There are many reasons to consider preplanning your funeral. The most important one is that it takes away from your survivors the pressure of making a decision under very difficult circumstances.

Prearrangements also let you choose exactly how you want to be memorialized and allows for personal preferences in all aspects of the funeral service.

In years past, preplanning your funeral was considered taboo. However, more and more people are becoming educated about the funeral process. Learning more about what is involved in this event and planning ahead is a major benefit for your loved ones.

Cost is a big factor. The average cost of a funeral is around $7,000. This does not include cemetery space or a head stone if you will be buried or the cost of a urn if you choose to be cremated. Remember, there is no rushing or pressure to make a hasty decision in preplanning a funeral. You have time to review all the options and think about the specific items that you want.

Here are some questions you should ask your funeral home director when considering preplanned arrangements :

1. Where does the prepaid money go ?

2. What happens to the interest earned by those funds ?

3. Are you covered if the funeral home goes out of business ?

4. If some of the merchandise I choose is not available at the time of death, what happens ?

5. What options do I have in paying for the arrangements; payment plans, monthly, quarterly, etc.?

6. What if the funeral takes place in another state at a different funeral home?

If you prepay for your funeral, be sure to let family members know where to find details of this arrangement.

Your best source will be your actual funeral home director. Talk to more than one. He or she can guide you in the right direction but be sure to ask them for all the choices available to you.