Thank you for your service. You and your family should review the several benefits available for veterans. https://www.usa.gov/veteran-burial-benefits

Jim, Thanks for the advice. Several years ago my wife and I visited our closest National Cemetery and received literature concerning the benefits I would qualify for. We have also talked with a funeral home representative and gotten a good idea of cost. They sell a pre-needs policy but I am not sure this is my best option. My question is what option makes the most sense and is the best financial decision.

As a veteran, you should be able to be buried in the veteran cemetery (your wife as well) as to coffins, services, etc. Those will be handled by a funeral home. Your best bet is to contact your local VA. Also, make sure you have a few copies of your DD214 papers so that your wife and childrenvwill have it. Some government facilities like social security, VA will need it for processing. They will also need it to obtain a flag, and honors or medals you received, etc.

Brokenground, Thank you for the advice. After consultation with a local funeral home I received several booklets with all the forms included and pages to input information for future use. I completed form 40-10007 pre-need eligibility. I have been approved although I haven't received the letter as of this date. I have already received medals earned. I started the application for the United States Flag but got stumped when I got to the "Date of Death". My question still remains as to the best option of planning and paying for the services.

After you determine what VA will cover and the procedures required to obtain the services it’s helpful to put a file together for the future need. We have a Legacy Box that is the go to source for all these important documents/information. The family members know to go to that place to get started with any decisions/needs when my husband or I pass away. As to future burial needs….we also went to our local mortuary and priced out what our desires are. We put those funds aside as one of our sinking funds. When the needs arises we want to minimize the financial burden as best as possible. Needless to say we are mindful to update this info/funds as the years go by. One more note…be sure your family members have the necessary legal rights to handle your affairs when you pass. Power of Attorney will be voided upon death. Things like trust executor, beneficiary, transfer upon death, or joint ownership to assets will be needed. Wills are helpful for post death instruction but will not be quick in accessing assets unless other arrangements are made.

M.R., Thanks for the good tips. I like the idea of a Legacy Box and am working on completing the booklets with information my wife or children will need after my passing. We met with a local funeral home and each have pricing quotes of final costs. I plan on investigating the use of sinking funds to pay for these costs. My concerns are to make the wisest decision for planning/paying for these costs. Thanks again for the food for thought.