Charity vs Funeral Planning

No one wants to be an object of charity. Today I saw a very sad sight. Two women were standing on a freeway off ramp begging for donations to bury a beautiful little girl who died suddenly. They were holding a large photo of the little girl who was gorgeous. She appeared to have been about 5 or six years old.

The two women had a sign that said need burial funds! They were nicely dressed and didn't appear to be destitute. This is a first. Often times people go to their church or pastor to solicit help. My heart went out to these two women. I assume they were relatives or close friends of the little girl. This is a vivid reminder that we should all be prepared and not become an object of charity.

Introduction

Welcome to the Funeral Planning Guide. Knowledge is power! Don't get caught short when the moment strikes. Thousands of families overpay every year when a loved one dies because of ignorance. Don't let that happen to you. Please follow our blog for updated information.

Introduction

Death enters every home at some point in time, but this unwelcome visitor doesn't have to leave families defenseless; get a funeral planning guide! Although the sadness and grief over losing a loved one is inevitable, there doesn't need to be financial hardships incurred with the funeral expenses. Funeral planning can actually save you money. There are many other significant benefits in prearranging your funeral with the most notable being the ability to make crucial decisions without the intense emotional pain associated with death.

It's been estimated that there are between 50 and 90 separate decisions to make when planning a funeral. Consider the emotional toll on family members as they are asked to make these decisions while in the early stages of grief. By planning a funeral in advance, every detail can be calmly discussed, and the price of every item can be clearly explained.

Funerals and burial costs can easily amount to $10,000 ! or more, but preplanning allows a person to prepare for this event. The total costs of funeral expenses can be easily paid over a period of time and with comfortable and economical payments per month. Truly, the financial aspect of funerals can be burdensome to family members, but having these arrangements in place takes away the fear and the stress of trying to cope with a large bill at an emotional time.

Memorial Tributes

Video Tribute

Video Tributes are becoming more popular with funeral planning guides and planners. This is a great way to allow out of state family and friends to share in a final farewell to a departed loved one. Sometimes loved ones can’t attend for any number of reasons. Video tributes allow family and friends to celebrate the life of a loved one from long distance.

Given society’s mobility and the new model for the “extended” family this service is invaluable! Burial costs and well as expenditures of family and friends who now live on the other side of the county now have a way they can participate. Video tributes and be broadcast via web conference or recorded on to DVD for later viewing or can be uploaded to a website for viewing worldwide! As families become more disbursed and mobile, this method of memorializing will continue to increase in popularity.Send well wishes

Dove Release

Funeral planning has become more open to new ideas as mentioned above in video tributes. Another trend that does not increase burial costs substantially is doing something as simple as dove release at the conclusion of the funeral ceremony. The release of white doves at the conclusion of a funeral service is lovely metaphor for the release of the spirit into heaven. This service can be provided for a nominal fee. Most funeral homes and funeral planners can assist the family with this warm and touching service.

At the end of the graveside service, family members release the doves from beautifully decorated baskets. The flock ascends into the sky and circles the area awaiting the spirit of the loved one to join them. Moments later, a single white dove, representing your loved ones spirit, is then released by a family member. The spirit dove joins the flock of "Angels" and all together they make the spiritual flight home.

Sympathy Cards

Sending a sympathy card or Flowers, even if you are only an acquaintance, is appropriate. It means so much to the family members to know that they are in your thoughts. The card should be in good taste and in keeping with your relationship to the family of the deceased.There are many specialty stores that offer cards and gifts as a simple way to pay tribute to a departed loved one. As baby boomers age you will see an increase in this niche market that is emerging in the death care industry.