From Guest Blogger Kate Horrigan with Indiana Funeral Care.
In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes ~ Benjamin Franklin
Thinking of our own mortality is not comfortable. There are many reasons to find something else
(like yard work, laundry, washing windows) to do besides a conversation about our funeral. As
certain as it is going to happen, planning for one’s death is an easily avoidable topic.
However, the benefits of planning your funeral in advance are numerous.
• Your family and friends will know exactly what you want.
• Important decisions will be made during a time when emotions and grief will not be
influencing them.
• Genealogy and family history questions will be answered in advance and no one will have to
research these needed facts.
• Prices for the funeral services are “locked in” at the time of preplanning avoiding funeral
inflation which is between 3 – 5% each year.
• Flexible payment options. Pay over a period of years as opposed to paying the full bill at the
time of service.
• Most importantly, you will provide peace of mind for yourself and your family.
Some important considerations when planning your own funeral.
• There are two parts to a funeral with a burial – services from the funeral home and services
from the cemetery. The funeral home is involved in every death, whether it be cremation or
casketed burial. The cemetery is involved only when there is a final internment, whether that
be in ground or in a mausoleum.
• If there is a funeral home connected to the cemetery where you are being buried, you are not
obligated to use their funeral services.
• Compare funeral services costs – either by visiting funeral homes or comparing prices
online.
• If you need Medicaid Nursing Home coverage, funds used to plan a funeral in advance are
exempt from Medicaid asset calculations.
• Preplanned funeral funds are held in a trust which is easily transferrable should you move to
a new city and need a new funeral service provider.
As you can see, there are many positives to planning final arrangements in advance. We hope you
will take advantage of the opportunity to give your family one last gift.
Kate Horrigan, Family Advisor
Indiana Funeral Care
8151 Allisonville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-636-6464