Planning Ahead: Making Funeral Arrangements in Florida

Retirees in Florida are often fastidious about making sure their estate documents are in place and their families are cared for, but often they neglect the very last arrangement: funeral planning. While it is a topic some people don’t like to think about, planning and paying for your own funeral can be an excellent way to relieve the stress your family will suffer when you eventually pass away.

 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral currently stands at approximately $7,000. For many families, this expense does not even include items such as headstones, obituaries, flowers and cemetery costs. These expenses can be debilitating to many families and, if you can, it can be a great idea to either pay for it in advance or set aside funds to cover the cost.

 

Paying in advance can be advantageous to you and your family as it can allow you to lock in lower rates. However, you want to be sure you are dealing with a reputable funeral home, as occasionally abuses do happen. Additionally, remember that if the establishment goes out of business, your funds may be lost.

 

For many people, the safest thing to do is simply to set aside money to pay for your funeral. By designating a trusted beneficiary, you can be sure the funds will be claimed after your death and spent wisely on your funeral arrangements. Additionally, you can also write your wishes down for your funeral and leave these plans with your beneficiary. Once again, this would just be one more arrangement your family didn’t have to stress over.

 

End-of-life planning can be complex, but the knowledgeable Florida estate planning lawyers at BaumannKangas Estate Law. can help you understand your options and make the best decisions for you and your loved ones.