While NolaBoomers.com is under construction, our articles can be found here on our sister site, Nola Family. 

Death is inevitable, which means you can prepare for it, making it easier for your loved ones when it does happen.

Like most expenses, funeral costs tend to rise every year. That means that a funeral today
will cost less than the same funeral three or four years from now. Patrick Schoen, managing partner of Jacob Schoen & Son in Mid-City, says that you can protect yourself and your family from rising funeral costs by locking in today’s prices with pre-arrangements. This will also guarantee how you want to be remembered, giving you control of even the smallest of details.

“It’s all about creating a lasting memory for those that live on,” Schoen says, who has been in the family business since he was 8 years old. “Helping families and individuals create a fitting celebration is what we do.”

Here’s what you need to know about pre-arrangements.

You can choose the way you’ll be remembered. Have you given any thought as to how you want to be remembered? Maybe you had a long career in the military that you’d like to celebrate. Maybe you love animals and would like to encourage donations in your memory to the local humane society or other animal organization. When you make funeral pre-arrangements, you put your wishes on paper so that your loved ones will know exactly how to celebrate your life and honor your memory.

You’ll make it easier on your loved ones. Your surviving family members will have less to worry about in the event of your death. When you pre-arrange, you make those first 24 hours — always the most difficult — easier for your loved ones. You can also save them money. The stress of making last-minute funeral arrangements often causes people to make impulsive and unnecessary purchases. By taking care of the arrangements yourself, you free them from spending more than they need too.

You’ll empower your family. They will know exactly what needs to be done. That’s because you’ve taken all of the guesswork out of planning your funeral. When you pre-arrange your funeral, everyone benefits. You know that your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones know exactly how to honor you. It relieves your family from the strain of making at least one set of decisions during a very emotional and stressful time.

More time to consider your options. Making pre-arrangements gives you a chance to personalize your funeral service, making it a celebration of life rather than a task and an added burden during a difficult time. You and your family will have time to research your options and make informed decisions, without feeling rushed. You’ll be taking as much control over your destiny as you can.

Your family keeps more. When you pre-pay, your estate will owe nothing on funeral expenses. More of your assets and life insurance proceeds will go directly to your family. Save the right amount you need. Once you gain an understanding of all costs involved, you can earmark a portion of those savings to cover the costs. When you plan in advance, your family is less likely to incur additional expenses at the time of the funeral.