Most people spend plenty of time planning for special events, vacations, their careers, and families. They spend less time preparing for something as sure as life: death. As challenging as it can be to think about your mortality and not being around for your loved ones, it can be important. By making a plan, you can remove some of the burden from your loved ones’ shoulders while ensuring your wishes are honored. If you’re unsure where to start, the steps in the article below can be an excellent starting point.
1. Explore Funeral Planning
Looking into funeral planning can provide insight into the options you have at your disposal. You don’t have to make decisions right away, but the process might have you thinking about whether you prefer burial or cremation and an open service or a private family burial.
Consider reaching out to a funeral director for advice or insight into funeral planning. They can also be your first port of call if you plan to pay for your funeral arrangements in advance. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral cost with cremation is $6,971 compared to $7,848 for burial.
2. Consider End-of-Life Wishes
Death doesn’t always happen in the blink of an eye. Accidents and illnesses can see some people incapacitated long before they take their last breath. When this happens, other people often have to make decisions for you. These decisions might not always be what you would want.
However, you might have more control over your last days if you have clarified your end-of-life wishes. Loved ones can refer to a pre-made plan to decide on treatment and where you spend your final days.
3. Create a Will
A will is a legal document outlining your wishes for after you die. Most include instructions for where assets should be distributed and who will care for children and pets. Despite their importance, at least 67% of Americans have no estate plan.
If you have strong feelings about how your estate should be distributed, make your wishes known in a will. There are plenty of online templates you can use, or you can enlist the services of an estate planning attorney.
4. Make a Financial Plan
Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Yet, many of us live our lives as if it is. Make a financial plan so your loved ones don’t have to worry about money once you pass. A financial plan can involve ensuring they know where your life insurance and retirement plan details are kept. You might also organize your financial assets so they are easy for someone else to take over, such as bank accounts, properties, cars, and investments.
If you have significant debt, consider buying an insurance policy to ensure these are taken care of in the event of your untimely death. The more organized your finances are, the more you and your family can enjoy peace of mind.
Preparing for death can be uncomfortable. There’s no denying that. However, planning for your passing can be essential for ensuring your wishes are honored. There’s no better time than now to start thinking about how you wish to leave this world.
