Although there is never a time when talking about "Funerals" is easy, Advanced Funeral Planning affords individuals and families the opportunity to gather important information and make difficult decisions and choices at a time when they are better prepared to do so. It allows families to discuss these very important matters together and helps to alleviate much of the emotional and financial stress that arises from the loss of someone close. The tens of thousands of families whom have already planned ahead will tell you how it has provided Peace of Mind for them. With the exception of the situation where a death is imminent, discussing funeral wishes ahead of time does not take away from a life to be lived. Neither does purchasing ainsurance protection. It means being prepared. Why do we plan for things such as Retirement and Education? So we don't have to worry when those days arrive. We'll be prepared. Reality tells us that these things may not even happen. Death is one that is certain. These are important things that we should consider.

Ask yourself these questions;

1) If my death occurred tomorrow, who would make arrangements?
2) If my death occurred tomorrow, where would the money come from?
3) If my death occurred tomorrow, does my family know everything about me to create a meaningful service?
4) Do I know about the emotional and/or financial burdens that my family could face, should my death occur tomorrow?

These are tough, straightforward questions. If there were any easier way to present them, I certainly would do so. But what if something was to happen tomorrow? Along with the many other natural issues your family would be faced with, such as sadness, loneliness, anger, fear, and countless other emotions that may affect them, do they really need to be making hurried, sometimes regretful decisions as well?

No matter what your situation might be now, it is going to change. You might say, "Well, I'm fairly young and healthy now. Maybe in the future I'll consider it", or " I have time to think about it." We really, really hope that is true and that we won't have to be making arrangements with your family for a long time.

But what if?
Many of you might say," I'm not really thinking about dying right now." Let me ask you this. Do you currently have Insurance Protection? More than likely, you do. Why do have that?

One of the most important aspects of planning ahead is gathering and recording your information and wishes. Any important information that is not known at the time of a need, such as a social security number, military discharge papers, cemetery deeds, immediate family's names and addresses, clubs and organizations, location of insurance policies, location of safe deposit boxes and keys, location of wills, and even bank accounts can delay the arrangement process and therefore create a burden that is simply unnecessary. Does your family know about the groups you belong or belonged to, your favorite hobbies, favorite music, favorite poem, favorite flower, and favorite color? These things are necessary for the funeral director and/or clergy to help create a meaningful service.

At the very least, you owe it yourselves to discuss these things, as a family, and then record them. It simply takes no more than your time.

We welcome you to Advanced Funeral Planning and hope that you find this information not only informative, but helpful as well.

God Bless.