By Ann Stemmer and Denise Landon
For many families, one of the most compassionate gifts a loved one can leave behind isn’t found in a will or an heirloom—it’s the peace of knowing everything has been thoughtfully planned. Preplanning a funeral may not be an easy topic to approach, but it’s one of the most meaningful acts of love and foresight you can offer your family.
What Is Preplanning?
A preplanned funeral allows you to record your final wishes in advance and lock in today’s prices for future services. It’s both a financial safeguard and an emotional gift—ensuring that your loved ones can focus on remembering your life, rather than navigating difficult decisions during a time of grief.
As many families have discovered, taking this simple step can lessen the stress families face. Adult children often describe their parents’ preplanning as “the last most thoughtful gift they ever gave.”
Why It Matters Now
Since the 1930s, the cost of dying has risen 25% faster than the cost of living—a surprising statistic that underscores the value of preparing ahead. When a loved one passes, important choices must be made quickly, often before insurance benefits are released and while emotions run high. Cemetery and Funeral expenses are due in full before any memorial services take place, and life insurance payouts typically don’t arrive for several weeks.
Preplanning eliminates the financial uncertainty, ensuring every detail is organized and prepaid at today’s rates.
Preplanning vs. Burial Insurance
While both preplanning and burial insurance address end-of-life costs, they differ in approach. Burial insurance provides a lump sum for your family to allocate as needed. A prepaid funeral plan, on the other hand, goes further—it specifies your choices in advance, locks in current prices, and guarantees that your wishes will be honored down to the details.
Think of it as not just providing the funds—but providing the plan.
How to Begin: Five Simple Steps
1.Reflect on Your Wishes
Would you prefer a traditional service, a celebration of life, or a simple cremation followed by ash scattering? Taking time to reflect helps clarify your wishes and priorities. Many families find it helpful to use a Personal Planning Guide to organize and record their decisions. We are happy to provide a complimentary Personal Planning Guide.
2.Have the Conversation
Discussing end-of-life preferences can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have. Couples often plan together, but it’s normal for one partner to be more ready than the other. The key is openness—acknowledging that preplanning is a gesture of love and peace of mind.
3.Meet with your Preplanning Advisors
We offer complimentary consultations to help you explore options and understand the process. With more than 70 partner locations throughout the region, including funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation providers, support is always close to home.
4.Review and Fund Your Plan
Once your arrangements are outlined—covering everything from service details to payment preferences—you’ll review and sign your contract. Coverage begins after first installment payment or if paid in full with a single payment.
5.Share with Your Loved Ones
This final step brings everything full circle. Let your family know your plan is complete, and provide them with a copy for safekeeping. While your funeral provider will retain the original, your loved ones will rest easier knowing that everything has already been arranged.
Preplanning isn’t just about preparing for the inevitable—it’s about empowering your loved ones to celebrate your life without the weight of uncertainty. It’s a quiet but powerful expression of care that endures long after you’re gone.
