The Benefits of Preplanning

Preplanning for the Ones You Love at Mt. Elliott Cemeteries

One of the questions we are regularly asked is, “why should I preplan?” The simple answers are to save money and ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family.

Relieve an emotional and financial burden for loved ones
Making final arrangements is far more difficult when a loved one has just passed than if you plan for it now. It can become an emotional burden during a time when family members and friends should be remembering their loved one. There are literally dozens of decisions that must be made in only a few days to prepare for final arrangements and a funeral. For an individual or a couple, being able to make those decisions with a clear mind is vitally important, and a blessing for loved ones.

Avoid emotional overspending by preplanning
Burial and cremation costs also rise each year, and double on average every decade. Preplanning saves on these costs, and allows for either up-front payment or an affordable payment plan that fits your schedule.

Make your wishes clear
When you preplan your arrangements, you make clear to your loved ones how you wish to be remembered and where and how you wish to rest. Without a preplan, these decisions are left to surviving family members who may not agree on what they believe you would have wanted. Such challenges can cause family strife, strained relations, and confusion, which can be avoided by preplanning.

We’re here to answer your preplanning questions

Our experienced family service counselors host free, informal seminars at halls, churches, restaurants and community centers around Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, as well as tours and open houses at the cemetery. We provide information about preplanning options, including ground and mausoleum burials, cremation, special sections that are available to families to memorialize children, veterans and religious beliefs. This is your chance to ask those questions in a casual, comfortable setting.

Take advantage of our free Planning Guide
Just as every family is different, there are many variations of the burial and funeral ritual. We provide a hard copy of our 16-page Planning Guide to families who meet with us. Here you can document your wishes as well as information and location of records, all of which your loved ones will need when you pass. It is an invaluable tool and complimentary to our families.

How to get started

Attend our free seminars or contact a Family Services Counselor at any of our locations. Visit the webpage of the cemetery of your choice for a list of upcoming events.

Call us now for an appointment to schedule your personalized tour
Visit any of our cemetery offices and we’ll provide you with the information necessary to begin planning with your family. This will ensure that you get exactly what you want, and nothing you don’t. But if it seems like a daunting task, don’t worry.
Our goal is to make it easy for you. 

Four important steps you should take today

Start the discussion with your family – Naturally, we’re all reluctant to talk about death. But it will be much easier before the need arises, so start the conversation now. The time to do it is not when you pass and the discussion taks place without you. Do it in advance.

Record your specific wishes in our Planning Guide – This list of preferences will prove to be an invaluable tool in preventing a lot of second guessing.

Catalog your important documents and keepsakes – Estate planning professionals advise their clients to keep complete and timely records to help the person managing your affairs. This will help you stay organized

Make it known to your family and friends – Inform those closest to you that you have made these decisions. You’ll feel better, and you’re loved ones will be relieved.

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Contact Us Today to Speak to a Family Service Counselor