Pre-Planning

All of us make plans in advance every day of our lives. We purchase concert tickets weeks ahead of time. We schedule dentist and doctor appointments regularly. We plan vacations long before we take them.
 
And for the last several years more and more people of all ages are planning something else-their own funerals. Why? The reason is simple. These people recognize that there are many advantages to planning one’s funeral. Preplanning allows them to take their time, and to think about every detail of a service before making a decision.
 
They realize that one day a great deal of information about them will be needed by their families to settle their estates. So they’ve made sure their records are complete, organized and up to date.
 
They are also more comfortable knowing that their personal wishes will be fulfilled once they’re gone. And they want to avoid any unnecessary legal or family problems. So they had wills drawn up.
 
But perhaps most important, they care deeply about their families. Because of this fact, they have arranged their own funerals ahead of time with pre-need funeral planning in an effort to spare those they love the emotional and financial burden.
 
Keeping Good Records

Few of us bother to keep good records of our personal and financial affairs. Unfortunately, disorganized or incomplete records can lead to costly complications, if something unexpected happens to you.
 
For your family’s sake, write down everything you think the executor of your estate will need to know to carry out your wishes. This information should match the information in your will.
 
You should list all your biographical and financial information, including:

• A will
• Any children’s names, addresses and telephone numbers
• Insurance polices
• Bank accounts and securities
• Safe deposit boxes
• Benefit entitlements
• Any other important documents