Pre-Planning Checklist
Planning ahead can seem overwhelming at first, but taking charge of these important details brings a sense of relief and ensures that your loved ones won’t have to make difficult decisions during a stressful time. By organizing your end-of-life wishes now, you can live with the comfort of knowing you’ve set things in motion for a smoother and less burdensome future for those you care about.
Step 1: Get Prepared
Laying the groundwork for your final arrangements doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s an investment in your peace of mind and ensures that your family will have clear guidance when the time comes. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a Contact List: Identify the people who should be notified in the event of a medical emergency or your passing.
- Write Your Obituary: Write your obituary or jot down important details you want included. This allows your family to focus on other matters without worrying about what to say.
- Choose Obituary and Memorial Locations: Decide where you'd like your obituary and memorial details to be published.
- Select the Type of Service: Determine the kind of service you want, whether religious, military, non-denominational, or fraternal. Also, consider the following:
- Cemetery plot or cremation options
- Casket or urn type
- Vault or sectional crypt preferences
- Contact information for the funeral home you wish to handle your arrangements
- Music, flowers, pallbearers, and readings
- Charity for memorial donations, if applicable
- Speakers and eulogists who will represent you
- Organizations or churches for memorial donations in your name
Step 2: Delegate and Organize
It’s significant to ensure that your loved ones are equipped with all the necessary information, so they can manage your affairs without additional stress. Here’s how to prepare your family and trusted representatives:
- Provide Your Executor with a Copy of Your Will: Make sure your executor has easy access to your will and any funeral planning documents. Don’t leave these important papers locked away in a safe deposit box or somewhere difficult to access.
- List Important Account Details: Give your representative a list of critical account information, including retirement plans, insurance policies, bank accounts, properties, and trusted legal professionals. Include contact numbers for relevant organizations, such as the Social Security Administration and the Veteran's Administration if applicable.
- Assign a Power of Attorney: Appoint a power of attorney to ensure that someone can access vital information in case of illness or death. Also, make sure that a healthcare power of attorney and living will are in place to respect your medical wishes if you’re unable to communicate them.
- Settle Utility and Service Arrangements: Plan for the cancellation of services like telephone, utilities, and newspaper or magazine subscriptions.
Step 3: Financial Preparation
Taking care of financial aspects ahead of time means less burden on your loved ones. Here are some things to consider:
- Pay for Cemetery and Memorial Services: Consider pre-paying for burial or cremation costs and related services, ensuring that these expenses are covered when the time comes.
- Funeral Arrangements: Pre-arrange and pay for funeral services, including the involvement of clergy, florists, and transportation.
- Plan for Pets: Make sure arrangements are in place for your pets, whether that’s finding a new home for them or ensuring they are cared for after your passing.
Step 4: Contact Us for More Information
If you have any questions or would like assistance with pre-planning, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to provide additional guidance and answer any questions you may have, without any obligation. Let us help make this important process as simple and stress-free as possible for you and your loved ones.