Davis Funeral Home Prearrangement

Death and taxes—the only sure things in life. And most would rather not deal with either.

This article may not help you deal with taxes, but as a funeral director of 40 years, I can offer some thoughts on the expense of funeral planning and peace of mind. Continued >

According to the Federated Funeral Directors of America, minus cash advances such as cemetery fees, the average funeral cost was about $5,211.00 last year. Next to home, college tuition, weddings and a car – a funeral may be one of the largest single family expenses. Unlike those other purchases, we do not always anticipate or have time to financially prepare for a funeral. And when the time comes, shopping around and researching options come a distant second to coping with a loss. Discussing death and funerals might not appeal to you, but creating open dialogue will help your family cope with the expense, and ultimately the loss. You can help your family through those first weeks by talking to them and “shopping around” prior to your funeral.

Preplanning applies to everyone, but is not for everyone. Whether you want a small, inexpensive funeral or a large elaborate service, you can choose to plan ahead. Planning ahead and putting your wishes in writing can save anguish and dollars later.

If you decide to preplan, DAVIS FUNERAL HOME, always suggests you leave some choices for your family to make. Funerals are for the living. Ensuring you have found an ethical funeral home and funeral director you can trust are the biggest advantages of preplanning and prepaying for a funeral. Simply finding a reputable funeral home takes a huge burden off your family, and allowing some choices for them helps them create a service meaningful to them.

Experts from Selected Independent Funeral Homes suggest you:

Beware of funeral "packages.'' They may include unnecessary or unwanted items. Some homes have become masters at marketing and bundling, and may place shareholder value above community needs.
Consider buying "a la carte.'' It's easier to do in the wake of FTC funeral rules that require homes to provide itemized price lists.
Compare prices among homes. If you are preplanning, get references. Check the better business bureau, find out how long the funeral home has been in your community and confirm it is still independently owned.
Realize that some services aren't necessary. Embalming, for example that costs about $XXX , generally isn't required if you do not want a viewing in most states. A formal casket isn't required for cremation, either.
Get everything in writing.
Prepaying is not for everyone. If you should decide to prepay, be sure to find out exactly what the plan covers and how the payment is secured throughout the years. Will your money still be with that home in 20 years? Is your money insured or in a trust?
Ask for your free Individual Estate Record. This is a helpful way to record lots of information to make it easier for your survivors to carry out your wishes. And, we would be pleased to visit with you in your home, without cost or obligation.