Most people don’t enjoy spending a lot of time thinking about their own death.  Although it may be a bit morbid, there is a 100% likelihood that it will happen to you and therefore it should be given some thought.  As with most guaranteed events in life, you have two choices: a) plan for the event and be prepared; or b) don’t plan and let the chips fall where they may.

When it comes to death many of us choose the first option simply because we don’t think we are going to die any time soon or it is something that can be planned later.  Some people believe that they will be dead anyway so why bother.  These are very shortsighted reasons for not making post mortem arrangements, as you are placing an extra burden on your family and friends at a time where they are certainly already stressed over their loss (you), grieving and distraught, and may not be financially prepared for your passing.

So how do you plan for your own death?  Certainly having a will and life insurance are two logical elements to address.  Those topics are covered in other articles on the site.  This article focuses on  planning for your funeral.

Coordinate With Your Family

There are many factors to consider when planning your funeral: where you want to be buried, what type of casket you want, do you want to be cremated or buried (or both), who will perform the funeral service, and what you want to be buried in are some of the issues to address.  These things should be discussed with your family and loved ones ahead of time so that you know what you want and everybody in your family circle knows what your wishes are.

Select a Cemetery

Your family may have a cemetery where all your relatives have traditionally been buried, or you may have a particular location in mind.  Either way you need to do a little research and select a cemetery and let your loved ones know this is where you choose to be buried.  If there is no family cemetery or you have no pre-determined site in mind you may want to get advice from friends or pastor, search on the web, or "let your fingers do the walking" in the yellow pages.  If you plan to not be buried in a cemetery (maybe you want your ashes scattered over the pacific ocean) you should still find the location you desire and let your loved ones know where it is.

Purchase Your Casket

Caskets can range in price from $1,000 to $10,000 or more and are a major portion of the cost of a funeral.  If you purchase this while you are living you will relieve your family of a huge financial burden.  The cost of caskets go up around 10% per year so the longer you wait, the more you will pay.  The other reason for purchasing your casket is that you remove one more decision that needs to be made by your survivors while they are making the preparations for your burial.  The less that your family has to do in this time of stress and grief, the better.

Pay for Your Own Funeral Arrangements

If you have life insurance you  may think that the cost of your funeral is covered but this may not be the case.  Many insurance policies only cover certain types of death (ex: accidents) and may not cover the cost of your funeral.  Another point to consider is that your insurance company may not pay your beneficiary in time to pay the funeral director, buy the casket, etc.  Selecting a mortuary and pre-paying for your funeral arrangements will eliminate any questions about insurance payouts and will relieve your family of the majority of the financial burden of a funeral.

Write Your Wishes Down

If you have a will (a written document of how to dispose of your posessions after your death) you should document your burial preferences and requirements there.  If you do not have a will you should write down your requirements, sign the document and make sure your family knows where that document is at all times.  If you make your funeral arrangements with a mortuary (the recommended method) you will have all of your arrangements documented and in at least two places: with you and with the mortuary.  Make sure your loved ones have the address and phone number of the mortuary and someone in your family knows where your funeral arrangement documents are.  Documenting your wishes before you pass eliminates alot of stress and potential squabbling between siblings and loved ones.

Check Your Life Insurance Policy (Get Your Finances in Order)

If you have life insurance check your policy and make sure you know what it says about payout times, and coverage for funeral expenses.  All insurance policies and companies are different so you need to make sure that you know what your specific policy says.  Many people who are fortunate to have life insurance through their job have never seen their life insurance policy or may have never read it.  Don't make the mistake of not reading yours.  If you don't have life insurance start saving now to pay for your funeral arrangements (and other expenses).

For more information on this topic you should contact a qualified mortuary in your area that employs people whom you can trust.  As resources list themselves on AfroDaddy.com we will make them available to you.