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Planning Ahead

Most of us plan ahead in life; we plan for our weddings, our children’s education, family vacations, retirement, and other significant expected life events.  We also plan for the unexpected events of life by purchasing home, auto, and medical insurance.  Understanding the benefits of pre-planning for a funeral has prompted many to take the step to plan their own arrangements.

There are numerous decisions to be made when arranging a funeral.  Below are answers to some common questions associated with making pre-arrangements.

What is a pre-arranged funeral?

A pre-arranged funeral is when a funeral is arranged in advance.  Making these decisions today allows you to make logical, thoughtful arrangements your family will appreciate, as well as allowing you time to tend to every detail.

What are the methods of pre-arranging a funeral?

Pre-arranging your funeral can be very informal, and as simple as writing down your preferences and sharing your wishes with a family member.  More formal arrangements in the form of a pre-need contract can be set up with a funeral home and can be pre-funded through life insurance, bank trust, or other methods such as revocable and irrevocable pre-need contracts.

If you elect to pay for a funeral service in advance, the price of the services and merchandise are guaranteed.  You are essentially paying for a funeral service at today’s price, even though the need may not occur for many years.  Through funeral home pre-planning programs you can be assured that your money is safely in trust and will be available at the time of need.

If you need nursing home care or other monetary assistance in the future, your pre-funded service cannot be taken away from you.  Yet if you move, your arrangements can move with you to the funeral home of your choice.

What are some reasons why I should plan my funeral?

  • It lets you make your wishes known, so your loved ones won’t have to guess.  They won’t have to worry if they did the right thing.
  • It eliminates emotional overspending from grief or guilt.  Pre-arranging can bring peace of mind to your family’s decision-making.
  • It gives you a chance to personalize your funeral service and makes it a “celebration of life.”  It’s a way to get your loved ones involved and make it a positive experience.
  • It relieves you and your family from future financial responsibilities and burdens.
  • It gives you total peace of mind.  Pre-arranging- a thoughtful gift you can leave your family.

What information do I need?

You need facts about yourself, such as, your address, social security number, religious affiliation, military service records, and the names of your family members.  This is an opportunity to tell about yourself and the type of funeral service you prefer.  You should discuss your preferences with family and friends.  Feel free to ask these people to accompany you when making your pre-arrangements.

Whom do I contact?

Advice from a funeral director is absolutely essential.  Our Family Care Team is well versed in all types of funerals, and is knowledgeable about the laws regarding funerals and final disposition, trusts, and insurance pre-funding rules.  Our funeral directors will arrange to meet with you at a date and time of your convenience- at your home or the funeral home.