10 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pre Planning Funeral Arrangements

“Why would you plan your own funeral?” It’s something we hear all the time. It’s just one of many questions we’re asked about making final arrangements in advance. At Dignity Memorial, we have been providing preplanning services for families for decades, yet the majority of the public knows little about the benefits of preplanning and exactly what it entails. Below we’ve answered some of the most often asked questions about advanced planning.

1. Why should I pre plan my final arrangements?

Planning your funeral and final arrangements in advance frees your family from the financial and logistical stresses of having to do it themselves while dealing with the loss of someone they love—you. There are other benefits too:

• You can say goodbye exactly how you want to, in a way that uniquely expresses your personality and style.
• You lessen the financial burden. Dignity Memorial offers financing and easy payment options, so your family won’t have to deal with the expenses later. Plus, it protects you from the inflated prices that time inevitably brings.
• Preplanning minimizes disputes amongst family members because they’ll know exactly what you wanted.
• Preplanning minimizes “emotional overspending.” Loved ones often spend more money out of grief or guilt over not having seen their loved one more often.
• Preplanning is an act of love. By removing the burden from your family’s shoulders, you give them a priceless gift of time and space to grieve.

2. Isn’t funeral planning for older people?

The best time to preplan your funeral is when you’re vibrant and healthy. It allows you to make decisions with a clear head, without the pressures of illness or circumstance. In fact, the best time to preplan is now, regardless of your age. The truth is, no one knows when they are going to die. Having your affairs in order today is always a smart thing to do.

3. How can I be sure my wishes will be carried out?

When you complete your Dignity Memorial Pre Planning Guide, a permanent file is kept safe. Upon your death, our funeral director will go over your detailed wishes with your family.

4. What if I move after making arrangements?

When you have a prepaid plan with a Dignity Memorial provider and wish to transfer the plan to another location more than 75 miles away, every detail of your plan moves with you.  All prepaid plans are transferable and will be honored by any of our qualifying Dignity Memorial providers in North American. That’s a promise you won’t find anywhere else.

5. How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of a funeral varies widely because the wishes of individuals are unique and differ from family to family. Services to consider include:

• Cremation or burial services
• Professional services of the Dignity Memorial Funeral Director and staff
• Preparations
• Embalming
• Visitation or viewing
• Funeral or memorial service
• Transfer of the deceased to funeral home
• Hearse
• Memorial cards
• Casket
• Urn
• Vault
• Clergy
• Catering services
• Etc.

By planning ahead of time, you can save your family a significant amount of money, whether it’s a small service or a large community gathering.

6. Are there payment plans for preplanning?

Yes. There are several options for payment, and a member of our preplanning team can help you select the best financial option for you.

7. What if I’m not sure what I want?

A member of our pre-planning team will guide you through your options and help you select options that are right for you, your family, and your budget. If you need more time to think about certain details, you are never rushed to make those decisions.

8. Does pre-planning cover cremation?

Yes. We encourage people who wish to be cremated to make advanced arrangements. Even simple cremation plans include important decisions that need to be made. Preplanning will make sure the financial responsibilities are taken care of, as well as ensure your final wishes are clear.

9. Won’t my Veteran’s benefits pay for my funeral costs?

Veterans do have very valuable death burial cemetery benefits but very few conditions allow the VA to pay any of the funeral costs. We will help you understand your benefits and work hard to ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to. As a Retired USMC Veteran, Lee is uniquely qualified to help fellow veterans make these plans.

10. Won’t life insurance pay for my funeral costs?

Life insurance policies exist to help families shoulder the financial burden that can come with losing a loved one. When using a life insurance plan for funeral costs, most funeral homes will use a third party to extrapolate the funds, thereby incurring additional fees from the third party. Other unexpected complications can arise with life insurance policies as well, such as a lapse in payments over the years, beneficiaries listed who are now deceased, and date or cause of death limiting benefits, to name a few. Such complications can delay or cancel benefits being paid to families. By preplanning and prepaying for your funeral, your family never has to pay out of pocket, and payment for your funeral is guaranteed.

If you have any questions (faqs) about preplanning we haven’t answered here, we are more than happy to talk to answer them. Please reach out to us at 469-490-0054.