Questions to Ask When Together over the Holidays

This holiday season, families will once again come together for holiday gatherings. Having the entire family together can be a rare occasion for most families, making it ideal to start a conversation about making final arrangements and essential life planning.

If you find yourself in this situation and are an adult child or grandchild, one of the best ways to open a dialogue about essential life planning is to ask questions. Questions can include:

· Do you have all your important documents gathered in one easy-to-find place?

· Who would be in charge?

· Would they know the answer to the many questions and decisions that need to be made?

· What kind of funeral service would you like to have?

· Would you want to be buried, or would you prefer cremation?

· How would these expenses be paid?

These answers are all of major importance in the event of the death of a loved one. As an adult child, please remind your parent(s) that responsibility for their final arrangements will fall on you if they haven’t already taken care of it.

On the other hand, if you are a parent wanting to address your grown children, instead of asking questions, you can make statements. “Your father and I decided to make plans for our final arrangements. We know it’s hard to discuss, but we did this with you in mind. Having our wishes on file with the funeral home will keep you from needing to make decisions while under stress.” If you want to keep it lighthearted, add a hearty “You’re welcome!” at the end.

Anyone, whether younger or older, should consider essential life planning. It’s as easy as sitting down with an Advance Funeral Planning expert and having a conversation. You can walk away assured your final wishes are exactly as you want them, with a detailed plan in place. In most instances, flexible funding options are available when pre-planning. You also remove financial responsibility from your family and receive inflation protection.

Essential life planning is an excellent way to care for your loved ones, safeguarding them from the added burden of making decisions and financial hardship during a difficult time. For more information or to begin your essential life planning, call Stephanie Powell, Family Service Advisor for Marker Funeral Homes, at (918) 366-8288.

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