With “Going in Style,” a computer-based software program, consumers can list their preferences and print out the data for future use. Don’t let your loved ones guess what you want – tell them with “Go
July 24, 2006 (Press Release) --
With Baby Boomers hitting the big 6-0 this year, paying more attention to planning for potential bumps in the future has become more than just a hobby. Beyond the retirement options and long-term care policies, many are taking the ultimate step: planning their own funerals.
"Planning is a good thing," says Dr. R. E. Markin, founder of the Funeral Help Program (FHP), a consumer advocate and information organization, "but it does little if no one else knows what you've planned ... or where to find the details in a timely fashion."
Currently, it is not uncommon for a family to suffer a loss on a Thursday, spend the deceased's entire life insurance benefit on a funeral, and hold funeral services with burial over the weekend. Then on Monday, the family learns – either via a will found in a safety deposit box at the bank, or perhaps a call from the family attorney – that the deceased had preferred cremation. Likewise, the body may arrive at the wrong funeral home in the deceased’s hometown, if the death occurred in another city. Next on Tuesday, the family learns, much too late, that their late relative had pre-paid funeral expenses at another establishment. The problem: Americans are in denial about death to the point they rarely discuss any preferences until it is too late.
Enter "Going In Style,” a funeral planning software program developed by FHP. The user fills in the blanks stating his or her funeral or memorial preferences along with information required by the family for use upon the user’s death. After printing out the report, place it in an instantly accessible location. Users should send the first page of this report to relatives, friends, and neighbors letting them know of the plan’s existence and where to find it. The comprehensive detail of the program gives the user the ability to list their preferences and covers everything from vital statistics, preferred clothing, favorite hymns, scriptures, and a notification roster, to the disposition of pets and houseplants.
"Stating your desires takes a huge burden off family members and can save them hours of extra grief, wondering if they did the right thing." says Markin, "It can also save thousands of dollars because, in the absence of stated preferences, families tend to over-spend to make sure all bases are covered."
For many, taking control of arrangements and making your own plan is preferable to trying to discuss such matters with the family. It is also in keeping with the Baby Boomer generation's character since it’s like saying "We may not have any say in how we came into this world, but we can darn sure choose how we go out of it!"
"Going In Style" is available through bookstores or via FHP's website, www.funeral-help.com.
About Funeral Help Program
Funeral Help Program exists to assist the consumer by educating the public on their rights, options, resources, and the practices of the death care industry. Founded by Dr. Roe Markin in 1991, the program serves thousands of consumers who need advice with burial or information on guidance currently imposed by federal and state government. The accumulation of information gained by the Funeral Help Program comprises the bulk of the Dr. Markin’s book, “The Affordable Funeral: Going in Style, Not in Debt.”
"Planning is a good thing," says Dr. R. E. Markin, founder of the Funeral Help Program (FHP), a consumer advocate and information organization, "but it does little if no one else knows what you've planned ... or where to find the details in a timely fashion."
Currently, it is not uncommon for a family to suffer a loss on a Thursday, spend the deceased's entire life insurance benefit on a funeral, and hold funeral services with burial over the weekend. Then on Monday, the family learns – either via a will found in a safety deposit box at the bank, or perhaps a call from the family attorney – that the deceased had preferred cremation. Likewise, the body may arrive at the wrong funeral home in the deceased’s hometown, if the death occurred in another city. Next on Tuesday, the family learns, much too late, that their late relative had pre-paid funeral expenses at another establishment. The problem: Americans are in denial about death to the point they rarely discuss any preferences until it is too late.
Enter "Going In Style,” a funeral planning software program developed by FHP. The user fills in the blanks stating his or her funeral or memorial preferences along with information required by the family for use upon the user’s death. After printing out the report, place it in an instantly accessible location. Users should send the first page of this report to relatives, friends, and neighbors letting them know of the plan’s existence and where to find it. The comprehensive detail of the program gives the user the ability to list their preferences and covers everything from vital statistics, preferred clothing, favorite hymns, scriptures, and a notification roster, to the disposition of pets and houseplants.
"Stating your desires takes a huge burden off family members and can save them hours of extra grief, wondering if they did the right thing." says Markin, "It can also save thousands of dollars because, in the absence of stated preferences, families tend to over-spend to make sure all bases are covered."
For many, taking control of arrangements and making your own plan is preferable to trying to discuss such matters with the family. It is also in keeping with the Baby Boomer generation's character since it’s like saying "We may not have any say in how we came into this world, but we can darn sure choose how we go out of it!"
"Going In Style" is available through bookstores or via FHP's website, www.funeral-help.com.
About Funeral Help Program
Funeral Help Program exists to assist the consumer by educating the public on their rights, options, resources, and the practices of the death care industry. Founded by Dr. Roe Markin in 1991, the program serves thousands of consumers who need advice with burial or information on guidance currently imposed by federal and state government. The accumulation of information gained by the Funeral Help Program comprises the bulk of the Dr. Markin’s book, “The Affordable Funeral: Going in Style, Not in Debt.”
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