How to use thisWork through it at the kitchen table with whoever would handle things for you. You don't have to finish it in one sitting. When you're done, tell two people where it is. It's free to use, print and share.
1. Your wishes
- Burial, cremation or another option
- A viewing, a service, a graveside service, a celebration of life, or none
- Where you'd want a service held, and any faith traditions to follow
- Music, readings or people you'd want to speak
- Where you'd want to be buried or have ashes kept or scattered
- Anything you do not want
2. Documents to gather
Write down where each one is kept. You don't need to copy numbers onto this list.
- Photo ID and Social Security card
- Birth certificate, and marriage or divorce papers
- Military discharge papers (DD-214), if you served. Veterans may qualify for VA burial benefits
- Your will or trust, and who the executor is
- Life insurance policies, including any through work
- Deed or paperwork for a cemetery plot, if you have one
- A list of bank, retirement and benefit accounts, and where statements come
3. People to name
- Who will make arrangements if you can't
- Your life insurance beneficiaries, and whether they're up to date
- Who to call first: family, friends, church, employer
- Who has a spare key, and where important papers are kept
4. Costs to plan for
Families often plan for the funeral and forget the rest.
- Funeral home basic services
- Burial or cremation, casket or urn
- Cemetery plot and opening and closing of the grave
- Headstone or marker
- Flowers, obituary and certified death certificates
- Reception, family travel and time off work
- Final medical bills, credit cards and other debts
For national averages, see How much does a funeral cost? Plus California tips.
5. Get real prices
- Call or visit two or three local funeral homes and ask for their itemized price list. The FTC Funeral Rule requires them to give it to you
- In California, funeral homes with a website must list their goods and services online
- Add up the total for the choices in section 1, plus the extra costs in section 4
6. Decide how it gets paid
- Savings set aside, and who can reach it quickly
- A final expense life insurance policy, which pays your beneficiary cash they can use anywhere
- A pre-need plan, which is usually tied to one funeral home
- Any coverage you already have through work or the VA
Not sure which fits? Read What is final expense insurance?
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