Module 2: Funeral Plans, Benefits, & Insurance
IN THIS LESSON
Life Event Planning
One of the most difficult things for me immediately following Tim's death was dealing with all the questions that required immediate answers. It seemed non-stop! We had barely arrived home from the hospital when the phone rang, and it was the funeral home director needing to know what time we would be in (the very next day!) to make all the arrangements.
Then there was a knock at our door and it was the person in charge of the burial plots, needing me to pick out where I wanted Tim to be buried (right then!) so they could start preparing the grave site.
At the funeral home they asked so many questions. Who would the pallbearers be? Who would sing? What songs? What time for the service? What casket? What vault? Then we had to go and pick out the flowers for the casket. What scriptures would be read? Who would preach? Who would share? I just wanted my world to stop. But these questions needed to be answered.
I want to spare your loved ones the agony of dealing with all that, at a time when they are grieving and very possibly in shock. That is no time to be making all these important decisions. Let my experience be a motivation. Prepare with Purpose. Do it now!
“It is foolish to live in denial, unprepared for what everyone knows is inevitable. ”
You get to decide how you want to leave your personal affairs in the case of an unexpected life event. Careful, thoughtful decisions can lead to long-term success and less stressful situations. But imprudent, uninformed decisions made in the heat of the moment can open the way to costly disaster. Which path do you want to take? Planning ahead is such a beautiful gift to give your loved ones.
A quick look ahead through this module will show you the large amount of details we will be helping you to process. Take the time to name your pallbearers, pick out your casket or desire for cremation, list your favorite songs to be sung or played, and other final details like this will help your loved ones. Who is the pastor or special person you would like to have share and what verses do you want read (if any)? What clothes do you want to wear for your viewing, and do you want an open or closed casket? These are all questions for which your loved ones will need answers. Walk through this journey with the confidence that you are leaving a true gift of love by having made these difficult decisions ahead of time. It may seem difficult or morbid to be planning your funeral. But keep in mind that you are doing this as a gift to your loved ones. You have just given them a roadmap to follow. They will need this when you are gone.
Beth
Instructions:
Watch the video, above.
Collect the following materials (select only those that apply to you and your family). If this list of documents overwhelms you - don’t worry! We have some worksheets that you will be filing out as you walk through this module to help you plan for life events:
□Pre-Planned Funeral Documents□Photos to be used for Obituary
□Wills
□Trusts
□Power of Attorney
□Durable Power of Attorney
□Life Insurance Policies
□Original Military Enlistment Papers
□Military Discharge Paperwork
□VA Form 21-674 (for children over 18 who are in school
https:// www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-674-ARE.pdf
□VA Card
□Long-term Care Insurance Paperwork
□Employment Benefits Paperwork
As you walk through this course, we will present to you worksheets to fill out. Fill out those worksheets that apply to you and your family.
When you are done, CHOOSE a trusted family member and let him or her know that you have completed this information. Be sure to tell them where to find the book in an emergency.
Take a deep breath. You have created a priceless gift for your loved ones! They (and you!) can have peace of mind, knowing that important information is readily available whenever it is needed – even in an emergency.
Document Security
We suggest 2 additional actions for your documents
1. Place the originals together in a fireproof/waterproof safe.
2. Scan each document (if printed), and save all documents onto a password protected flash drive.
Once you have completed the above steps, click on the Next Lesson button to the right to continue to the next section of this e-course: