ASK THE UNDERTAKER: A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THAT LASTS FOREVER

By Ryan Helfenbein

Happy New Year!

The ball has dropped, the gym memberships are active, the detox smoothies are in rotation, and we’re all surfing that invigorating January wave of “This is finally my year.” While those goals are wonderful, here’s a quieter truth: most of them will fade by Valentine’s Day. But there’s one resolution you can set right now – one that will truly last forever and protect the people you love for decades to come: preplanning your final farewell.

Imagine this: instead of your family scrambling through tears and to-do lists, they’re following a thoughtful road map you created years earlier. No guessing whether you wanted a beachside scattering of ashes, a rock-concert-themed celebration, or a peaceful woodland burial. Preplanning lets you shape every detail – from the playlist to the plot – turning what could be a stressful scramble into an authentic celebration of your life. And let’s be honest: grief is heavy enough without logistical chaos piled on top. By calling this your 2026 goal, you give yourself (and them) time to refine your wishes, explore options like eco-friendly choices, or even incorporate modern celebration trends.

And the numbers back it up. A 2024 Consumer Reports survey found that 50% of Americans have either already planned or intend to plan their own arrangements, reflecting a growing recognition that leaving decisions until the last minute often leads to difficult choices under pressure. The National Funeral Directors Association’s 2025 Consumer Awareness & Preferences Study shows that nearly a quarter of Americans have gone a step further by both preplanning and prepaying, citing price protection and reduced financial burden for loved ones as major motivators. Broader sentiment is also shifting. A recent survey reports 65% of people have mapped out some form of final arrangements. The average 5-10% annual rise in funeral costs in many regions is believed to be fueling this rise in advance planning.

The takeaway? Planning ahead isn’t just proactive – it’s protective. Think of it as the adult version of packing an emergency kit: better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

When you’re ready to make things official, sit down with a properly licensed and certified undertaker in your area – ideally someone who holds a state mortician’s license, an insurance license, and National Funeral Directors Association credentials as a Certified Preplanning Counselor. These professionals know the laws inside and out, can secure funding that’s shielded from inflation and Medicaid restrictions, and can help craft arrangements that feel unmistakably you. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s a lasting gift to your family – one wrapped with clarity, care, and zero stress.

So here we are, stepping into 2026 with a blank calendar and bold intentions. Make this the year you officially cross preplanning off your list. Grab your coffee, open a new note on your phone, and write:

“Schedule appointment to complete my preplans – 2026 goal #1 complete.”

Ryan, owner, supervising mortician and preplanning counselor at Lasting Tributes on Bestgate Road in Annapolis, offers area residents solutions to high-cost funerals. He can be contacted at (410) 897-4852 or [email protected].