If you are young and healthy, you probably have decades to live. Nevertheless, just as an unexpected accident might leave you with life-threatening injuries, you could acquire a deadly illness. By planning for your funeral early, you can provide comfort to your loved ones.
While there are a few different ways to spell out your funeral goals and other end-of-life plans, you can communicate your wishes in your will. Consequently, if you are drafting your first will or updating an existing one, it makes sense to outline your funeral-related intentions.
Paying final expenses
On average, Virginians spend more than $21,500 on end-of-life costs, according to World Population Review. If you do not want to burden your relatives and close friends financially, you can use your basic estate plan to set aside money to cover your final expenses.
Planning your funeral
You may want a traditional funeral with organ music and scripture readings. On the other hand, you might prefer a less formal event or even a fun one. Put simply, by leaving precise instructions about the format of your funeral, you do not force your loved ones to try to read your mind after your death.
Picking your final resting spot
It is not uncommon for individuals to want to spend eternity in a cemetery or memorial garden. If burial is not right for you, however, you may want to explore cremation or other options. Either way, if you want to pick your final resting spot, you should make your desires crystal clear.
Ultimately, while it may make you uncomfortable to think bout the end of your life, putting end-of-life details into your will allows you to maintain some control even after your death.
