How to Preplan with Reading, PA Funeral Homes

Planning for a funeral is one of the most psychologically difficult things that people can experience. The mere thought of putting the wheels in motion for a funeral forces us to confront either our own mortality or the unpleasant fact that we may soon lose someone we’re close to. Nevertheless, because of the cost of a funeral, it’s smart to plan ahead with Reading, PA funeral homes. Too many families find themselves facing confusing funeral expenses out of the blue after a death, which will not only add more stress at an already stressful time, but could wind up costing them more if they make emotional decisions in favor of services they don’t really need.

Funerals are services we do to honor loved ones, but the fact of the matter is, there’s a cost to them. In order to preplan for your own service, it’s vital to know beforehand what funerary expenses are so you know what you are asking family members to pay—or what you need to pay in advance. To figure out what you really want included in your service, ask yourself a few questions. Where do your emotional and financial priorities lie? In a funeral, would you be looking to spend the least amount of money or do you think it most appropriate to spend more for full service offerings, such as a wake and more elaborate ceremonies at the funeral home?

If saving money is important to you because perhaps you would rather your leftover funds go to family members for other causes, you may wish to prearrange for a direct cremation. On the other hand, if you wish to save some money, but still want some of the comforts of a traditional funeral for your family members to be able to say goodbye to you, you might wish to discuss a funeral service which is then followed by a cremation instead of a burial.

Prepaying for your funeral services is another option you will face in the planning process. You should know that it is not necessarily something you have to do, but it is often a nice way to go. You can take that burden off your family members as well as the planning. Plus, you can save money paying today’s prices over paying whatever the price will be in the future when you pass on. This decision could depend on your current budget, of course, but you can always set up a savings plan to put towards the costs so they are taken care of eventually.

Before you plan for a funeral, consult with an experienced funeral director. Should you have any questions about Reading, PA funeral homes, don’t hesitate to contact Kevin Bean of the Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, Inc. With decades of experience in serving Pennsylvania families at this vulnerable time, he’ll answer whatever questions you have with caring and professionalism. You can contact him by calling (610) 374-0962. The Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, Inc. is located at 444 N 9th St. Reading, PA 19601.