The Last Dance

The Pros and Cons of Preparing Your Own Funeral Expenses

Losing a loved one is an inevitable part of life, and with it comes the emotional burden of planning a funeral. In recent years, more people have started to consider the idea of preparing their own funeral expenses in advance. While this may seem like a daunting task, there are both pros and cons to taking this proactive approach. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of preparing your own funeral expenses.

Pros:

1. Financial Preparedness: One of the biggest advantages of preparing your own funeral expenses is the ability to financially plan for it in advance. By setting aside funds or purchasing a pre-paid funeral plan, you can alleviate the financial burden on your loved ones and ensure that your wishes are carried out without putting a strain on their finances.

2. Personalized Arrangements: Preparing your own funeral allows you to make personalized arrangements that reflect your preferences and values. From choosing the type of service to selecting specific readings, music, or decorations, you have the freedom to create a meaningful and personalized farewell that resonates with your life and legacy.

3. Peace of Mind: Planning your own funeral in advance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed and your loved ones will be spared the stress of making difficult decisions during a time of grief. It can also help alleviate the emotional burden on your family, allowing them to focus on honoring your memory and grieving without the added pressure of planning a funeral.

Cons:

1. Emotional Distress: Planning your own funeral can be emotionally challenging as it forces you to confront your mortality and make decisions about your final arrangements. Some people may find it difficult to think about their own death or may feel overwhelmed by the process, leading to emotional distress and anxiety.

2. Changing Preferences: While you may have a clear vision of how you want your funeral to be conducted at the time of planning, your preferences may change over time. This could result in discrepancies between your initial plans and your current wishes, leading to potential dissatisfaction with the arrangements made in advance.

3. Financial Risks: Pre-paying for your funeral expenses carries some financial risks, such as the possibility of the funeral provider going out of business or the terms of the contract changing over time. Additionally, if you move to a different location, the pre-paid plan may not be transferable, potentially resulting in additional costs or complications for your loved ones.

In conclusion, preparing your own funeral expenses comes with both advantages and disadvantages. While it can provide financial security, personalized arrangements, and peace of mind, it may also lead to emotional distress, changing preferences, and financial risks. Ultimately, the decision to plan your own funeral should be made after careful consideration of your individual circumstances and preferences. Whether you choose to prepare your own funeral expenses or not, the most important thing is to communicate your wishes to your loved ones and ensure that your final arrangements reflect your values and belief

Been there. Done That.

I did attempt to pre-pay for my funeral. I did not want anyone else being stuck with this final obligation of life. Everyone has to pay the boatman sooner or later. However, the downsides of prepaying are real.

I moved from Iowa to the Philippines. When I attempted to make additional arrangements to have my body shipped from Leyte, to Iowa, I was told they could not do it because their return insurance was only good if I kept an active address in Iowa. I have been gone for almost a year now. I’ve had to put my plan on hold. I am almost out over $1,000.00 USD because of that little loophole in the agreement. If I want to cash out the current plan, and start again elsewhere, I get $45.00 USD. You do have to be sure you are going to be sedentary before approaching a prepaid funeral plan.

The upside of this situation is that I can, if I can get past the hurdles, restart my plan. It is not a total loss yet. As long as one is alive there is still hope, right? However, the funeral home I went through initially ( Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52240) is not particularly helpful in this matter. I’ll figure it out, I am sure.