End of life planning is a sensitive (and often uncomfortable) topic that is easy to avoid, yet it stands as one of the most profound gifts you can give to your loved ones. 

In this episode, Andy Dziedzic, MBA, is joined by co-host Megan LeBarron, Director of Financial Planning at Prepared Retirement Institute. Together they sit down with Mike McDonald, a licensed funeral director at Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home with 25 years of experience, to discuss the significance of funeral pre-planning to alleviate the emotional and financial stress on families during their most vulnerable moments.

Mike, who has been dedicated to assisting families since the age of 14, sheds light on the critical services provided by funeral homes, including grief support, tribute planning, and handling essential legal paperwork like death certificates. He emphasizes the value of pre-planning your funeral—referred to as “pre-need” planning—as an integral part of your broader financial plan, recommending that individuals start considering these decisions in their mid-to-late 50s.

In this insightful conversation, Andy, Megan, and Mike explore:

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• The critical role of licensed funeral directors in supporting families and honoring final wishes
  
• The importance of “pre-need” planning and options to pre-pay funeral expenses, reducing the emotional and financial burden on surviving loved ones
  
• Approaching funeral planning as a vital component of estate planning
  
• Tips for selecting the right funeral director and creating an accessible funeral plan document
  
• Key differences between “pre-need” and “at-need” funeral services, and how to prepare for each
  
• And much more!
  

Resources:

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• Social Security Administration 
  
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
  
• Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA) 
  

Get in Touch with the Widow Empowerment Project

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• Visit our website
  
• Connect with Andy
  
• Connect with Megan
  
• Book a call with Andy
  
• Be a Guest on the Podcast
  

Connect with Michael McDonald:

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• LinkedIn: Michael McDonald
  
• LinkedIn: Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home
  
• Facebook: Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home
  
• Website: Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home Ltd.
  

About Our Guest: 

Mike McDonald is a licensed funeral director with a rich history in the funeral services industry. As a trusted professional at Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home in Chalfont, PA, Mike has dedicated his career to easing the burden on grieving families by guiding them through the complexities of funeral planning and honoring their loved ones’ final wishes. His deep understanding of the funeral process, combined with his commitment to ethical standards and compassionate service, makes him an invaluable resource for those looking to plan ahead with care and consideration.