Planning Ahead

It is becoming increasingly common for individuals to plan ahead for their funeral arrangements. Although everyone has their individual reasons, we find that there are four basic motivations to discuss your funeral services before the time of need.

• Advanced planning gives an individual the opportunity to make an informed decision about their funeral arrangements, thus expressing their wishes to their family.
• Advanced planning can initiate healthy conversations with your loved ones.
• Funding part, or all, of the entire funeral in advance can help reduce the financial burdens on your family at the time of need.
• It can be comforting to know that you were able to reduce some of the stress your family will experience at the time of your death.
  

Swedberg Funeral Home understands that one or all of these reasons may be important to you. That is why we have created a variety of ways that we can help. We are available to meet with you at the funeral home or in your home at a time that is convenient for you. We understand that talking about your own funeral is not always easy. We encourage you to discuss your thoughts and decisions with your family and call us when you feel you are ready.

When you contact us for advanced planning, your comfort level determines the extent of arrangements made. For example, you may wish to discuss the service, music, casket, burial vault, etc and even put money into a funeral trust. Or you may only want to have us write down some of your biographical information. If you are not interested in meeting with one of our funeral directors, but would still like to record some information for your loved ones, we have a form that can guide you through many of the questions they will face. Ultimately, you express to us what you are ready for and we will do what we can to help.

We are also available to help you with any financial funeral planning you would like to do. We offer both Life Insurance Policies and Trust Accounts to cover funeral expenses. All of these accounts are held in your name and the money is not accessible to the funeral home. You will always have the option to transfer the funds to another funeral home.

Whatever you decide to do it is important to remember that these are only suggestions for your loved ones. Funerals are for the living. Therefore, your family will need to do what is best for them at the time of your death. It is also very important that you leave some of the decisions for your family at the time of need. Although it is difficult, planning a funeral is a crucial part of the grieving process. It helps the family acknowledge that the death has occurred and it is a starting point for their healing.

If you are interested in advanced planning and wish to meet with one of our funeral directors please call us at (715) 526-2631 to set up an appointment. We are at the Shawano location Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am - Noon. Feel free to pick up an advanced planning form or call to have one sent to you.