trends: Planning To Help Family (NAPSA)—Increasingly, funeral preplanning has become a way to put one’s affairs in order. It can help ensure that one’s wishes are carried out—and save loved ones the stress of making dozens of decisions at a difficult time. That’s one reason consumer advocates such as the Federal Trade Commission now encourage families to plan ahead. “Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements,” says an FTC consumer guide. “It allows you to choose the specific items you want and need and compare the prices offered by several funeral providers. It also spares your survivors the stress of making these decisions under the press of time and strong emotions.” How should you go about making such plans? Experts recommend you sit down and put your thoughts in writing. The Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers offers a free “fill-in-theblank” Personal Planning Guide that can help families think through their wishes as they relate to final arrangements. In addition, the Personal Planning Guide records important estate information, such as ancestral data and where vital documents are located. Call 1-800-9-CARING to obtain a free copy of the guide.
