Most of us carefully budget for life’s expected expenses—mortgages, college tuition, life insurance, and more. But have you considered budgeting for a funeral?

Planning your funeral finances in advance is one of the most thoughtful steps you can take for your loved ones. Much like budgeting for other significant expenses, preparing ahead ensures that you can make calm, informed decisions rather than facing financial and emotional strain during a time of urgency.

It’s natural to feel hesitant about discussing the details of a future death, but avoiding this conversation can leave your family unprepared. If you pass away without making provisions for funeral expenses as part of your regular financial planning, your loved ones may be left to make challenging decisions—both logistical and financial—while grappling with the grief of your loss.

Including funeral planning in your financial strategy not only alleviates this burden but also gives your family the gift of clarity and peace of mind. “These are tough conversations for many families, but important ones,” says Patrick O’Brien, CEO of Executor.org, a platform offering interactive tools for estate executors. He recommends approaching the topic thoughtfully by letting your family know in advance that you’d like to have this discussion—not because of any immediate concern, but simply out of a desire to handle important family matters responsibly.

By planning ahead, you empower your loved ones to focus on honoring your life and cherishing their memories, rather than worrying about the logistics and costs.

For more information on how to protect your family and start this important planning process, visit www.ForestLawn.com or call 1-800-FOREST.