Many people prefer to plan their funeral in advance instead of leaving the particulars to their relatives. It lets them choose the options that are most important to them, helps control costs, and provides the satisfaction that they won't be burdening their loved ones with additional responsibility during the already difficult period of mourning. The two primary options are funeral preplanning and preneed contracts. Below, you'll find a description of each and the differences between them to help you determine if one is right for you.

Funeral Preplanning

Under this option, you simply decide in advance what type of arrangements you want. For instance, do you prefer burial, entombment, or cremation? What type of casket or cremation urn do you prefer? Do you want a memorial service or funeral?

Many people work closely with a funeral director to learn about and select their options, but you do not have to. Also, you are under no obligation to pay in advance. If you like, you can set money aside or purchase an insurance policy to cover end-of-life expenses.

Preneed Contracts

A preneed contract, often called a "funeral plan," is a legal agreement to plan and pay for final arrangements in advance. Typically, you make the same decisions as above except you formalize them in a contract with a particular funeral home, and you make payments over an agreed period of time. The benefit of this is that it locks in the price of the funeral well in advance.

The disadvantage is that you must commit and pay for the arrangements in advance, so changing your mind could be problematic. Many people commit only to burial arrangements, while others prefer to pre-fund the entire ceremony, burial, and casket in advance. Most funeral homes will be flexible to your wishes.

The information above should help you decide if a preneed contract or simple advance funeral planning is right for you. To discuss your options with a compassionate, dignified professional, contact Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home in Cincinnati, OH. They have been family-owned and -operated for six generations and have more than 100 years of experience. Visit their website to view location information or call (513) 661-3022 to learn more.