Forbes article looks at funeral planning.

If you know us then you won’t be surprised to hear that we are big advocates of funeral planning. Our sister site, funeralwise.com, is loaded with information to help with all aspects of your advance funeral planning.

From time-to-time we spot articles about funeral planning that we think offer useful information and we pass it along.

A recent article on the Forbes online site titled “Should you preplan your funeral?” covers a lot of the topics we think are important. It also touches on prepayment. Just so you’ll know, the article is sponsored by one of Forbes Brand Voice Partners, Northwestern Mutual. We don’t endorse this company. Just something to keep in mind when you’re reading the article.

Take a look at our funeral planning page and check out our free funeral planning tool.

What Goes into Your Plan?
Preplanning a funeral can be as simple as jotting down some notes and giving a copy to several family members or friends. Some people choose a funeral director and keep a copy on file in the director’s office. Most plans include instructions for the visitation and service, as well as preferences for cremation or burial. Some states have enacted statutes that create a legal framework for plans. In addition, some states have generated forms for documenting a plan and identifying who has the legal authority to administer it. Using a state-generated form, if available, can save time and ensure that all of the fundamental bases of a plan have been covered.

Some plans are more elaborate, with specific requests for songs and readings, pallbearers, the minister and who will deliver the eulogy. “The plan can be as detailed as you want it to be,” says Bob Arrington, president-elect of the National Funeral Directors Association. Arrington has had requests for a treasured motorcycle in the chapel, a fishing boat at the front door and favorite Christmas trees in the visitation room. “It’s becoming more about the celebration of the person who died, rather than a cookie-cutter ceremony.”

Read the full story: Should you preplan your funeral?