Just as with other end-of-life decisions, you and your loved ones can plan for your funeral prior to your death.

Ask yourself if you would feel reassured leaving your loved one there. And then visit again. Make a second visit without an appointment, maybe on another day of the week or time of day. See if your first thoughts are still the same.

Planning for long-term care is not easy. Individual needs change over time as do the rules about programs and benefits. Be sure to include your family in your decision to move to a long-term care facility, no matter what the level of care.

For many Americans, working toward owning their own home is the dream of a lifetime. Carefully consider all your options and make an informed decision, should you decide to take out a reverse mortgage on your home.

A reverse mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there.

Remember to keep in control of your policy's money rather than turning the money over to the funeral director.