Plan Ahead for End-of-Life Arrangements
Posted by Amanda Wojtkowski on November 20, 2025
Thinking about end-of-life planning is never easy, but taking steps now can spare your family from making difficult decisions during an emotional time. By outlining your funeral and memorial preferences in advance, you not only ensure your wishes are respected but also provide clarity and comfort to those you care about most.
Communicate Your Preferences Clearly
Start by sharing your wishes with family or trusted individuals. These details often include:
- Burial or cremation choice
- Preferred location for burial or scattering of ashes
- Type of memorial service (or if you prefer none)
- Special requests, such as clothing or music
If you’d rather someone other than your next of kin handle arrangements, you can formally designate another representative.
Keep in mind that the legal process for documenting these wishes varies by state. With guidance from an attorney, you can:
- Add instructions to your will
- Include language in a health care proxy or power of attorney
- Complete a separate form designed for funeral directives
At a minimum, your documentation should specify:
- Burial or cremation preference
- Location and any special instructions
- The person responsible for carrying out your plans
Some people also name a preferred funeral home for added clarity.
Consider How to Cover Costs
Should you prepay funeral expenses? Opinions differ. Here’s what to know:
- Guaranteed Plans: Lock in today’s prices, regardless of future increases.
- Non-Guaranteed Plans: Funds earn interest, which can offset rising costs, but prices aren’t fixed.
Before committing, the Federal Trade Commission suggests asking:
- Where will prepaid funds be held?
- Who receives the interest earned?
- What happens if the funeral provider closes?
- Is there a cancellation clause?
If prepaid plans feel restrictive, an alternative is to set up a payable-on-death (POD) account. By naming your chosen representative as the beneficiary, they gain immediate access to funds without probate delays.
Integrate Your Wishes into Your Estate Plan
Thoughtful planning today can bring peace of mind tomorrow. Review your estate plan regularly and update it as needed to reflect your funeral and memorial preferences. Doing so ensures your loved ones can focus on healing rather than logistics.
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Amanda joined the Firm in January 2018 as a tax staff accountant after interning for the Firm in 2017. She is now a manager and specializes in tax compliance for individuals, trusts, and estates, and also provides tax services to privately held businesses and private foundations.