Why So Many Families Say They're Glad They Preplanned

 A recent survey found that 90% of Americans believe end-of-life planning conversations are important, yet many families still postpone them (New York Post, 12/5/2024). 

Funeral preplanning ensures that our loved ones aren’t burdened by tough choices or unexpected costs while they are dealing with grief and loss. So what's holding people back?

For many, it's simply not knowing where to start. Others worry the process will be complicated, uncomfortable, or overwhelming.

But when you listen to families who have already taken that step, a very different picture emerges.

Across dozens of recent reviews, people shared remarkably similar experiences. They talked about feeling relieved. They talked about having questions answered. Most of all, they talked about the peace of mind that came from knowing their wishes were documented and their loved ones would be cared for in the future.

Here are some of the things families say mattered most to them.

Relief for Everyone

One of the strongest themes throughout the reviews was simple relief.

Many families described a sense of comfort once their plans were complete, as these statements indicate from successful preplanning at Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society.

David E. said that prepaying for services gave his family "peace of mind" and encouraged others to have conversations about cremation and preplanned funerals sooner rather than later.  

Sherri K. shared that she and her husband had been facing a difficult season in life. After completing their plans, she described the experience as "such a relief to both of us."

Kimberle C. echoed that feeling, saying she left knowing her prearranged funeral plans had been taken care of for her family.

That feeling comes up again and again. People often expect preplanning to be difficult. Instead, many say they walk away feeling lighter.

Easing Stress on Adult Children

For many families, preplanning isn't really about themselves.

It's about the people they love.

Jan attended an informational presentation and said one of the biggest benefits was knowing her children would not have to face the stress of planning or paying for arrangements in the future.

Del Jean R. experienced firsthand how valuable a plan can be when circumstances change unexpectedly. After her mother completed her arrangements at Hiers Baxley Funeral Service, the family was able to focus on honoring her wishes rather than making difficult decisions during a time of loss.

Families frequently mention wanting to spare loved ones from uncertainty, second-guessing, and emotional decision-making. Having a plan in place helps make that possible.

Guidance, Not a Sales Pitch

One concern many people have about preplanning is feeling pressured.

Interestingly, several reviews specifically mention the opposite experience.

Heidi K. and Steven R. appreciated receiving complete and sincere information without high-pressure sales tactics at Baldwin Brothers. Steven noted “the patience and professionalism” he experienced throughout the process.

Kurt D.  said his advisor at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Homes focused on helping his family make the right choices rather than pushing them toward a purchase.

Again and again, families described advisors who listened carefully, explained options clearly, and gave them the information they needed to make confident decisions.

Questions Became Answers

Many reviewers began the process unsure of what they wanted or even where to begin.

Fred Z. appreciated the thorough explanation of prepaid memorial and cremation options, while Corina G. said she was comparing multiple providers and valued having all of her options clearly presented.

Gloria C. attended an educational seminar at a local restaurant and found it so informative that she scheduled a follow-up appointment to begin planning.

And Jeff B. appreciated having cremation options explained in clear, respectful detail.

The common thread wasn't that families arrived with all the answers. It's that they found someone willing to guide them through the questions.

Easier Than They Expected

Perhaps the most surprising theme in the reviews is how often people used words like easy and stress-free. Time and again, families spoke about the kind and respectful care they received from their preplanning advisor.

Judith H. described preplanning her mother's cremation at the South Carolina Cremation Society as “very easy” and her advisor as “respectful.” Likewise, Diana R. also thanked her advisor for making the experience easy and stress-free.

April F. said everything went smoothly from start to finish with Highland Memorial Park.

For Martin A. and his wife, they "could not have had a better experience" during their planning session at Baldwin Brothers.

When people delay preplanning, it's often because they assume the process will be difficult. These reviews suggest the opposite. With the right guidance, many families find the process straightforward, informative, and even reassuring.

The Real Benefits of Preplanning

The reviews came from different families, different communities, and different circumstances.

Yet they all seem to point to the same conclusion.

Preplanning isn't just about making arrangements:

• It's about creating clarity.

• It's about documenting your wishes.

• It's about removing uncertainty for the people you love.

• And perhaps most importantly, it's about replacing future stress with present peace of mind.

That's why so many families who have completed the process say the same thing: They're glad they did it.

Ready to take the first step toward a clearer future for you and your loved ones? Learn more on our Plan Ahead page and get our free preplanning guide – no cost, no obligation.