Pre-planning - The Thoughtful Decision:
     Many people prearrange their funerals as part of regular estate planning. Many also choose to pre-fund those arrangements, although it is not a requirement to do so in many cases. In fact, many consumer advocates applaud the concept. Reasons for preplanning one's final expenses include peace of mind, relieving the burden on loved ones, or for purposes of SSI/Medicaid spend down. There are a number of advantages to preplanning and pre-funding funeral expenses. The primary advantage is that it allows individuals the opportunity to make personal and specific selections for the funeral service that most closely meets their needs. For many, it is comforting to know that money has been set aside for their final expenses, which will in turn reduce the burden on family members at a difficult time. In addition, loved ones are not left guessing which type of funeral service would have been preferred. Another very important reason to establish a preneed burial trust is that SSI/Medicaid. Recipients are allowed to set aside money to fully fund the service of their choice before their funds are exhausted down to necessary eligibility levels.

Pre-planning Your Funeral - Why
     There are many advantages in preplanning your funeral. It's a simple procedure that doesn't take much time but ensures peace of mind and relieves your loved ones of making decisions at a stressful time. It allows you to make choices for your funeral service based on what you want. If you change your mind, preneed arrangements can be revised in accordance with new circumstances in your life.