4 Simple Steps to Preplanning

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We plan for important life events like weddings, college education and retirement. We insure ourselves against things that may happen, including vehicle accidents, personal injury and medical emergency but, what about planning for the inevitable?

When you die, your loved ones may be overwhelmed by grief and emotion. In most cases, they will be at a funeral home or cemetery mulling over paperwork, pondering questions they may not know the answers to and stressing over the details of your memorial – or wondering how they are going to pay for it all. Planning together avoids painful guesswork when a death occurs suddenly and everyone's minds are clouded with confusion and grief. Purchasing your funeral at today’s prices can also protect your family from inflation in the future. People prearrange to give themselves and the people they love peace of mind.

Now, doesn’t that make sense?

Getting started is simple. We’ve broken the process down into 4 steps – Reflect , Record , Select and Share .

Step 1: Reflect

The first step is to spend some time reflecting on what is important to you.

How do you want to be remembered? When your family and friends share their memories of you, what are some of the things that they’ll say? How might your cemetery memorialization reflect your hobbies and interests? What are your family traditions and customs, and how might they influence the type of service that you would like to have for yourself or your loved one? What type of meaningful memories can we capture to help tell your story for future generations?

Step 2: Record

After you’ve made some decisions about your service, the next step is to Record your information.

To help the families we serve, we have created a helpful Planning Guide that can help you record your wishes and make them known to your loved ones. There is a section in the Planning Guide where you list your preferences and instructions. Filling it out will ensure your family knows your precise wishes. Once you’ve completed this section, we encourage you to bring it back to us. We will make copies of information that pertains to your service and file it for safekeeping so that your family will have the information when they need it

Step 3: Select

You will need to select the services and merchandise you would like as well as determining the funding option that is right for you. We can work with you to provide options for covering the financial aspects of your arrangements. Like all expenses, funeral and cemetery costs continue to increase over time. Coming up with cash quickly when a loved one dies can place a burden on loved ones and add to the stress of loss.

By supporting your plan, you can potentially save your loved ones thousands of dollars. And planning doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money – or any money at all. Some choose to fund their entire arrangements through savings. Funding through specialized funeral insurance allows you to select an affordable monthly payment and receive coverage for the full amount of your plan, even if death takes place while you are still paying. There are many options to consider with the help of licensed and trained advisors. In the process, some consider their existing life insurance policies but keep in mind, the initial purpose of life insurance was likely to cover expenses left behind, as well as provide funds for the living. Life insurance proceeds also takes time to collect. Most funeral and cemetery providers require payment at the time that services are provided.

Step 4: Share

Talking to your loved ones about funeral and cemetery planning can be difficult, but it’s important to discuss the plans you’ve made. Keep copies of your prearrangement documents in a safe but accessible place. Make sure others who may have assisted you in your planning, like family members or religious, legal or healthcare advisors, know where your documents are filed.

There are so many advantages to planning now:
Alleviates some of the stress of loss and grieving
Eases the financial burden
Provides you with peace of mind
Allows your family and friends celebrate the life you lived!

Planning your final arrangements in advance is a gift to those you love. Don’t you owe it to them?

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Planning Ahead: How Preplanning Helps Protect Against Inflation

February 2, 2026

Inflation affects nearly every part of daily life, from groceries and utilities to health care and housing. One area that is often overlooked is funeral and cremation planning. Like most services, these costs tend to increase over time. Preplanning provides a thoughtful way to prepare while reducing both financial and emotional stress in the future. More people are choosing to make arrangements in advance, not only to ensure their wishes are clearly known, but also to help protect their families from rising costs and difficult decisions during an already emotional time. The Reality of Rising Costs Funeral and cremation services include many components influenced by inflation, such as professional care, facilities, transportation, materials, and regulatory requirements. As these expenses increase, waiting to make arrangements can result in higher costs for families who may be unprepared to manage them, both emotionally and financially. Planning ahead allows you to make decisions calmly and deliberately, rather than facing rushed choices during a time of loss. Addressing Today’s Prices One benefit many people appreciate about preplanning is the ability to address pricing in advance and reduce uncertainty about future costs. Preplanned arrangements may be funded in full or paid over time, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that fits your budget and personal situation. This approach helps make planning more approachable and manageable. To help protect pricing, arrangements are typically financially secured through full payment or an approved payment plan. This helps ensure that the services you choose today remain in place in the future, even as costs change. Reducing Financial Stress for Loved Ones One of the most meaningful benefits of preplanning is the consideration it shows for those you care about. When a death occurs, families are often required to make many decisions in a short amount of time. Having arrangements already in place removes much of that burden. By planning ahead, you relieve your loved ones from financial uncertainty and clearly document your wishes. This allows them to focus on honoring your life and supporting one another instead of worrying about costs or decisions. A Thoughtful Part of Long Term Planning Preplanning final arrangements is similar to creating a will or setting aside savings. It is an important step in long term planning. It gives you the opportunity to take control, ask questions, and make informed choices without pressure. Many people find comfort in knowing their plans are documented, their preferences are clear, and inflation is less likely to affect the value of the arrangements they have chosen. Peace of Mind for Today and Tomorrow Ultimately, preplanning is about peace of mind. It provides reassurance that your wishes are understood, your family is supported, and important details are handled thoughtfully. If you have been considering planning ahead, our team is here to share information, explain options, and answer questions whenever you are ready. A simple conversation today can bring comfort and confidence for years to come.

Myths About Prepaid Funeral Plans Explained Simply

January 13, 2026

Prepaid funeral plans are often misunderstood. While some people worry about cost, flexibility, or security, the truth is that funeral preplanning can offer peace of mind and financial protection when arranged through a reputable provider. Below are common myths about prepaid funeral plans—and the facts families should know. Myth 1: Your Money Is Better Off in the Bank Fact: Funeral costs increase over time. A prepaid funeral plan locks in today’s prices on many funeral services and merchandise, helping protect your family from inflation and future cost increases. Myth 2: You’ll Lose Your Money If a Funeral Home Closes Fact: Prepaid funeral plans are regulated by state law. Funds are typically placed in a trust or insurance policy, not held by the funeral home. If a provider closes, the funds can usually be transferred to another funeral home. Myth 3: Moving Makes Your Plan Useless Fact: Most prepaid funeral plans are transferable. If you relocate, your plan can often be moved to another funeral provider, ensuring your arrangements remain in place. Myth 4: Life Insurance Covers Funeral Expenses Fact: Life insurance payouts can take weeks or months, while funeral costs are due immediately. Prepaid funeral plans are specifically designed to cover final expenses at the time of need. Myth 5: The Plan Won’t Work Unless It’s Fully Paid Fact: Many funeral preplanning arrangements provide coverage as soon as payments begin, as long as the account stays current. Your selected services are typically guaranteed. Myth 6: Preplanning Means High-Pressure Sales Fact: Funeral preplanning should be educational and voluntary. Reputable providers focus on honoring your wishes—not selling unnecessary products. Why Prepaid Funeral Planning Makes Sense Locks in funeral costs Reduces financial stress on loved ones Ensures your wishes are clearly documented Protects against rising funeral expenses Prepaid funeral planning is a thoughtful way to support your family and take control of your final arrangements. Contact us today to get started.

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What to Wear to a Funeral Service

July 24, 2025

Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear? While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear. 1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option. Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones. Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise. Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance. 2. Dress Modestly and Neatly Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative: For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer. For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate. 3. Footwear Matters, Too Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service. Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors. 4. Consider the Location and Weather The setting of the service can influence your outfit: For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel. Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice. In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season. 5. Keep Accessories Simple This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering. 6. What About Children? Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service. 7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support. What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most