New Year’s Resolutions: one you may not have thought about

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Most people try to start off the new year strong with resolutions that prompt self-improvement or growth. This year, make a resolution to protect your family by preplanning the inevitable. Although funeral preplanning is not a fun topic to think about, there are valuable reasons why you shouldn’t put it off until the next new year.

Here are the top 3 reasons why preplanning now will give both you and your family peace of mind.

Reason #1: It’s never fun to think about, but it’s always necessary

Preplanning your funeral may not be on your list of preferred activities but recognizing the power that having a plan in place has for your loved ones is essential. When there is a death in the family, not only is there a period of mourning, but there is a period of uncertainty and constant questioning. Is this what my loved one wanted? Am I selecting the right arrangements? How can I make these decisions in my current state and ensure that they’re also financially sound?

Death isn’t fun to think about or to plan for, but one day it will happen. It could come at the golden age of 100, and you’d still have the same questions to answer about funeral planning. So, as you grow older, preplanning becomes a gift to the family members and friends that you’ll leave behind. Sitting down and creating a detailed plan with your provider of choice is one of the best ways you can make it easier for your family when the time comes. Doing this will ensure that your loved ones have everything they need to know in one spot, and they’ll have confidence that your arrangements are being done according to your wishes.

Reason #2: It’s better to do it early

No one wants to think about aging, and everyone wants to believe that they have many more years to come. Yet, if there’s one thing that’s true about this type of planning it’s that it’s better to do it early and update it later if need be. Having a plan in place in case something happens suddenly or unexpectedly can provide that peace of mind to your loved ones if life gets complicated down the road.

It’s easy to keep putting off a project like this for next year or the year after if you still feel young and healthy, but by creating time for preplanning in 2020, you’ll take care of yourself and your family well into the future.

Reason #3: It allows you to collaborate

Too often family members pass without arrangements ever being discussed. Children don’t know what their parents wanted, spouses don’t know what their partner desired, and the next of kin is left to fill in the blanks. By preplanning, you start the discussion, which is important for a variety of reasons.

For one, it helps everyone to get on the same page, which can alleviate some of the stress that comes along with grieving. While they will undoubtedly feel great loss, they won’t have to plan a funeral, wake or any other arrangements during such an emotional time. They’ll know they’re celebrating you in a comfortable way and will get to focus solely on that celebration without feeling responsible for it. Preplanning also allows you to help alleviate some or all of the financial burden.

At the heart of collaborating and preplanning is ensuring that the right paperwork will be available when the time comes. If your loved ones cannot locate your plans, it’ll add to the stress of the grieving process. Be sure to not only include your loved ones in your planning but also discuss it openly. Everyone should agree upon a safe and accessible place so that no one is left wondering what should happen when you’re no longer around to answer questions.

Final thoughts

Preplanning for the future can be a daunting task but doing it now can alleviate a future burden on your loved ones. As you work towards this resolution in 2020, let us help you. Creating this plan in advance is a gift to those you love, and it allows everyone to feel comfortable with an uncomfortable topic.

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End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Documents Every Family Should Have

By Funeral Home • July 23, 2026

A practical checklist of essential end-of-life legal, financial, and final wishes documents every family should organize to bring peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Funeral

June 22, 2026

What are the first steps when a loved one passes away? The first step is to notify the proper authorities. If your loved one passes at home, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the passing occurs in a hospital or care facility, staff will guide you through the next steps. Once this has been done, you can contact a funeral home. Our team is available to help you begin arrangements and coordinate transportation of your loved one into our care. Do I need to plan the funeral right away? While some decisions need to be made relatively quickly, you do not have to finalize every detail immediately. We will help you prioritize what needs to be handled first and give you time to consider the more personal elements of the service. What types of funeral services are available? There are several options available depending on your preferences, beliefs, and budget. These may include: Traditional funeral services with a viewing and burial Memorial services (held after burial or cremation) Graveside services Celebration of life Cremation services with or without a formal ceremony We are here to help you create a meaningful service that reflects your loved one’s life. How much does a funeral cost? Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the services and options selected. Factors that may influence cost include: Burial or cremation choice Casket or urn selection Venue and staffing Transportation Printed materials and flowers We are committed to transparency and will walk you through all options to help you make decisions that align with your needs and budget. Can I personalize the service? Absolutely. Personalization is one of the most meaningful parts of a funeral service. Families often include: Favorite music or readings Photo displays or memory tables Video tributes Special themes or colors Cultural or religious traditions Our goal is to help you create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s personality and legacy. What should I bring to the arrangement meeting? It’s helpful to bring: A recent photo of your loved one Clothing for burial or cremation Personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, etc.) Military discharge papers (if applicable) Preplanning documents (if arrangements were made in advance) Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can guide you through what’s needed. What is preplanning and is it necessary? Preplanning allows individuals to make their own funeral arrangements in advance. While it is not required, it can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are honored. Many families find comfort in knowing these decisions have already been made. What happens after the service? After the service, we continue to support families by: Assisting with necessary paperwork Providing grief resources Helping coordinate burial or cremation follow-up Offering guidance on memorialization options Our care does not end after the service—we are here for you in the days and months that follow. We’re Here to Help Planning a funeral is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, guide you through each step, and help you create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. If you have additional questions or would like to begin planning, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is a Celebration of Life, and How Is It Different?

April 13, 2026

In recent years, the phrase “celebration of life” has become more common when families are planning services for a loved one. While many people have heard the term, there can still be confusion about what it truly means and how it differs from a traditional funeral. At its heart, a celebration of life is not about replacing tradition, but about offering a more flexible, personalized way to honor and remember a life. A celebration of life is a personalized service that focuses on honoring the unique story, personality, and legacy of the individual who has passed. While it can be held in a variety of locations, many families choose to gather in the comfort of a funeral home chapel, where they have both guidance and the ability to customize the experience. These services most often take place after cremation, which allows families more time to plan and create a meaningful tribute. However, every family’s preferences are different, and services can be arranged in whatever way feels most appropriate. No two celebrations of life are exactly the same, because no two lives are the same. One of the most meaningful aspects of a celebration of life is the ability to incorporate personal touches that reflect the life being honored, even within a chapel setting. Families may choose to include themed elements that represent a loved one’s passions, hobbies, or personality. This could be as simple as displaying favorite photos and memorabilia, or as unique as incorporating colors, music, or décor that reflect what they loved most in life. Memory tables, tribute videos, and customized music selections can all be seamlessly incorporated into a chapel service. Some families also invite guests to participate by sharing stories or bringing items that hold special meaning. This blend of personalization within a supportive, structured environment often provides both comfort and creativity during a difficult time. A celebration of life offers families the opportunity to gather in a familiar, supportive setting while creating a service that truly reflects their loved one. By combining the comfort of a chapel with the flexibility of personalization, it becomes a meaningful way to honor a life and share memories with those who matter most. There is no right or wrong way to plan a service. The most important thing is creating a space that feels genuine, supportive, and reflective of the person being remembered.