Because death can happen at any time, there is no “right” age at which to start funeral planning. Some people like to take care of their estate planning soon after they have children, and funeral planning is a big portion of that. Others wait until their retirement years or after a long-term diagnosis has been made. Still others don't make any funeral plans at all, and it is up to their families to coordinate all the details.
While all of these are acceptable outcomes, most funeral homes recommend that you start funeral before you reach retirement age—ideally when you are doing the rest of your long-term financial planning. It is much easier to set aside funds for burial while you are organizing your finances for retirement rather than waiting until you might have to stretch your dollars or face mounting funeral costs.
(more…) When Should You Start Funeral Planning?
September 9th, 2011Because death can happen at any time, there is no “right” age at which to start funeral planning. Some people like to take care of their estate planning soon after they have children, and funeral planning is a big portion of that. Others wait until their retirement years or after a long-term diagnosis has been made. Still others don't make any funeral plans at all, and it is up to their families to coordinate all the details.
While all of these are acceptable outcomes, most funeral homes recommend that you start funeral before you reach retirement age—ideally when you are doing the rest of your long-term financial planning. It is much easier to set aside funds for burial while you are organizing your finances for retirement rather than waiting until you might have to stretch your dollars or face mounting funeral costs.
(more…) Why do you need a funeral at all?
August 11th, 2011
These days, there are almost as many funeral planning options as there are people. You can choose direct cremation or direct burial and skip a formal memorial service. You can have your ashes shot up into space or buried as part of a coral reef project. You can even donate your body to science and end up helping a medical student learn how to save lives.
The Funeral Tradition
Funeral plans and formal burial arrangements have been a part of the human culture for almost as long as there have been humans. There is something so deeply moving about death that all of us share a need to go through the ceremony and tradition associated with the loss of a loved one. Whether it's a cultural need to have family and friends around you or a religious need to prepare the body in a specific way, we all have age-old associations with the funeral planning process.
(more…) Standard Life Insurance vs. Preneed Funeral Insurance
August 1st, 2011
When it comes to advance funeral planning options, one of the most common choices is funeral insurance. Like a life insurance policy, funeral insurance allows you to pay premiums during your lifetime with the promise of a payout upon death. Your beneficiary is then able to use those funds to finance your funeral, so that the financial burden is not placed directly onto your family's shoulders.
How are They Different?
At its most basic core, traditional life insurance is intended to support life. Ranging in amount from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars, these are flexible financial arrangements that allow you to put a “safety net”under your family. It doesn't matter whether you're 25, 45, or 65, life insurance is meant to provide financial support to your loved ones in the event of your untimely death. That is, your family gets the money they need to pay for the mortgage, college, and even daily life as they struggle through a sudden loss.
(more…) Should I Hire a Funeral Planner?
June 13th, 2011
If you're like most people, funeral planning is not something you've ever had to do before. Unless the deceased took the steps necessary to pre-plan the entire funeral, chances are you will need to make decisions and coordinate services over a span of one or two days—and all while reeling from the emotional impact that death has on us all.
Most funeral homes and funeral directors are in business to provide the support you need to get all the funeral plans made. From choosing a casket to placing an obituary in the newspaper, these professionals will guide you through the process so that you are never at a loss for what to do next.
However, there are other options, as well. One growing trend in the funeral industry is to have a funeral planner or funeral consultant on hand to oversee the entire process. Much like a wedding planner, this individual can help you with considering your options, making decisions, and coordinating guests while you attend to more personal matters.
(more…) Writing Funeral Thank You Notes
June 10th, 2011
One of the aspects of planning a funeral that can be the most emotionally draining is writing thank-you notes in the days and weeks following the memorial service. From the people who helped you plan the funeral to those who sent flowers, it's good funeral etiquette to acknowledge individual contributions with a thank you note.
Unfortunately stress and grief often make this simple task too difficult to even comprehend. If you find yourself facing the task of writing thank yous but aren't sure where to start, here are a few helpful tips:
(more…) Types of Headstones
June 8th, 2011
One aspect of funeral planning that occurs at the cemetery is deciding which headstone to place on the grave. The headstone, or tombstone as it is traditionally known, has taken many different forms throughout history. From simple markers to more elaborate statues, people have used the headstone as a way to memorialize the loss of a loved one and to ensure that the grave can be found for future generations.
Although today's headstone options tend to be more subtle than what was used in years past, you can use this opportunity to personalize the grave and make a final contribution to the memory of the deceased.
(more…) Historic and Green Burials at Boulder Funeral Homes
June 6th, 2011
Although most people come to Boulder, Colorado to enjoy the unique mixture of urban life and a focus on the great outdoors, this city is also a great destination to enjoy history. In addition to hotels, museums, and outdoor sites, Boulder funeral homes and Boulder cemeteries offer the chance to witness the remains of the American West and give ideals for Boulder funeral planning.
Of these, the most famous site, Columbia Cemetery, regularly tops the lists of things to see and do in Boulder. Even if you think visiting cemeteries for fun is a little out of the ordinary, this one is well worth a trip. As part of the Boulder historical backdrop, you can get a taste of the past while also enjoying the great outdoor spaces that make this city so famous.
(more…) The Funeral Industry in Bellevue: Funeral Homes and Cemeteries
June 1st, 2011
Bellevue funeral homes are a lot like the city itself and are ideal for funeral planning in Bellevue. Located across Lake Washington from Seattle and existing primarily as a satellite city to that metropolitan hub, Bellevue has all the benefits of a large and booming city, but with a smaller feel and a slower pace that many people prefer in the place they call home. For those seeking a much more permanent kind of residence, the appeal is the same. The large concentration of parks and the community focus on affluence, beauty, and upkeep mean that Bellevue cemeteries are among the most beautiful final resting places in the country.
(more…) History in the Making: Austin Funeral Homes and Cemeteries
May 26th, 2011
Like many parts of the city, Austin cemeteries here are rich with history and tradition. If you're taking a tour of historic Austin, or if you want to learn more about Austin funeral planning and the burial practices here, you should consider taking a tour of the local cemeteries. In fact, one of the most famous cemeteries in the state of Texas is an active part of the Austin funeral home industry, and you may even find the place you wish your own family to be buried.
(more…) Remember a veteran today
May 19th, 2011
Honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans by interacting with our virtual memorial wall. "I Remembered a Vet Today" is an iMortuary way of honoring Veterans -- by engaging with online individuals across the US. We also include a Share feature and Facebook badges you can download. Let's get this to go viral in thanks Veterans and military families in advance of Memorial Day on May 30, 2011!! (Just a note that you won't see any ads or paid promotions in this section!)
Honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans by interacting with our virtual memorial wall. "I Remembered a Vet Today" is an iMortuary way of honoring Veterans -- by engaging with online individuals across the US. We also include a Share feature and Facebook badges you can download. Let's get this to go viral in thanks Veterans and military families in advance of Memorial Day on May 30, 2011!! (Just a note that you won't see any ads or paid promotions in this section!)
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Beautiful Facebook Badges to show your support
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Click at left to view the available Facebook badges. Simply save the image, then upload it as your Facebook profile photo to demonstrate your support for Veterans this Memorial Day. |
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Comments
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Sally Allen Akron, OH |
May 18th, 2011 |
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Thank you so much for this tribute to our veterans! |
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