Making Good Decisions While Grieving

Death can strike suddenly. Accidents and illness can befall a person when they're least expecting it, and that's why it's important to have your affairs settled. You know that you should keep your will and testament up to date, but you may not realize that you should also have funeral plans in place. If you're planning to be buried after you pass away, it's a good idea to work out the details in advance. Here are four things you should know about burial planning.

1. You can still be cremated.

If you decide that you want to be buried after you pass away, you can still be cremated. Many people decide to have their remains cremated and then entombed or buried near their loved ones. If you opt for cremation, you'll want to purchase an urn rather than a casket.

2. You can plan your burial and funeral service in advance.

Planning your burial in advance takes the guesswork out of the equation. Your family won't have to wonder about your last wishes for your remains, since you will have handled all the details yourself. When planning your own burial, you have several choices to make. For instance, you have to decide how you want to be buried. According to Everplan, the two main choices are to be buried in a mausoleum or a cemetery plot.

3. Prepayment is an option.

Although it's possible to pre-plan a burial without paying for it in advance, you should know that paying upfront is also an option. This is a good choice for people who are concerned about leaving their loved ones with debt after they die. Life is full of unexpected expenses, and your family may not be in a financial position to afford your funeral after you die. You can eliminate the possibility of financial hardship by prepaying for your burial.

4. Consider your family when buying a plot.

If you decide to be buried in a cemetery, you'll have to purchase a plot. If you like the idea of resting near your spouse and loved ones after they pass away, make sure you purchase more than one plot. These are the kinds of decisions that are best discussed among the members of your family.

Pre-planning your burial is one more way you can be prepared and rest assured knowing that everything will be taken care of after you pass away. These are just a few tips to help you get started. Remember you can always contact your local funeral home for a price quote or any additional questions you may have.