Whether we think about it or not, dying is something that will eventually happen to all of us. Anyone who has had to take care of a loved one’s things after they have passed will tell you just how hard it is to plan a funeral.
When you consider what the people you love will be dealing with once you pass, you can imagine how difficult it will be for them to deal with the emotional repercussions and wounds that naturally come along with death. One way that you can help take some pressure off of them is to begin pre-death planning.
When to Start Planning
If you’re young and in relatively good health, you might not see the value in starting your pre-death planning. So when is it acceptable and wise to start your pre-death planning journey?
The truth is, it’s never too early to start getting your plan together. It may seem premature, but if you plan as you go, then you have a lot less to worry about when you start getting closer to that age.
There are a few good reasons to start planning so soon.
Why Plan Ahead?
Why should you start planning for your death so early?
For starters, it lessens the workload later on down the road when you age. It also ensures that you have some sort of framework in case the unexpected happens.
We know it’s pretty morbid, but we could technically die at any time. It’s never a bad idea to start getting things together to make things easier for your loved ones after your death.
Draft a Will with a Lawyer
One of the basics that we all know of when it comes to pre-death planning is getting together a will.
A living will is a document that you put together that essentially outlines the guidelines for how you would like your family to handle your estate after your death. This includes things like divvying up assets and possible plans for a funeral.
Since it is a legally binding document that must be honored, it’s important to meet up with a lawyer to draft one up. They can advise you on the best plan of action to take, as well as the various legalities associated with dividing your estate.
Since things and relationships can change, it’s important to be sure you revisit your will with your lawyer if your life goes through changes. You want to make sure that your wishes are respected.
Leave a copy of your will with your lawyer so that they can keep track of it.
Have a Conversation with Your Family or Loved Ones
Finally, it’s important to have a conversation with your loved ones. This part of the process can be the most difficult, but it’s also the most necessary.
Explain to them a basic outline of what you would like to happen after you’re gone. Let them know where you keep the will and if you have any specific things you would like at your funeral. Talking these things over with them can help them be better prepared for the time when you do go.
Get Help with Planning
Pre-death planning is a difficult subject to consider and an even harder one to make plans for.
If this all seems a bit overwhelming to you, know that you don’t have to do it all alone.
Contacting a company like Lantern can leave you with the peace of mind that you have done everything you can in your plans.
Pre-Death Planning Is Tough but Necessary
Though it can be difficult to think about, pre-death planning is a necessary step that you should take as soon as possible.