While your friends resolve to make this the year they finally lose weight, get fit and kick those unhealthy habits, why not do yourself and your loved ones a favor and complete your estate and funeral planning? It's certainly easier than dropping those last 10 pounds, and making your wishes known now will give you and your family peace of mind for the future.

A Nation Faces the Inevitable
Estate and funeral planning used to be dreaded tasks many of us never wanted to face. The September 11th tragedy has jolted our collective procrastination. Lawyers around the country are reporting a rise in will requests and an urgency to complete them. They're noticing younger clients from all walks of life. The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and other publications have reported this trend.

Estate planning can:
*Save your family financial and emotional strain.
*Designate a personal guardian for minor children.
*Provide for children with special needs.
*Reserve funds for college.
*Preserve a family business.
*Ensure that money, valuables and family heirlooms go to the people you want to have them.

Funeral planning can:
*Ensure your wishes for your funeral or memorial service, burial and other details are carried out.
*Save your family from having to make difficult decisions in their time of grief.
*Prevent family squabbles and speculation about your wishes.
*Pay for funeral services in advance.

Planning your Estate and Funeral
For more information about Estate Planning, please click on the "Questions about Estate Planning" link above.

Planning your funeral can be as easy as typing up your wishes and giving it to a trusted family member, friend or attorney, though we invite you to contact our funeral home to understand all of the options available to you and your family.

Can I trust "pre-need" plans?

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has issued consumer protection guidelines for preneed contracts, consumer tips on prepaying your funeral and a consumer bill of rights. You may want to review them at www.nfda.org before you sign on the dotted line. Our funeral home abides by the guidelines set forth by the NFDA.

Invite Your Family to Participate
Because the funeral is for those still living, you might consider involving your family or loved ones in the preparation of your funeral arrangements. Consult with family about what type of arrangements they would like. After all, you may desire a direct cremation, but your spouse may prefer going through a more traditional funeral program. Contact us to help you with these choices when pre-planning.

Resources:

• American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, www.estateplanforyou.com
  
• National Funeral Directors Association, www.nfda.org, (800) 228-6332 or (262) 789-1880.
  
• The Consumer Federation of America, www.consumerfed.org.