Pre-planning your final arrangements is simply a matter of taking the time to think about, and to write down, your desires. It’s a thoughtful gesture to those you love, and a way to let go of anxieties about the future. You’ll be more relaxed, knowing your plans are made and in the hands of reliable family, friends or the funeral home.
Pre-Planning Checklist
So much to think about! But, let's be honest here, taking control of the important things in life just feels good; you know it's the right thing to do for you, and your family.
Prepare
Laying the foundation of a well-thought out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but, it's worth every moment spent. After all, you’re setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life.
- Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in a medical emergency or death.
- Write an obituary or jot down information you would like included in an obituary.
- Decide where obituary and memorial information should appear.
- Choose the type of service you would like, including the burial you prefer, and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:
- - Cemetery lot location
- - Casket type; cremation urn type
- - Vault or sectional crypt
- - Type of service: religious, military, non-denominational, or fraternal
- - Which funeral home to use
- - Pallbearers, music, flowers, scripture or other readings
- - Charity to receive donations in lieu of flowers, if preferred
- Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
- Decide what organizations or church will benefit from memorial donations in your name.
Arrange and Delegate
The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions, important financial details, and then relax. You’re in good hands.
- Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
- Give your Executor a copy of your Will. Saftey deposit boxes are often opened up during the Estate Settlement process, after the funeral.
- Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and mortuaries. Remind your personal representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
Does Pre-Planning Require Pre-Payment?
A one word answer to that question: no. You can choose to set plan to paper, simply recording your wishes, and leave it for your family to pay for your desired services at the time of your passing.
Or, you can protect you and your family from the ravages of inflation, by pre-funding your plan. This ensures your expenses will be covered when you need them to be.
Ready to get started?
Request a personal appointment with a Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory representative by clicking here, or complete your information online by clicking here.
For assistance in completing this online planning process or to set up an appointment you may also contact us by calling (770)786-7111.
Pre-planning your final arrangements is simply a matter of taking the time to think about, and to write down, your desires. It’s a thoughtful gesture to those you love, and a way to let go of anxieties about the future. You’ll be more relaxed, knowing your plans are made and in the hands of reliable family, friends or the funeral home.
Pre-Planning Checklist
So much to think about! But, let's be honest here, taking control of the important things in life just feels good; you know it's the right thing to do for you, and your family.
Prepare
Laying the foundation of a well-thought out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but, it's worth every moment spent. After all, you’re setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life.
- Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in a medical emergency or death.
- Write an obituary or jot down information you would like included in an obituary.
- Decide where obituary and memorial information should appear.
- Choose the type of service you would like, including the burial you prefer, and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:
- - Cemetery lot location
- - Casket type; cremation urn type
- - Vault or sectional crypt
- - Type of service: religious, military, non-denominational, or fraternal
- - Which funeral home to use
- - Pallbearers, music, flowers, scripture or other readings
- - Charity to receive donations in lieu of flowers, if preferred
- Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
- Decide what organizations or church will benefit from memorial donations in your name.
Arrange and Delegate
The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions, important financial details, and then relax. You’re in good hands.
- Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
- Give your Executor a copy of your Will. Saftey deposit boxes are often opened up during the Estate Settlement process, after the funeral.
- Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and mortuaries. Remind your personal representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
Does Pre-Planning Require Pre-Payment?
A one word answer to that question: no. You can choose to set plan to paper, simply recording your wishes, and leave it for your family to pay for your desired services at the time of your passing.
Or, you can protect you and your family from the ravages of inflation, by pre-funding your plan. This ensures your expenses will be covered when you need them to be.
Ready to get started?
Request a personal appointment with a Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory representative by clicking here, or complete your information online by clicking here.
For assistance in completing this online planning process or to set up an appointment you may also contact us by calling (770)786-7111.