Using the “F” Words - Final Wishes, Funerals and Finances

Instructor

Michael Smela

In many ways, these are words that we, or clients, shy away from the same as expletives. So why is it important for your clients to document and prepare for their (or their loved ones) final wishes? Why do they need to understand the costs, options and advantages? We take you through the most significant reason for pre-planning and so much more.

Learning Objectives

Examine the importance of pre-planning final wishes and funerals and the cost savings benefits in doing so for the bereaved.

Major Topics

Final Wishes:
- Why Pre-Plan your/loved one’s funeral?
- Final wishes organizer: important part of will, trust and financial organization
- MIR: Most Important Reason for wanting to pre-plan
Funerals:
- Why is funeral ritual important?
- The Acute Loss Period and its importance to helping our loved ones begin their life without us.
- What makes up a funeral and who are the players involved.
- Funeral options
Finances:
- What are the costs? Services / Merchandise / Third Parties
- Can/should funerals be pre-paid, and what are the advantages?
- What are other funding/financial options to pay for funerals
- Veteran (and spouse) Burial Benefits
- Protecting Assets and Estates: Medicaid Spend Downs / Burial Space Exclusion
- Financial impact when death occurs away from home: protection

CPE Credits Available

Total CPE

1: Specialized Knowledge

Things to Know About This Course

Course Level

Overview

Prerequisites

None

Advanced Preparation