- How to preplan a Funeral Mo any people have done Leverything they can to protect their family's future: invested wisely, opened savings accounts and acquired insurance on their life and home. But they haven't taken care of their own funeral arrangements - leaving one of the most difficult tasks for their surviving family members to figure out during a time of sadness and loss. Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. It allows you to compare the prices offered by several funeral providers. NOT all funeral homes have the same prices, so Don't be afraid to ask about prices. The funeral and cremation cost can vary considerably from place to place. Be careful to choose a funeral home that presents its prices clearly and simply. When your loved one prearranges, they benefit from selecting and locking in services at today's prices, free from future inflationary pressures. Make sure the funeral home guarantees their prices. It also spares your survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. You may wish to make decisions about your arrangements in advance, but not pay for them in advance. Keep in mind that over time, prices may go up and businesses may close or change ownership. It's a good idea to review and revise your decisions every few years, and to make sure your family is aware of your wishes. Millions of Americans have arranged their funerals. Be sure to tell your family about the plans you've made; if family members don't know that you've prepaid the funeral costs, they could end up paying for the same arrangements somewhere else. Know Your Choices How would your loved one like to be remembered? One strategy is to personalize a funeral by planning in advance. Your family member's funeral or cremation service should be personalized to reflect his or her wishes and should bring comfort to surviving family and friends. Today no two services are alike. Videos, photographs, music, special readings. Prearranging gives your loved one the opportunity to become informed about their options in a pressure-free environment, when he or she has the time to think things through. Reputable funeral homes and crematories can explain all of the options available and will try to accommodate your loved one's wishes to make the celebration a truly unique and personal experience. Involve the Rest of the Family A funeral or memorial service is an important part of the grieving process. For family members and friends, the service provides an opportunity to express their grief, to share memories and to celebrate a life well-lived. Prearranging is an excellent time for relatives to discuss and make objective decisions calmly and rationally together, away from the pressures and stress that often occur at a time of sadness and loss. Possible Medicaid Exempt Asset If your loved one plans to apply for Medicaid assistance for a surviving family member, a prearranged funeral agreement can be extremely beneficial in meeting their needs. In Montana, a prearranged funeral or cremation service funded by life insurance or pre-paid may be treated as an exempt asset for Medicaid qualification purposes. Speak with a funeral professional Arranging a funeral or cremation service may be overwhelming and complicated, but funeral directors can help. These professionals can be a vital and supportive resource for you and your loved ones. With years of experience, they can explain all the options available and help you and your family make informed decisions. 259833 - How to preplan a Funeral Mo any people have done Leverything they can to protect their family's future : invested wisely , opened savings accounts and acquired insurance on their life and home . But they haven't taken care of their own funeral arrangements - leaving one of the most difficult tasks for their surviving family members to figure out during a time of sadness and loss . Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements . It allows you to compare the prices offered by several funeral providers . NOT all funeral homes have the same prices , so Don't be afraid to ask about prices . The funeral and cremation cost can vary considerably from place to place . Be careful to choose a funeral home that presents its prices clearly and simply . When your loved one prearranges , they benefit from selecting and locking in services at today's prices , free from future inflationary pressures . Make sure the funeral home guarantees their prices . It also spares your survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions . You may wish to make decisions about your arrangements in advance , but not pay for them in advance . Keep in mind that over time , prices may go up and businesses may close or change ownership . It's a good idea to review and revise your decisions every few years , and to make sure your family is aware of your wishes . Millions of Americans have arranged their funerals . Be sure to tell your family about the plans you've made ; if family members don't know that you've prepaid the funeral costs , they could end up paying for the same arrangements somewhere else . Know Your Choices How would your loved one like to be remembered ? One strategy is to personalize a funeral by planning in advance . Your family member's funeral or cremation service should be personalized to reflect his or her wishes and should bring comfort to surviving family and friends . Today no two services are alike . Videos , photographs , music , special readings . Prearranging gives your loved one the opportunity to become informed about their options in a pressure - free environment , when he or she has the time to think things through . Reputable funeral homes and crematories can explain all of the options available and will try to accommodate your loved one's wishes to make the celebration a truly unique and personal experience . Involve the Rest of the Family A funeral or memorial service is an important part of the grieving process . For family members and friends , the service provides an opportunity to express their grief , to share memories and to celebrate a life well - lived . Prearranging is an excellent time for relatives to discuss and make objective decisions calmly and rationally together , away from the pressures and stress that often occur at a time of sadness and loss . Possible Medicaid Exempt Asset If your loved one plans to apply for Medicaid assistance for a surviving family member , a prearranged funeral agreement can be extremely beneficial in meeting their needs . In Montana , a prearranged funeral or cremation service funded by life insurance or pre - paid may be treated as an exempt asset for Medicaid qualification purposes . Speak with a funeral professional Arranging a funeral or cremation service may be overwhelming and complicated , but funeral directors can help . These professionals can be a vital and supportive resource for you and your loved ones . With years of experience , they can explain all the options available and help you and your family make informed decisions . 259833