Burial Plans or Prepaid Funerals

[sherryinutah]

This might seem a little bit morbid; however, lately I've been thinking about creating a living will and investing in some type of burial plan or prepaid funeral for myself.

Last month I had a friend who unexpectedly passed away and he had enough money to pay for the final arrangements.   It's also important, to me, that I not be an expense for my family when I kick the bucket.  I don't just want to jump on something because I saw a commercial on TV.  I'd like to do some research.

Do any of you have experience with specific plans or policies that you'd be willing to share?

Thanks!   

[shmanalise]

Ive always dreamed of having a sky burial. Its a buddhist tradition where they put your body on the top of a mountain and let the vultures have at it eventually bringing your energy to the sky, and allowing that energy to recycle through the world. Maybe a little morbid, but in a way kind of beautiful. I would much rather go to use than just burn myself.... I just dont know ethically where the US stands on this practice...

[gaylasue]

I've had these in place for some time now.  I have it in writing as well as all of my family members know my wishes.  However, as I was told by my attorney, after you pass away, you become a possession ~ you no longer have rights.  Your closest next of kin will have your final say so as far as funeral goes unless you have already paid for it.  They can still make changes if they want to kick in the extra $$.

I'm praying for the Lord Jesus Christ to come back so no one will have to make those decisions!

[Nancy5]

I've had my "plans" for years.  Everything is paid for, a living will in place, and a power of attorney set.  This way when the time comes it will be one less thing my family has to deal with.  When my mother died a few years ago, she had nothing planed so my sister & I had to go to the funeral house, pick out a coffin, a dress, call the florist, set up a time for the funeral.  All this during a very stress full time.  This way it's all done when my time is up (however, I'm not planning on using this for a LONG time)!

[bhiett]

Absolutely do a living will (also called an Advance Directive), which will specify what medical procedures you want or do not want to extend your life if you are incapacitated and unable to express your wishes at the time.  A prepaid burial policy along with your preferences for a funeral/memorial service are thoughtful ways to reduce the burden on family members during their time of grief when decisions are difficult.  (If your family wants to spend more on your funeral they can always add to whatever your policy covers.)  I also would suggest purchasing a burial plot at the cemetery ahead of time.  Some people even go ahead and have a tombstone purchased and set at the future burial site with everything but the date of death, although most of the time the headstone is bought when a spouse dies and the surviving spouse goes ahead with a double for both of them.

[kqa]

A pre-need plan is much less expensive than after the fact. We have Mother's paid for in full, which is a nice relief. It is so stressful if you are actively grieving, so this is a big burden off our shoulders. I want to do a full body donation and I'm leaving the decision to my kids to honor my life in the way they want.

[bud1]

It is  never  to  early to think  about these  types of things.  We  will all die  one day.  The death of  loved one  is  very difficult and there is no need to  compounded  by  paperwork. 

[ancmetro]

      Neither! Because I believe in immortality!

[vickysue]

I have been thinking a lot about it, so should get off my duff and at least write down what i want. Auntil who just lacked a few days being 99 had hers prepaid. Lordy it was hard, she wanted services in one town and then had to ship her to min. for the braial. But think heaven she had a lot of it prepaid, but was not enough of course. the airline ticket almost doubled from the time she set it up and there were a lot more expense before it was over.  So at least the biggest part was paid. I am glad we didn't have to pay for it all.   

[autumnsparklemom]

I believe I will choose Cremation. It is easier on the wallet and not a very big expense. But I do need to work on my wills...

[msmoneybags48]

When my brother in-law passed in January, he had his burial arrangements already made.  My husband and I had made arrangements for burial insurance with our local funeral home.  We were paying $51.70 each month and my husband said he wanted to find some cheaper burial insurance.  We signed up with Globe Life Insurance Company.  At the funeral home, we only had $5,000 on each one of us.  We now pay $35 and insured my grandson, who is 6.  We have $10,000 in insurance on all of us.  It is a good idea, but if I get a job, I plan to put some extra money so my daughter will be able to bury me.

[greenthumbjan]

It's our reality part-of-life, but...if you donate your whole body to science, the bury of the body it is free.  Okay not the memorial supper wake.  Sorry that this subject is very difficult discussion to partake.   

[jenniferhoder]

I think it's a very RESPONSIBLE thing to do! Having things done "YOUR WAY" is great.... good luck with your planning.