The cost of a traditional funeral ranges between $7,000 and $12,000, including basic service fees, a casket, viewing and burial, and other preparation. With the cost of funerals steadily rising, thinking about how to secure funds for your funeral can help you avoid sending your loved ones into a financial disaster.

If you're planning to set aside money in your will, it's important to keep in mind that your survivors won't be able to access your wealth until the court probates your estate, which can take a few months to a year. In most cases, funeral homes ask for full payment upfront, meaning your survivors may risk debt when paying for your funeral. Instead, here's how selling your life insurance policy can help you cover the cost of your funeral.

What is a life settlement?

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If you're covered under a life insurance policy, you can sell your policy to a buyer in return for a lump-sum payment. When you sell your life insurance policy to a life settlement company or life settlement broker, they take over paying the monthly premiums on your policy to keep it in place.

Depending on your financial situation, selling your life insurance policy may be able to help you cover the costs of your funeral and provide financial assistance to your loved ones after your death.

How can I sell my life insurance policy?

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To qualify for a life settlement, the face value of your policy must be at least $100,00 and you must be at least 70 years of age. If you're not sure how much your life insurance policy is worth, contact your insurance company and speak to an agent.

If you're suffering from a terminal illness or have a reduced life expectancy, you may qualify for a viatical settlement. Life insurance policyholders with terminal illnesses such as Alzheimer's or cancer do not need to meet an age requirement to qualify for a viatical settlement. To find out more about how a viatical settlement can give you financial peace of mind, Google “what is a viatical settlement“ or visit the American Life Fund to see if your policy qualifies.

How much should I set aside for my funeral?

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Depending on whether you're planning to be buried or cremated, funerals can cost up to $9,000 or more. In some cases, caskets and urns can cost thousands of dollars or more, depending on the style and material. Calculating the cost of your funeral beforehand can give you peace of mind and help you set aside enough to help your loved ones pay for funeral expenses.

If you're planning your funeral with a budget in mind, remember that add-ons can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost. To obtain a general idea of how much you'll be spending, shop around for funeral services and add-ons you want by contacting local funeral homes and asking for quotes. Although most consumers don't shop around for funeral services, it can help you understand your options before making any major purchases.

How can I save money on my funeral?

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In addition to shopping around, purchasing funeral items—like caskets and liners—from a third-party can help you cut costs. By comparing prices and purchasing items through a third party, you can reduce the cost of your funeral by thousands of dollars without sacrificing the integrity of your arrangement. To further reduce costs, consider skipping embalming or hosting memorial services at a private home.

Cremation can also help you save on funeral costs. With Legacy Cremation, a trusted cremation provider, the costs of transportation, certified copies of the death certificate, cremation approval, and assistance in filing for VA benefits are included in the cost of a cremation package. The professionals at Legacy Cremation can also help you plan a unique and meaningful ceremony to honor your life.

All in all, selling your life insurance policy for a lump-sum payment can help you gain financial peace of mind, cover the cost of your funeral, and provide for your loved ones after your death.

Endometriosis involves the presence and growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterine cavity. As one of the most common gynecological conditions, endometriosis ("endo") affects one in 10 women. The most common symptoms of endo include menstrual irregularities, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and dysmenorrhea.

Living with endometriosis isn't easy, and the symptoms of the condition often affect the psychological and social functioning of individuals affected. For many patients, the symptoms of endo significantly compromise social relationships, sexuality, and mental health, leading to social isolation, anxiety, and depression. If you're struggling to keep your social life alive and function with endo, here are some ways to cope.

Reach Out for Support

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From family to personal relationships to work, the symptoms of endo can take control of every aspect of your life. Surrounding yourself with the support of close friends and family can help you avoid social isolation when your anxiety and depression are at their worst.

Social support is a valuable coping mechanism, but in some situations, sharing your experience with friends and family can be challenging. Endometriosis is a complicated condition, and some friends and family members may be quick to tell you that you're just exaggerating.

If you're not getting the support you need from friends or family, joining an online endometriosis support group can provide the opportunity to share your experience with women in similar situations. Additionally, try asking your gynecologist about local endo support groups for in-person opportunities to swap strategies for coping with endo.

If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out for professional help. The expert specialists at the Therapy Group of DC, a group of therapists in DC, provide personalized, data-driven treatment plans for each patient. Whether you're fighting social isolation or struggling to function at work, the professionals at the Therapy Group of DC can help you learn healthy ways to cope.

Focus on Your Diet

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Dealing with anxiety and depression can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to reach for unhealthy foods if you're not in a great mental space. However, according to HealthSoul, an online directory of hospitals, travel insurance, health insurance, and doctors, all-natural treatment methods, like eating a healthy diet, can improve the symptoms of depression and reduce endometriosis pain.

In one randomized controlled trial, symptoms of depression improved significantly among subjects who followed a Meditteranean-style diet for three weeks. The study reported that the depression "score" of participants fell from the "moderate" to "normal" range, and participants also reported feeling less stressed and anxious.

Another study found that a high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables reduced the relative risk of endometriosis by 40 percent. Meanwhile, diets high in beef, red meat, and ham increased the relative risk between 80 and 100 percent. Consequently, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet may be able to reduce the pain associated with endo and improve the symptoms of depression.

Practice Self-Care

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According to a study by the National Institute of Health, stress can worsen the symptoms of endometriosis, and dealing with the symptoms of endo can further heighten stress levels. To avoid getting caught in a never-ending cycle, aim to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

If you're not sure where to start, try tracking your period, endo symptoms, and mood swings to obtain an idea of when you experience the worst symptoms. If possible, clear your calendar to avoid feeling overwhelmed by social and work obligations when your symptoms are at their worst.

Living with endo is both emotionally and physically draining, and paying attention to your mind and body connection can help you feel better. In a recent study, mindful meditation improved pain and depression symptoms in individuals with chronic pain. If meditation isn't for you, creating a photo journal using a private photo storage device or writing down your feelings in a notebook can help you reap the same therapeutic benefits.

Dealing with the symptoms of endometriosis can feel overwhelming, and many women with endo experience anxiety and depression. Reaching out for help, focusing on your diet, and practicing self-care can help you avoid sacrificing your social relationships and mental health because of endo.