Planning a cremation service or funeral in advance is a wise and thoughtful decision that presents your family the amount of you value them. Being prepared and having everything resolved leaves your loved ones free to grieve unhindered.

The death of someone you care about, when coupled with the difficulty of making important decisions, can be overwhelming when they come with the limited timeframes associated with final arrangements. Protecting your family's future with investments, savings, and insurance policies still leaves probably the most difficult choices to the bereaved. This is exactly why pre-planning your funeral or cremation service is so important. Here are ten points to remember when you begin this journey of mercy.

Know Your Options

Your cremation service or funeral should reflect you personally. The sky may be the limit in terms of planning the memorial service. No two cremation services or funerals are alike. Videos, photographs, music, special readings and the involvement of friends and family are appropriate and encouraged.

Prearranging gives you the opportunity to become informed about your options in an unpressured environment, if you have the time to think things through. You're in full control and you could select and specify the services that truly have meaning to you and your family.

Document Your Choices

It may seem that a will, living will, or merely purchasing a cemetery plot will be sufficient planning for cremation services or funerals, but more should be done to ensure everything runs smoothly after you are gone. Funeral & Cremation Loan Services leaves instructions for the handling of a person's financial affairs, while a full time income will usually clarifies certain general wishes regarding medical treatment. The funeral or cremation service still remains to be planned and covered. Whenever a funeral or cremation service isn't prearranged, someone who will not be aware of your wishes may need to make each of the decisions. Make sure you record your wishes on paper and share them with members of the family and an attorney whenever you can. And keep a copy of most these important documents in a single, easily accessible place.

Discuss Your Decision

Prearranging is a wonderful time for families to go over and make objective decisions calmly and rationally together, from the pressures and stress that often occur at a time of sadness and loss. Knowing they're carrying out your final requests will mean a great deal to all your family members within their hour of grief.

Consider The Money

Cremation services and funerals are expensive. And this cost may differ from place to place. Shopping around for an acceptable rate is nothing to be ashamed of. Also, consider prepaying for the cremation service or funeral. This not only alleviates any added financial burden from your family, but it means paying today's prices for something that might not happen for another ten years. Thus your arrangements are inflation proof.