A printable funeral-planning checklist

This checklist is general planning help. It is not legal advice, tax advice, or a promise of insurance coverage. Print it, check off items as you go, and share it with the people who will help you.

Print this checklist

People to involve

• Spouse or closest family member
• Adult children or a trusted friend
• The person you would name as beneficiary
• A pastor, priest, or other faith leader, if you have one
• A funeral home you may want to use

Wishes to write down

• Burial or cremation
• Type of service you want, or no formal service
• Preferred funeral home or cemetery, if any
• Music, readings, or clothing you want
• People who should be notified first
• Any military, church, or community honors you want considered

Documents and information to gather

• Full legal name and date of birth
• A list of life insurance policies already in force
• Beneficiary names and contact information
• Bank, pension, or benefit contacts you want the family to have
• A simple list of regular bills
• Login or location notes for important papers, kept in a safe place

Questions to ask a funeral home

• May I have your general price list in writing?
• What is included in each service I am considering?
• What is optional, and what can I decline?
• How do cemetery or crematory charges work?
• How would my family begin the process when the time comes?
• Do you accept assignment of a life insurance benefit, and what would my family need to provide?

After you have a working list

Add up only the items you actually want, using the funeral home's figures, not an online average. Then subtract savings and any life insurance you already have. That working figure can guide a free, no-obligation life insurance quote. Read how much burial insurance do I need? for a longer explanation.

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