Community Chat

[Jordan2]

@JeanLouiseFinch after my mother passed away in 2020, I did plan and purchase my funeral plan. Being single with no family I thought it would be best. I got the basics, not an ornate casket, graveside service, yews planted with care of gravestone and trimming of yews forever. I wanted to be cremated, my mother didn't want that for me and bought me a burial plot. She wanted to know I would have a resting place when the time came. You never know what life will throw your way, I would make arrangements sooner rather than later, it will give you peace of mind. 

[River Song]

I have pre-paid my cremation with The Neptune Society and added their Travel Protection Plan in case I die more than 75 miles from my residence.  So, you don't necessarily need to go through a funeral home if you want a simple cremation and The Neptune Society is available in your area.

My first husband died in a car accident and we had not even discussed anything because we were only 30 at the time.  When you're young, you think you'll live forever.  Until you die in an accident.  Anyway, it was very stressful dealing with the funeral arrangements.

My second husband died of cancer and we had pre-paid his cremation with The Neptune Society.  No stress with the arrangements because it was all taken care of ahead of time.

My advice is to make your arrangements now and pre-pay for it.  The price is only going to go up.  

And another thing, you may have your funeral arrangements spelled out in your will but looking for a will is not the first thing people are going to look for when you die.  People usually look for a will after the funeral.

[patbz]

My parents lived in Maryland and I lived in California. They were both very sick for 13 and 15 years respectively and I was their executrix. They both wanted to be buried in Arlington cemetery ( tip: be sure you know where their DD 213 s are located or that will slow down the process). They had to be cremated in order to be buried there.  I hired A geriatric specialist prior to either class ing and she suggested I pre plan everything, which I did. When the time came, all it took was a couple of phone calls. One thing I learned is that you can provide your own container for cremains and Amazon sells them with 2 day delivery for a fraction of cost a mortuary charges.

[Goldengate8361]

@JeanLouiseFinch  I just did this earlier this year. I'm single with no children so I thought it'd be wise. I took on the whole "project" almost like a hobby for many months before making my final decision (no pun intended). I visited all cemeteries and funeral homes in the area. I talked to many people and I read everything under the sun. I reached the perfect decision and plan for myself--and took care of everything (and I do mean everything). I had a sibling get an aggressive cancer and pass away one year from the date of diagnosis. That prompted me o take action, even though I'm only 62 and in perfect health. I recommend that you explore everything and 'sit' with the decision a while to make sure it feels right to you....and then confidently take care of it. Everyone should do this. 

[Alsace Gal]

@CalminHeart 

I am truly sorry for the loss of you dear brother.I lost my dear twin sister in June and every day  is a struggle for me. I'm crying as I write this. I know the pain you feel.

😢❤️❤️❤️

[qvcfreak]

Our family all gets buried. So we purchased 2 plots with opening and closing and everything else it entails.

I am now paying for my funeral service. I've picked out the casket, flowers, photos, family floral arrangement that goes on top of casket. And it's a two day thing. Also picked out the gifts that go to the family. 

Also, I've paid 2 years 2 months as of yet. If I were to pass now, it would be completely paid off. 

Mom had everything prepared and it was so easy amongst our grief. All we had to pay was the memorial stone. 

Also, they always have packages and sales. When we purchased the two plots, it was buy one and the 2nd was $75. But 2 packages needed to be purchased. My nephew purchased the other 2. 

[jubilant]

I have told my family that I don't need a funeral or memorial. I realize my thoughts and opinions are a little different from most. I also told my daughter and DH "if  they need  it for closure  "go ahead" but, for me, I don't see it as necessary. 

[NicksmomESQ]

 My DH & I purchased a plot several years ago. We haven't planned our funerals We have one son, he gets everything. He's an attorney, so he'll know what to do with our wills.

 We can't bring ourselves to plan our actual funerals. It's hard for us to imagine that one of us will be left behind.My son knows this & told us not to stress,that we should just enjoy each other in the here & now. He will take care of the rest.He also said that he's planning on us living forever,lol!

[RedTop]

Mom took care of her arrangements 20 years ago when she paid the bill for my dads funeral.  She paid for direct cremation, no service, no obituary.  When she passes, anything we want to do beyond what she paid for, is on us.   

Our local funeral homes will give you a folder of preplanning info, then you make an appt to sit down with someone to write up what you want, and pay for it.   

[chrystaltree]

A funeral director can tell you how to do it.  I think it's one of the most loving things you could do for your family.  My dad prepaid his funeral. With the help of his pastor, he planned the entire funeral and the repast that followed.  It was such a relief for us and he had send off that he wanted.