Making arrangements for your funeral service can be a depressing and stressful subject that many people don’t want to think about. However, life often brings the unexpected, so it’s important to consider funeral planning not only to ensure your last wishes are carried out but also so that your family is taken care of emotionally and financially. Funeral homes have standard recommendations for when you should begin the process.

When You Should Begin Funeral Planning

1. Healthy Adults: Before Retirement Age 

If you’re a healthy adult, male or female, it’s unlikely that you will need to think about funeral planning until you are closer to retirement age. Once you hit that 65 mark, it’s a good idea to consider how you want your assets to be arranged, who will be your designated next of kin, and make arrangements regarding your final resting place. Many funeral homes will reserve plots, so families can be buried together or help you finance for cremation if that’s your choice.

2. Parents: Before Your Child Is 18

If you have one child, it’s a little easier to determine how arrangements will be made, but multiple siblings mean the responsibilities are divided up among them. If there are no arrangements made in advance, your children may disagree over the funeral services, which can be even more stressful during a time of grieving. Consider what you want to do when the time comes and have a conversation with your children when they reach the appropriate age.

3. Genetic & Health Issues: Talk to Your Doctor

An adult who is genetically predisposed to illness or suffers from a chronic disease may want to talk to their doctor about their life expectancy and risk of developing genetic problems in the future. This can help you make a better, more informed decision about when to begin funeral planning. If it looks like the condition is becoming serious or illness may strike at any time, it’s better to make arrangements sooner rather than later.

If you’re thinking about beginning funeral planning, talk to the professionals at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. They have over a century of experience helping families during one of the most challenging times in their lives. Their professional and sensitive staff ensure that you and your loved ones have everything arranged so your celebration of life is as beautiful and memorable as you are. For more information on funeral pre-planning, visit them online or call (513) 661-3022.