I must admit, I’m a little bit morbid. Or I’m more realistic than most. I know I’ll die one day and I can guarantee you i’ll be called the dearly departed. It won’t matter much if you deserve to be called dear’. Dearly is a title.

Why die?

Why not die? Actually there is not a way around this question. Surely as we were born, we shall die. The question we should be more concerned about is, what shall be done about me when I die?

My wife wishes to be cremated. I wish to be buried. My grandmother had designated her burial place, yet was sadly denied it. She, like me had made a verbal wish. Actually, I’ve tried to make my own arrangements with a funeral home counselor. It may have been creepy to my wife, so I abandoned the plans. So much for planning ahead.

Why should you plan ahead?

There are a few basics that you really should have in order. One is a current will and testament. You should also designate an executor. The executor should be some who has agreed and is someone you trust. It should also be someone fairly competent and not likely to die before you.

You should also have some basic information kit. Information about your bank accounts, credit cards, investments, a list of your valuables should be in a central and secure book. Your eventual demise will be hard enough to take, make sure you do not leave behind too great a mess.

How do you wish to be remembered?

Will you have a burial or a cremation? Do you wish your remains to be scattered in a particular place? Some places such as parks do not permit the scattering of human or any ashes.

Where would you like to be buried? Your choice of funeral home or church should be designated if you have not already made it apparent. Even then your express wish is even better even if choice is apparent. Where do you wish as your final resting place? Hometown, or current place of residence are two obvious choices. What kind of casket would you prefer? Do you want a “green funeral” or a traditional sect funeral. The choices can be numerous.

You can choose some of the readings and songs you want at your funeral, but keep in mind that you do not have to choose everything. Give room to your loved ones to contribute to your day of your remembrance.

Planning can save you money

Funeral homes have plans that can save you money, provided you plan with them in advance. Like all business, funeral homes are slightly competitive and want to be sure of your business.

You should comparison shop for funeral home and cemetery. You should do some research or at least some reading about the subject. The Internet gives you lots of informational options.

You should also talk to your loved ones about your plans. If you are not clear about your plans, your wishes could be just that; wishes.