The majority of people plan for big life events like weddings and vacations well in advance, yet most still neglect to consider the one event that’s inevitable, their funeral or memorial service. Death can be an unpleasant topic, but it is the single event that ties all of humanity together. While the discussion can be difficult, I truly believe it’s a talk all of us should make time for. There are many good reasons for planning a funeral in advance. The key advantage is that you (or the person you are helping to plan) get to make your own decisions about the type of funeral you want. Doing so, will eliminate any guess work for your family and ensure your wishes are met. One other big reason for preplanning is that you can better control the cost of the funeral and if you choose, you can safely put the funds aside to cover the costs of your arrangements. Prepaying in advance has numerous benefits, among them it lightens the financial burden that could be placed on your survivors at the time of your death. If you do decide to pre-pay for your funeral, make sure to let your family know. While it can be uncomfortable to have this discussion with your family, it will help to reduce any misunderstandings later on. You can also ask a loved one such as a spouse or adult children to help you plan for the funeral together. That way they’ll be prepared for all the arrangements and know exactly what was paid for and what to expect. Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your family. Each year thousands of people decide to pre-need plan their funeral, these plans are designed to be flexible and can accommodate the many changes that often occur in people’s lives. So, while things are going well and you have years ahead of you, it’s probably a good idea to have that conversation. Now's the time. Have the talk. If you would like to know more about the benefits of preplanning your funeral, please call 978-372-1534 and speak with one of our Licensed Funeral Directors.