Many people plan for their own funeral in a sincere effort to be helpful to their families. They recognize that choices made while “planning ahead” are easier, and often wiser, than when made under pressure. Pre-arrangement is also one of the best ways to both avoid possible confusion and conserve money.Once you’ve selected a funeral director and had the opportunity to start discussing your preferences, the next logical step is to pre-arrange the service. Pre-arrangement is not a preoccupation with death-it’s a good personal tool to use in being prepared. Many people do this in a sincere desire to be helpful to their families; avoiding questions and confusion later on.The first step is to get together with your family. Offer your thoughts and then listen carefully. Give their ideas special attention. Since your funeral will most directly affect your family, it is essential to include their suggestions in your plans.Next, go ahead and arrange the conference with your funeral director and family members as you desire. During this opportunity for open expression you’ll make substantial progress, determining appropriate arrangements. We have all the proper forms needed for making these arrangements. We will likely keep a copy of these forms on file, but you should as well. Keep them with your other valuable papers, review them periodically and update them as you feel is necessary.Funding the pre-arranged service is also a choice many people make to further ease a possible financial burden on their family members. It allows you to arrange the specific kind of service you desire based on today’s prices, and be assured of an adequate fund for the future payment of the service. Administrative Assistant fosterfh@windtream.net