At What Age Should I Learn How to Plan a Funeral?

When it comes to tough topics, few are harder to think about than planning a funeral. But learning how to plan a funeral isn’t something you need to fear, it’s something that gives you peace of mind. At ORCA Life, we help individuals and families prepare for the future with confidence and clarity. We believe everyone deserves the chance to make thoughtful choices that reflect their values, even after they’re gone.

So, let’s answer the big question: At what age should you learn how to plan a funeral? And what should you include in that plan?

Why People Choose to Plan Ahead

Eases the Burden on Family

Losing a loved one is hard. When someone passes away without a plan, family members are left to make tough decisions during an emotional time. Learning how to plan a funeral now means your family won’t have to guess what you would’ve wanted.

Helps Control Costs and Choices

Memorial Services can be expensive, and stressful. When you plan ahead, you can compare options and make choices based on your values and budget. Planning early helps you lock in today’s prices and avoid rising costs later.

When Most People Start Planning a Funeral

Planning in Your 50s and 60s

Most people begin thinking about how to plan a funeral in their 50s or 60s. It’s a time when many start thinking seriously about retirement, estate planning, and their legacy.

Starting Sooner if You Have a Health Condition

If you’re dealing with a serious health issue, pre-planning becomes even more important. It allows you to communicate your wishes clearly and relieve pressure on your loved ones.

What to Include in Early Funeral Arrangements

Burial or Cremation Preferences

One of the first things to decide is which type of funeral you prefer, traditional burial or cremation. This helps guide many of the other decisions that follow.

Funeral Service Details and Personal Touches

Would you like a religious ceremony, a traditional funeral, or something informal? Music, readings, floral arrangements, pallbearers, grave marker/headstone, cemetery plot, and more — these personal details matter. You can include as much or as little as you want in your plan. Also include details or stories you wish to be included in your obituary or eulogy.

How to Talk to Loved Ones About Your Plans

Start with Why You’re Doing It

When you talk to your family and close friends, explain that learning how to plan a funeral is an act of love. You’re doing it to make things easier on them and to make sure your wishes are honored.

Share Where Your Wishes Are Stored

Once you’ve written down your funeral preferences, let someone know where to find them. Our ORCA’s Final Wishes Planning Guide can help you keep all your service information in one place. You can also keep them with a will, in a binder, or even in a digital file just to make sure it’s accessible when needed. Your family will share these wishes with the officiant, the funeral home, and the funeral director when the time comes.

Planning a Funeral Doesn’t Mean It’s Happening Soon

Think of It Like a Will or Emergency Plan

Starting the funeral planning process doesn’t mean the end is near. It just means you’re being responsible, like making a will or buying home insurance.

You Can Always Update It Later

Your preferences may change as you go through life. That’s totally normal. The good news is you can update your funeral plan anytime.

How Final Expense Insurance Fits Into Funeral Planning

What Is Final Expense Insurance?

Final expense insurance is a small life insurance policy that covers funeral expenses and burial costs. It’s designed to pay out quickly and help your family avoid sudden expenses.

Why It Helps When Planning Ahead

By pairing your funeral plan with final expense insurance, you make things even easier for your loved ones. They’ll have clear instructions and the funds to carry them out.

6 Simple FAQ

Q: At what age should I learn how to plan a funeral?

A: Most people begin learning how to plan a funeral in their 50s or 60s, but you can start earlier for peace of mind.

Q: Is it too early to learn how to plan a funeral in your 40s?

A: Not at all—many people start thinking about it as part of midlife planning.

Q: Why is it helpful to learn how to plan a funeral in advance?

A: It gives you control over your preferences and reduces stress for your loved ones, giving them a step-by-step process to the type of service you prefer.

Q: Do I need to pay when learning how to plan a funeral?

A: No, learning how to plan doesn’t mean spending money on the cost of a funeral. It just means being prepared for your celebration of life.

Q: Can I change my plans after learning how to plan a funeral?

A: Absolutely. Your plans can be updated anytime as life changes.

Q: What is final expense insurance and how does it help with planning a funeral?

A: Final expense insurance is a type of life insurance that helps cover funeral and end-of-life costs. It ensures your beneficiaries aren’t left with the financial burden when carrying out your wishes.

Peace of Mind Starts Today

Learning how to plan a funeral doesn’t have to be scary. It’s a smart step that shows love and responsibility. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, the right time to start is when you feel ready to take control of your future.

At ORCA Life, we’re here to help you through every step. From creating a plan to choosing final expense insurance, we make it simple and stress-free.

Ready to take the next step? Contact ORCA Life today to start building peace of mind today.