Pre-planning for what you may ask. This is a follow-up to last week’s blog about last requests. Again, not a subject most people want to discuss, but let’s face it, we need to.

My father’s occupation was funeral director/embalmer so I suppose I’m not as freaked out about discussing this subject as some people. The time to decide burial details are when you don’t need to. Do you want to have a traditional burial in a cemetery? Would you rather be cremated? What’s to become of your ashes? What are the costs to each option?

Depending on where you live the cost of a traditional embalming and burial can cost $10,000 or more. That does not include the plot where you are buried. If you’re a twenty-year veteran you and your spouse may be buried at a National Cemetery at no cost. If you’ve served less than twenty years that cost may vary. Something to call and find out about ahead of time. A city cemetery can be a minimal cost, private cemeteries can cost $10,000 per plot or more. Another option is a Mausoleum niche space which prices vary widely. Of course, you may want your ashes spread over an area which has great significance to you. Rules and restrictions come in to play with that final option. Be sure to find out what they are ahead of time.

You also have the option to pre-pay for your funeral/burial/cremation. It’s actually a specific insurance policy. It can be used at the location where you established it or at another location. Be advised that the price you pay will be for the location where you purchased it, other locations may charge an additional fee.

Which brings me to something that surprised me. You may also pay a very minimal fee for the option of having “Return Assured” which covers the cost of your remains being returned to your burial location if you happen to be visiting somewhere else. If you are on vacation or visiting relatives and your death occurs it can be very expensive to have your remains returned without this option. Just one more thing to consider.

I promise, next week’s blog will be something happier!