[Ankenygolfer]

Originally Posted by jayerose

Good idea or not?

After a death of a loved one there are so many decisions that a family needs to make. A pre-arranged funeral helps to remove one stress point. In my opinion pre-arranged funerals are a final act of love from the deceased. My wife and I both have pre-arranged funerals. So I would say, yes.

[Yvonnebang]

It's a good idea to make pre-arrangements. I believe it is not only being responsible for yourself but it's a last thoughtful gift for your children and loved ones during stressful time.
Actually I happened to have several plots and corner stones that I no longer need near Berkshire, MA. PM me if anyone's interested.

[Petersweeney]

They should pay you for the fuel….

[4557Spahr]

My aunt and uncle paid a crematory in Florida a few years ago for prearrangement. They moved back to Michigan. When my uncle passed away my aunt could not locate any of the paperwork. She passed away a couple years later. We never did find the place they paid for the arrangements with. Sometimes being a private person costs money. If you do it make sure people know where it is and how to contact them.

[joseppe]

No matter what you decide to do it will be up to your heirs as to what gets done and how the body is dealt with. You can arrange all you want, purchase coffins and plot and services and put your wishes in your will, but when you die your heirs can have you cremated and ashes cast out to sea. You'd be welcome to sue them in a court of law for misappropriation of inheritance, but that would be hard to do since you'll be kinda dead.

[Luggage]

The state law is extremely specific and the company you use must have the money put away specifically for you it's just like life insurance once you pay for it they can grow the money to cover the future inflation cost of the process. And yes they have zero interest payments that go over several years so basically it runs 100 a month for about 30 months. And by the way you can get free cremation if you give them the right to cut up your body for research after all it's going to be ashes eventually anyway

[Hplaw]

Originally Posted by jayerose

Good idea or not?

My in-law paid for grave markers and the burial plot. Later they moved to another state and when they died were buried there and paid all over again. You never know what can change. I have read that it's good to let your wishes known but not to pay in advance. There have been funeral homes/businesses that have gone out of business. Put your wishes in writing, leave money in an account to cover it and give the information to your loved ones. Just my opinion.

[jmpate]

Good idea for spouse & I, due to the emotional toll & chaos around death. Furthermore, we have a Life Care Planning binder (aka dead book) for the same reason. It provides direction on every aspect of care after one has passed, including burial plans. Got the idea from a friend, who did this for her mother, who was in declining health. For Veterans, most funeral homes have rates for vets that are significantly less cost but provide same level of services.
We moved to Florida in 2021 and transferred our burial and to Hiers Baxley w/burial at Bushnell w/full military honors as we're both vets.
Contact me if further information is needed.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Hplaw

My in-law paid for grave markers and the burial plot. Later they moved to another state and when they died were buried there and paid all over again. You never know what can change. I have read that it's good to let your wishes known but not to pay in advance. There have been funeral homes/businesses that have gone out of business. Put your wishes in writing, leave money in an account to cover it and give the information to your loved ones. Just my opinion.

I totally agree. I doubt that the funeral industry would ever disclose how many contracts they sell where they never need to do anything because the paperwork was lost, or the executor has no idea that there is a contract in place.

[SusanStCatherine]

My daughter says she's wrapping me in a shroud and planting me under a tree. (After I die).

I would rather be placed on a wooden raft on a body of water and set ablaze (Viking style).

[SusanStCatherine]

Estate Planning note:

In counting assets to qualify for Medicaid assistance in paying for nursing home costs, some prepaid funeral/burial expenses are usually allowed.

[SusanStCatherine]

My father's funeral home expenses were prepaid more than 10 years in advance. The style of coffin and prayer cards were no longer available. AND they still charged more because it was not enough.

[Bonnevie]

told my son to soak me in lighter fluid and throw a match

[NJSonja]

My parents took the burden off of me for payment and arranged everything themselves for when the time came.

[Phpb2]

Not if your spouse knows about it!