be eligible to receive.
In certain conditions social security provides a one time death benefit and the VA will pay up to $ 300.00 for funeral and burial expenses and a plot allowance up to
$ 300.00 if you have your burial in a National Cemetery.


Tenth is to talk to your local memorial provider.
Most funeral homes have trained professional and experience counselors to help and guide you step by step when you prearranging your funeral or cremation service.