Spring and Tax Season: A Natural Time to Think About End-of-Life Planning

March 23, 2026

We’re exploring why families choose to pre-plan and what to expect during a pre-planning meeting in a series of blogs.  Another question people often have is how pre-planning fits into their broader financial life.


Whether or not you’re receiving a tax refund this year, spring’s arrival often inspires a reset. Just as the natural world begins a new cycle in spring, it can also be a good time to reset financial plans and think ahead. “It’s a time when people are already talking to financial professionals and reviewing their plans,” says Ron of LifeSource. For some families, this includes conversations about end-of-life planning. 


End-of-life arrangements are something every family will face eventually, so taking time to think and talk about them ahead of that time can reduce financial and emotional stress at the time of need and ensure that wishes are clearly understood. While planning can happen at any time of year, this natural financial checkpoint can make it easier to start the conversation.


At this checkpoint, some options families may consider are:

  • Using a full refund to pre-plan arrangements
  • Using a portion of a refund toward pre-planning
  • Choosing financing rather than using a refund
  • Having family members pay for arrangements at the time of need 

Using a Tax Refund for Final Expense Planning

For those receiving a refund, tax season can present an opportunity to set aside funds for future planning, including final expenses.


Psychologically, a tax refund can feel different from money that comes out of an established monthly budget. Because the funds were already withheld throughout the year, applying a refund toward planning may feel less disruptive.


Even allocating a portion of a refund toward final expenses can help families feel like they are getting their affairs in order and taking proactive steps.

Looking at the Bigger Financial Picture

Tax season is also a time when many people step back and evaluate their overall financial situation.



Questions families might consider include:

  • What could we comfortably afford to set aside today?
  • Would it make sense to pre-pay for arrangements entirely?
  • Or would a payment plan work better for our budget?

The right approach depends on personal financial circumstances and comfort levels.

Why Financing Can Make Sense

Some families choose to pre-pay for funeral arrangements in full, while others prefer spreading the cost over time through payment plans. Payments can often be structured over 1, 3, 7, or even 10 years.


“Financing a funeral is similar to financing other major life expenses,” explains Ron. Instead of paying the entire amount upfront, families can spread the cost over time through predictable payments. Just as people finance homes, vehicles, or medical procedures, funeral financing can provide a way to manage a significant expense in a more structured and manageable way.


Rather than facing a large, possibly unexpected, expense during an already difficult time, financing allows people to make deliberate decisions about arrangements without immediate financial pressure.


Planning for the end of life is like putting a book end on your life’s bookshelf. You get to choose the bookend- what it looks like, the material. 


If you’re considering greener options such as terramation, aquamation, burial at sea, or natural burial  pre-planning makes even more sense, as these options are not the norm, and may take some education for family members who are not aware of these options. 


Part 1: Why Families Choose to Pre-Plan End-of-Life Arrangements

Part 2: What to Expect During an End-of-Life Pre-Planning Meeting

Part 3: Spring and Tax Season: A Natural Time to Think About End-of-Life Planning (this blog)


Download our free green funeral planner to help you begin thinking about, and documenting, your wishes.


You can start the pre-planning conversation now and set up a meeting with a team member here. 

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Green Burial and Natural Burial: Are There Differences?

November 4, 2026
If you’re learning about green burial and natural burial, you may wonder if there are any differences between these terms. In most contexts, they mean the same thing: returning the body to the earth using biodegradable materials, without conventional embalming or a burial vault. Both allow for a simple return to nature, allowing the body to become part of the living landscape once again. The language can become confusing because “Green Burial” is sometimes used broadly to describe other options such as terramation (aka human composting) and aquamation (aka water cremation) . When discussing eco-friendly options that do not involve burying a body, “Green Funerals” or “Green Death Care” are more accurate terms. What is Natural Burial Natural burial is the practice of allowing the body to decompose naturally in the earth. With minimal intervention, the body’s nutrients return to the earth through the work of naturally occurring decomposition. Though practices vary by cemetery, you’ll generally see natural and green burial outlined as: Avoiding conventional embalming or toxic preservation fluids. Forgoing vaults or concrete liners. Using caskets or shrouds made of renewable, natural, & biodegradable materials. Choosing simple natural markers that complement the landscape. The surrounding landscape may look different from a conventional cemetery, too. In some natural burial grounds, native grasses, wildflowers, and trees take the place of meticulously manicured lawns. A natural burial can take place in: An uncertified natural burial ground or cemetery. A Green Burial Council-certified cemetery. A hybrid cemetery- a conventional cemetery that allows natural burial in dedicated sections. Private property burial may also be an option in some locations, depending on state and local requirements. In California, in limited rural areas, a small private or family cemetery can be established through strict licensing and approvals. You can learn more about establishing a private cemetery here. Is Green Burial Different from Natural Burial? In most cases, no. Both terms describe a full-body burial that allows for natural decomposition in the earth. The use of the term “natural” emphasizes the process of returning to the earth with limited intervention, while “green” emphasizes environmental considerations. The priorities go hand in hand: simpler burial materials and fewer interventions allow for a more eco-friendly and direct return to the earth. The key distinction here is the word burial. Aquamation, Cremation, and Terramation are not forms of burial, but dispositions that reduce the body with an alkaline solution, fire, or natural decomposition. They transform the body in a controlled environment before returning the resulting remains to the earth. Cremation and aquamation produce remains from bones, commonly called “ashes”, while terramation produces “soil” or compost (you’ll also hear the term reduced remains- we cover this in this post about terramation terminology here ). Families may choose to bury or scatter these remains, but this is a separate step. With natural and green burial, the body’s transformation takes place within the earth. Green Burial and Green Death Care You’ll see that “green burial” is occasionally used interchangeably with “green death care”. However, green death care is an umbrella term for environmentally conscious funeral options, and green and natural burial fall underneath this umbrella. Aquamation and terramation are separate processes that can also fall within green death care. Think of green death care as a broad spectrum- caring for someone after death while considering the resources used, materials left behind, and the impact on the environment. Green death care can encompass both disposition choices and individual practices, including: Natural or green burial. Aquamation (water cremation). Terramation (human composting). Full-body burial at sea using appropriate biodegradable materials. Choosing simpler, biodegradable funeral products. Avoiding conventional embalming or choosing less toxic body-care options when preparation is desired. Reducing the environmental impact of conventional services through changes in materials, transportation, or energy use. Supporting carbon-offset projects. What Does Green Burial Certification Mean? The Green Burial Council has different certification standards for cemeteries, funeral homes and products. Certification provides a framework for evaluating specific practices and helping families understand what a provider offers. For cemetery certification, cemeteries undergo an evaluation and are scored based on outlined criteria. It is important to note that the Green Burial Council does not conduct compliance checks after initial certification. Certification can help families find providers and compare their practices. However, Green Burial Council certification is voluntary and not required to arrange a natural burial. An uncertified cemetery may still allow a burial that follows natural burial practices. See a beautiful example of a Los Angeles’ family’s experience of natural burial here . LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. LifeSource had the honor of guiding this family in preparing a natural burial for their loved one, Maria. Her wishes were inspired by the simplicity of Jewish burial traditions and the meaning she found in returning directly to the earth. Her story illustrates how natural burial can reflect both personal beliefs and a connection to nature.  Considering Green or Natural Burial in Southern California? Whether you are planning ahead or caring for someone who has died, LifeSource can help you explore a return to the earth that reflects your values. Our team can explain natural burial arrangements, discuss available cemetery options, and help you understand each step. Exploring other paths? LifeSource offers the following dispositions: Terramation Aquamation Flame Cremation Burial at Sea Natural Burial (covered here)