If the idea of planning your funeral or a loved one’s makes you feel uneasy, you’re definitely not alone. That nervous feeling usually comes from a place of love and wanting to protect your family, even if the topic feels heavy.
It’s okay to feel unsure. Many people do. In the U.S., we don’t always know how to talk about death, and it’s easy to let fear or even superstition take over. Some think that talking about death will “jinx” things, while others may get overwhelmed before they even start.
But here’s the gentle truth: funeral preplanning isn’t about expecting the worst, but rather finding peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
5 Common Misconceptions About Funeral Preplanning
Since we tend to avoid talking about death in our culture, myths tend to pop up. Here are some misconceptions surrounding funeral preplanning, and the truths behind them.
1. “Talking about it will make it happen.”
Truth: Facing your fears can make them less scary. Discussing funeral preplanning helps you take charge of your final wishes and keeps loved ones informed.
2. “I’m too young or healthy to worry about this.”
Truth: You don’t have to reach the “right age” to preplan. Preplanning is for anyone who wants to make thoughtful choices ahead of time, no matter their age or health.
3. “My family will handle it because they know what I’d want.”
Truth: Even the closest families can struggle with decisions during emotional times. Preplanning can ease that burden, removing the guesswork for those you leave behind.
4. “It’s going to cost too much upfront.”
Truth: Preplanning doesn’t always mean paying upfront. It can actually help prevent unexpected costs later. Many find the process to be more flexible and affordable than expected.
5. “I don’t know where to begin.”
Truth: You've already taken the first step just by reading this. That shows you’re ready to tackle it, and that’s a great start.
Simple Ways to Get Started
You don’t need to do everything at once. Here are a few easy ways to begin your preplanning journey:
- Write down one wish. It could be a song, a reading or a memory you want your loved ones to remember. You might even think about recording your stories to preserve your history and create lasting memories for your family.
- Have a quick conversation. Share a thought with someone you trust. Speaking your mind can make it easier to plan and spark deeper conversations about end-of-life topics. If you're helping your loved one plan, read our tips for starting the conversation with someone you love.
- Download a guide. Tools like our Personal Expressions Guide or 125 Tasks can help you record your wishes and explore your options at your own pace.
These steps are small acts of care for yourself and your loved ones.
You’re Not Alone — It’s Okay to Be Where You Are
There’s no “perfect” time to start thinking about funeral preplanning. Whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own life or just curious, you’re not lagging behind. There's no right or wrong way to preplan a funeral. You have the freedom to make choices that feel good to you while you're here.
Whenever You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help
There’s no set timeline for preplanning. We’re here to support you with resources to help you figure out what's important to you, at your own pace.
If you want to learn more about advance funeral planning or start capturing your end-of-life wishes, our Personal Expressions Guide is a great place to begin. This tool helps you think about what matters most and put your thoughts down in a way that feels comfortable for you.
