Your Family

Many people mean to make a plan to set aside money for their final arrangements, but life gets busy and the plan keeps getting put off. Before they know it, time runs out, and the responsibility is left to their family to figure out.

That can be very hard on loved ones. When someone passes away without money set aside for funeral costs, family members often have to pay the expenses themselves. At the same time, they are dealing with grief and trying to make funeral arrangements. This can cause a great deal of emotional stress and may also create financial problems, such as using savings, running up credit cards, or going into debt.

Without a plan in place, families may feel rushed to make decisions. They may spend more than they can afford because they feel pressure to “do the right thing,” even if it goes beyond their budget. These choices may not reflect what the person would have wanted, but are made during a very emotional and stressful time.

Money worries can also lead to family disagreements. Loved ones may argue about costs or what kind of service to have. These conflicts can add to the pain of losing someone and may cause long-lasting tension within the family.

Planning ahead can help spare your family from added stress, financial hardship, and difficult decisions during an already emotional time.