We want the best for our families. From the time we have children, many of us plan for their future endeavors. Whether it be helping them through homework, starting a college savings account or walking them through the steps of purchasing their first car, we strive to provide future generations with the greatest benefits our means will allow.
Planning a loved one's funeral can be one of life's most difficult tests. I know because a little over a year ago, I lost my grandfather, William E. Allen. As difficult as it was to lose him, I was so grateful for the gift he had left me. With his final wishes recorded, I knew exactly what he wanted - alleviating myself and the rest of his family of any agonizing uncertainty.
Do your children know what your final wishes are? By being able to make sound decisions in advance, without stress, you can free your loved ones from any uncertainty or confusion. This allows your family to concentrate on supporting one another, rather than being asked to make major decisions at a very emotional time.
Advance funeral planning can also provide one with many financial benefits as well. Sometimes families take out a loan, use funds from savings accounts, sell assets, or individual family members bear the financial burden. Today, some funeral homes like Allen Mortuary offer advance funeral planning with guaranteed pricing, allowing buyers to lock in today's price. These policies assure that your survivors will never have to pay additional funds for the services and merchandise you select no matter what decade the death occurs.
Through my personal experience and through serving hundreds of families, I have learned that while discussing your final wishes is never an easy conversation, it is one that is certainly worth the effort.
I understand that advanced funeral planning is not something everyone will be comfortable discussing. However, from experience I have learned that once people understand the benefits, the topic becomes less awkward. Its rewards will give you peace of mind by alleviating your family of both emotional and financial burdens.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of advance funeral planning, please join me at a no-obligation seminar slated for Tuesday, April 18. The seminar will be offered at two convenient times-10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Two Guys Catering, located at 153 South Broadway, in Turlock. To reserve your seat, please phone us at 634-5829.
Greg Cypert, founder of The Cypert Group, will be our featured speaker. Greg has over twenty years of experience in the advanced funeral planning profession and is ranked by Homesteaders Life Company as one of the leading agents in the nation. I am confident you will find him extremely informative as he shares the benefits of a final gift.
Michael Allen is president of Allen Mortuary and a licensed funeral counselor. Allen has worked in the funeral industry for more than a decade. For more information phone Allen Mortuary at 634-5829.