Death is a fact of life and most of us will be faced with the responsibility of making funeral arrangements at some point in our lives.

The New York State Funeral Directors Association provides the following tips to help you plan a funeral:

Ask questions.
Think of making a funeral director choice in the same way you would when choosing a doctor or attorney.

Discuss all options with your funeral director.
There are always a variety of options to meet your personal wishes and financial concerns.

Consider preplanning.
To avoid making decisions during an emotionally stressful time. Preplanning does not have to mean prepaying.

Be sure to personalize the service or ceremony - it helps facilitate the healing process.

Copies of funeral documents as well as personal affairs information (i.e. insurance, bank accounts, accountant, etc.) should be given to spouse or next of kin. It is not wise to keep these documents in a safety deposit box or attorney's office because they will not be easily accessible.

For more information on pre-planning a funeral, or for Medicaid / SSI information, click HERE.