Pre-Planning

Funeral arrangements are often made at the time of death, typically by a family member. These “at need” arrangements must be made quickly, during an emotionally difficult time. Pre-planned, or “pre-need” arrangements can be made at any time.

As the AARP advises, “Everyone should pre-plan their own funeral.” At Hooper & Weaver, we’ve seen first-hand the advantages of pre-planned arrangements in terms of personal comfort, family stress and financial considerations.

Gain Personal Peace of Mind

Pre-planning allows you to take the time you need to consider and select exactly what arrangements are best for you. Perhaps you’ve moved away from the community, or have no close relatives nearby to manage the process upon your death.

In any event, taking charge of the process yourself gives you the comfort of knowing things will be managed just as you wish, with no awkward family or financial dynamics down the road. You can check this issue off your list and enjoy your life to its fullest.

Save Family Stress

Did you know that there are more than 70 details that need to be tended to in the first 24 hours after death? That’s a lot of responsibility. By pre-planning, you make those first 24 hours easier for your loved ones. You also save them money, because the stress of making funeral arrangements under time pressure often causes people to make unnecessary purchases. By taking care of the arrangements yourself, you free them from spending more than they need to. Your loved ones will be spared the burden of making complicated and difficult decisions while trying to cope with their grief and loss.

We’ve seen time and time again how pre-planned arrangements represent a significant gift to family upon the death of a loved one. It lightens the burden for your family members and help to ensure that your personal wishes, or those of a loved one, are known and fulfilled.

Manage Costs Prudently

As a sensible part of any estate plan, pre-planned funeral arrangements will save you and your family time, money and unnecessary grief at the time of need. Costs for the average funeral increase over time. By planning and funding your preferred arrangements in advance, you protect your estate from these cost increases, while preventing excessive spending by your family in the absence of a defined plan.

Pre-funding your arrangements through an irrevocable funeral trust offers the added benefit of removing these assets from any assessments made for government benefit eligibility.

More Helpful Resources

Pre-Planning

Gain Personal Peace of Mind

Save Family Stress

Manage Costs Prudently

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