Talk about it
The most important thing you can do to prepare for the inevitable end of life is to discuss it with your family and the people close to you. Tell them what you would like. Ask them what they would like.
Get input
It is also important to consider what your family can manage, financially, logistically and emotionally.
Make decisions
Even the most minimal death care has a few requirements that you need to address. We have outlined the requirements and basic decisions you need to consider.
Gather information
There is a great deal of information that your survivors will need in order to handle your affairs after you die. You can help by gathering this information together and making your family aware of its location. There are helpful checklists available. For example, a California FCA group offers this printable list: At or After Death Checklist.
Before I Go, You Should Know
The FCA planning workbook “Before I Go, You Should Know” (provided to our members) is a handy fill-in-the-blank booklet that prompts you to record your decisions and the locations of your important documents. You may also acquire copies from us by a contribution of $15/copy; please specify if you want English or Spanish. Digital copies are available via the national FCA for about $10.
Why plan ahead?
When death occurs in a family that has done no advance planning, the survivors may accept conventional and costly funeral arrangements because of social pressure, emotional stress, or lack of time.
Planning ahead is the most loving gift you can give to your family and friends.
By making plans now, you can make your last wishes known and ease the burden on your survivors. They can then focus on grieving their loss and celebrating your life, instead of having to figure out what you might have wanted.
Pre-pay?
Setting aside funds (e.g., in a Payable-On-Death account at a bank) to pay for your future funeral may give you and your family peace of mind. However, beware of prepayment (“preneed”) contracts with funeral homes or insurance companies. Consider the risks involved. Consider FCA’s advice: “But if you decide to pay for your funeral in advance, be very cautious. You should interview and evaluate multiple funeral homes before signing any agreement for future delivery of funeral goods and services.” (quoted from FCA’s page Pre-Planning and PrePaying). Or consult the ElderLawAnswers page, Pre-Paid Funeral Plans: Buyer Beware. Also see Pre-Paying Options comparing alternative ways to set money aside.