Funeral planning is a subject that many people avoid. It is often due to the discomfort over the topic of death, “pantang” or superstition, and thinking that this is best left for later stages in life. Facing this reality early on can offer both peace of mind and financial benefits – for oneself and for the loved ones.
Despite its importance, funeral planning (or pre-planning) is surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Many people think they know what is involved in planning a funeral, but often these assumptions lead to misconceptions that can create unexpected stress when the time comes. In reality, funeral planning is a process that can ease emotional and financial burden on family members and help create a situation that reflect one’s wishes and values.
We will look at five common beliefs about funeral planning and uncover the truth behind them. I hope this article will empower you towards securing your family’s future and honoring cultural and personal preferences in a thoughtful way.
#1 Funeral Planning is Only for The Elderly
Many people believe that funeral planning is a topic that is only relevant in later stages of life. The truth is, funeral planning can be beneficial for individuals of any age as life is unpredictable. Preparing for unexpected events can provide peace of mind and cost savings.
Sometimes the responsibility of funeral arrangements is placed on loved ones and relatives of the deceased which can lead to emotional and financial strain. Last minutes arrangements are chaotic and pricier than pre-planning.
Taking early steps can ease future emotional and financial load on loved ones. Starting the conversation can also create a culture of openness, although it is a difficult and sensitive subject, it can give everyone peace of mind. Setting aside dedicated funds for this purpose is also a good start. You can also start by purchasing forward – meaning purchase the funeral services and final resting place (burial land or niche in a columbarium). This can lead to massive savings in the long run as you can hedge against inflation and rising costs.
#2 Funeral Planning is Expensive and Complicated
This is a common misconception – that funeral planning is expensive and complex. Many just want to avoid the topic altogether. In reality, there are many affordable options that caters to different requirements and budgets.
Choosing a pre-arranged plan gives you the opportunity to lock in today’s prices that will save your loved ones from the burden of rising costs. In Nirvana, funeral pre-planning (Nirvana Life Plan) packages offers a range of packages that comes with monthly installment options (so you don’t have to pay in one lump sum). In contrast, families that are left to arrange for everything in a short period of time have to pay more due to urgency, and limited options.
Once you have decided on the package, you will be provided with a list of items in your preferred package. All the step-by-step instruction will be provided to you for safe keeping. All you need to do is to let your loved ones know where you keep these documents (& instructions) so that they can do the necessary when the time comes.
#3 You Don’t Need to Put Aside Funds
A common misconception is that setting aside money specifically for funeral expenses is unnecessary, or that it can wait until later in life. Funeral costs in Malaysia can vary, but it doesn’t come cheap. Without a dedicated fund, family members may need to cover these cost unexpectedly. Some resort to take up personal loans or maxing out their credit facilities.
Setting up a funeral fund is a straightforward option – start by putting aside an amount every month for this specific purpose. Alternatively, you can opt for Nirvana Life Plan packages and pay a monthly installment until the whole package is fully paid. A smaller payment monthly is usually easier than a large lump sum payment.
Taking these steps now can relieve the financial and emotional weight on loved ones, allowing them to focus on honoring the deceased instead of managing costs.
#4 All Funeral Services Are The Same
It is easy to assume that all funeral services are similar. In reality, there are many cultural and religious factors in funeral services. Every religion will have its own structure, requirements and cultural elements. Engaging a professional bereavement specialist like Nirvana will help families throughout this difficult times – ensuring that the funeral services align with their values.
At Nirvana, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Hence the Funeral Director will hold a detailed discussion with the deceased’s family members before setting up the funeral service – to ensure that the funeral wake/ceremony/memorial fulfill the deceased and families wishes.
#5 It’s a One-Time Process—You Don’t Need to Plan Beyond the Funeral
Many people think that funeral planning begins and ends with the funeral wake service itself. The truth is that there is a lot of other elements beyond the funeral service. The final resting place is an important element that is often overlooked. Burial plots needs to be reserved in advance as availability and prices may fluctuate over time. Niche in columbariums are also best to be purchased in advance for similar reasons.
For the Chinese community, there are also cultural observance after the funeral wake. The younger generation may not be aware of these – so Nirvana would be able to guide you through. Eg. Observing 49 days, 100 days and so on. Though it may seem trivial, these are cultural beliefs that has been practiced through generations.
Bringing Peace of Mind Through Proactive Funeral Planning
Funeral planning can be a challenging topic to approach, but breaking down the misconceptions helps to bring clarity and peace of mind. Addressing the myths proves that funeral pre-planning is not an age-bound process. Proactive planning is an act of care that ensures loved ones can grieve without emotional and financial stress.
If you want to leave a meaningful legacy behind, start your funeral planning today with us.