The Plot - 10/27/2023: Reflections, "souling" and the importance of planning

This week's theme: Planning for the end of life is about more than just legal and financial matters. It's an opportunity to create meaningful and personalized experiences that honor the deceased and provide comfort to the bereaved.

First up, we have an emotional personal essay by Lindsay Ryan in The Atlantic. Ryan reflects on her mother's decision to use Washington's Death With Dignity Act to end her life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She explores the complexities of aid-in-dying laws and the myth of the 'good death.' This thought-provoking piece reminds us of the importance of compassion and understanding when it comes to end-of-life choices.

Next, in The Guardian, an author reflects on the 20th anniversary of her mother's death and the challenges of marking a death day. She explores different cultural traditions and rituals for honoring the deceased and ultimately decides to visit a tearoom her mother loved. This article highlights the importance of creating personalized rituals and traditions to provide a space for emotional expression and find closure in the face of loss.

Now, let's take a step back in time with The Guardian. English Heritage is reviving the medieval tradition of souling, where people go from door to door singing and saying prayers for souls in exchange for a soul cake. This unique tradition provides inspiration for funeral and celebration of life planning, reminding us of the power of old traditions in honoring the deceased. Plus, learning about different customs and traditions broadens our knowledge and expertise in this field.

In Vox, we dive into the importance of planning for aging and the legal and financial aspects involved. The article emphasizes the need for open conversations about long-term care and the importance of legal documents like advance directives and wills. This valuable information can help individuals prepare for their later years and ensure their wishes are respected. Funeral and celebration of life planners can also benefit from understanding these aspects to provide guidance to their clients.

Lastly, in CNBC, we explore the potential impact of changes to the federal estate-tax exemption on estate planning. The article suggests strategies to minimize tax exposure, such as gifting assets annually and creating trusts. While this may not be the most exciting topic, it's important for funeral and celebration of life planners to be aware of the financial implications and provide valuable advice to their clients.

That wraps up this edition of The Plot. We hope you found these articles informative and thought-provoking.