1. Gather necessary documents: 

   • Social Security Card | Birth Certificate | Driver’s License

   • Power of Attorney form (if planning for someone else) | Form DD-214 (if planning for a veteran)

2. Make burial or cremation arrangements 

   • Select the establishment

- Ask friends an family for recommendations

- Research what's available in your local area. Listings are available on Better Business Bureau page.

2. • Make a budget. How much do you want to spend? Good questions to ask:

- What services are offered? | What are the package options? | What are the a la carte options?

- How are the prepaid funds protected to ensure your services are provided when needed?

- Who can we contact for questions/communication?

- What insurance and protection plans are there?

2. • If you select cremation, what will you do with the ashes?

- Keep in an urn. Who will be responsible for them?

- Keep in cemetery

- Scatter somewhere meaningful

3. For the funeral

   • Let friends and family know  > Delegate people to help do the outreach

   • Write a eulogy (speech) to commemorate and celebrate the life of the deceased

   • Make photo collages in memory of loved one 

- Create a shared album of images and pick 50-60 to print

- Go through old family photo albums and pick your favorites

4. Tie up loose ends

   • Secure the property. Lock up the deceased's home and vehicle. 

   • Provide care for pets. Make sure pets have caretakers until there's a permanent plan for them. 

   • Notify your family member's employer