According to a survey by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 62.5% of U.S. consumers think it’s important for people to communicate their end-of life wishes before their deaths. But only 21.4% of people actually have. 

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or scared of the unknown when you’re considering preplanning your funeral. But you shouldn’t let myths keep you away from preparing your final wishes, when creating an advance funeral plan can bring peace of mind to you and your family.

Let’s define and debunk five common funeral preplanning myths so you can consider advance funeral planning knowing what really to expect.

Myth 1: “It’s too morbid or hard to discuss.”

Reality: No one wants to face their own mortality. The fact that you won’t be around forever is difficult to come to terms with. But the reason you consider preplanning a funeral is not only for yourself; it’s for those you leave behind. 

If you don’t take the responsibility of preplanning, covering the costs, and discussing the steps that you’ve taken with your next of kin, your loved ones will bear the burden of it all. Will they be emotionally and financially prepared to manage it upon your death? 

Myth 2: “Death is a long time away, so why worry now?”

Reality: If you approach preplanning a funeral earlier in your life, it’s much easier to take your time with the process. Advance funeral planning allows you time to understand the process, helps you make clear choices that are right for you, and shows your family that they’re well loved by alleviating financial and emotional burdens during a difficult time. You can also take your time prepaying for your funeral with payments spread over 1–10 years, if you choose to use a Preneed Funeral insurance plan.

Myth 3: “I’m financially secure and can cover the costs.”

Reality: Regardless of your economic circumstances, preplanning your final arrangements guarantees that your end-of-life wishes will be carried out. Loved ones won’t have to guess which burial type, flowers, music, or monument you’d want while they’re grieving. 

Preplanning gives you time to consider all your options and look for the best deals. Without preplanning, family members may have to make quick financial decisions that could cause them to overspend. If you choose to prefund your funeral, you can make payments and may be able to lock in today’s rates before inflation hits. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the current median cost of a funeral with viewing and a burial is $7,848. 

Myth 4: “It doesn’t matter. I’ll be gone anyway.”

Reality: It matters to your loved ones. And they will be the ones dealing with your final arrangements if you don’t, which may cause stress and strife among them. Even if you don’t have strong feelings about your funeral details, preplanning in any way will provide a framework they can work with.

Myth 5: “Preplanning will leave my loved ones out.”

Reality: It’s possible — and often recommended — to include close friends or family in the funeral preplanning process, if they’re willing to be involved. They can make suggestions to make the event more personal. Plus, they can preview your instructions, so they can ask questions and know what to expect when the time comes, which can be comforting in itself.

Ready to preplan?

If you’d like to learn how Wellabe’s Preneed Funeral insurance can help you fund your end-of-life plans, call 800-995-9010 or visit our regional managers page to connect with a funeral home partner near you. You can also download our funeral planning guide to help you think through your wishes before your preplanning appointment.

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