People "in the prime of life" often don't consider the possibility of death, so they don't talk about final arrangements. Yet these same individuals are often caught off guard when a death occurs, not realizing how much stress funeral planning can create at a time of loss.

The following questions will help you understand the impact these decisions would have on your family if they were to be left unmade.

1. If my death occurred tomorrow, who would arrange my funeral?
   1. my spouse
      
   2. my son or daughter
      
   3. more than one of my children
      
   4. a good friend or neighbor
      
   5. one or both of my parents
      
   6. I'm not sure
      
      
2. If my death occurred tomorrow, where would the money needed to pay for my funeral come from?
   1. my life insurance
      
   2. my savings
      
   3. my children's savings
      
   4. my parent's savings
      
   5. a bank loan taken out by my spouse
      
   6. I'm not sure
      
      
3. If my death occurred tomorrow, what type of arrangements would I want for my funeral?
   1. a copper or bronze casket
      
   2. a hardwood casket
      
   3. a steel casket
      
   4. cremation with a memorial service
      
   5. visitation for friends and relatives
      
   6. my favorite pastor, priest or rabbi
      
   7. I'm not sure
      
      
4. If my death occurred tomorrow, how much would I expect my funeral to cost?
   1. no idea
      
   2. under $1,500
      
   3. between $1,501 and $2,500
      
   4. between $2,501 and $3,500
      
   5. between $3,501 and $5,000
      
   6. between $5,001 and $7,500
      
   7. over $7,500

As unsettling as it might be to consider one’s own death, think how much more painful these issues might be for your family to address in the midst of their loss. Making arrangements through Choices Preneed Planning can eliminate this necessity at the time of your death, allowing your family to grieve without the stress of funeral planning.

For more information on Choices Preneed Planning from Downing & Lahey Mortuary, contact us today.