Plan It Yourself

     Remember the old saw:  If you want to do something right, do it yourself.  Well if you want to make sure you get the funeral or cremation option you want, from the best funeral director, at the best price, you'd better do it yourself in advance rather than leave it to survivors later.
     The first thing to do is to decide what type of funeral or cremation option you prefer: large, small, simple, lavish, religious or nondenominational.  You can decide what type ceremony you want, and where your remains are to be laid.  You can even decide which people you want to attend.
     Then decide which funeral home you wish to carry our your wishes.  Talk things over with the funeral director.  Find out if he or she is amenable to your wishes; and work out the details.  Then get everything down in writing.  Copies should be kept in a safe place where family members can quickly find them quickly and another should be kept on file at the funeral home.
     If it is your desire, you can even prepay your services and merchandise.  By prepaying for your services in advance you freeze the costs at today's prices and take a financial burden off of your family in the future.  Prepaid funeral arrangements are regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.  You may find additional information by visiting their website at www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov.