Columnists

“Failing To Plan” = “Planning To Fail”

Issue 4.17

More than 70 percent of adults avoid preparing for end of life realities.  They don’t have wills, trusts, advanced medical directives or preneed funeral planning in place before there’s a death in the family.

Most people never “plan to fail, they simply fail to plan” There are many reasons to plan ahead.  One way to convince people to make these arrangements is to examine the many responsibilities that a survivor may incur.

Here are just a few that one may need to deal with as a survivor:

  1. Funeral Arrangements
  2. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
  3. Meet with an attorney as appropriate, to discuss a will or trust
  4. Check the content of a safe deposit box (requires a death certificate and executor designation in many cases.)
  5. Inventory of personal items such as cars, trucks boats assets or a home.
  6. Notify those organizations providing retirement benefits.
  7. Notify Social Security.

These are just a sampling of the many details that one must consider or deal with when a death occurs.  I highly recommend and encourage a trust developed by an attorney who can help you navigate the in’s and out’s for your future.  We have many great trust attorneys in our area.

As a funeral professional I want to touch on the many benefits of pre funeral planning.  The planning process should be a comforting one for you and your family. Setting aside funds for your funeral expenses now may help ensure that you don’t leave a financial burden as your legacy.

Pre Planning your funeral makes sense for many reasons. It may help alleviate the financial and emotional burdens felt by your family and friends at the time of your passing.  It also provides you the opportunity to share your preferences for a memorial service, cremation, or your choice when it comes to burial.

It however is important to make sure you use a trusted established funeral provider who has the interest of the community and your family at heart.

Taking 30 minutes out of your day to come and meet with your funeral provider, to take a look around at their facility and discuss your options will bring a peace of mind to you and your family.

The most important part of planning is to do something rather than nothing.

Make this New Year great by not failing to plan.

Todd can be contacted at Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221.

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