Most of us are uncomfortable thinking about our own death.  Me, I’m scared to death of the subject.  But, I do want to plan ahead.  None of my family has any idea where I want my final resting place to be.  Actually, I’m still deciding that.  But when I’m sure, I’m going to plan for it and prepay if possible.  As I mentioned elsewhere in this site, my father preplanned his funeral.  I cannot tell you how much we appreciated it.  It was a tremendous load off his five children and wife at a time when we were feeling so much pain and loss.  My eighty two year old mother has now preplanned her final resting place for the second time.  She changed her mind about being laid to rest in the family plot and several years ago completed the paperwork required to donate her body to science.  She has documented this so there will be no question after her passing; however, I fully expect her to change her mind again soon and perhaps opt for a green traditional burial. 

One of the first steps I’ve taken for myself is to start preparing documents which give my family information about my life and my final wishes.  I found a small workbook at www.memorialpreferences.com which is downloadable and allows you to record important details about your life.  Medical information, financial records, vital documents, personal contacts, family history, etc.  It also allows you to write your own obituary if you wish.  And there is an area to record the names and contact information about people you want contacted in case of your death.  I will place this workbook in a large manila envelope at the front of my filing cabinet appropriately labeled “REGARDING MY DEATH…”

More and more of us are creating “Preneed” agreements to pay for funeral and burial services.  This is something I’m going to do but I am troubled that there is no federal regulation over the “preneed” industry.  Before you do any planning please read the January/February 2008 issue of AARP Magazine.  There is an incredible article titled “R.I.P. Off” by Barry Yeoman.  It describes a recent scandal in which 13,500
prepaid funeral plans were invalidated.  It also offers great tips and advice to follow in preplanning and prepaying your own funeral.  Here is the link:  R.I.P. OFF (www.aarpmagazine.org/money/funeral_rip_off.html )