Pre-Paid/Pre-Arranged Funeral

Pre-planning a funeral is one area of financial planning often neglected particularly when enjoying a healthy lifestyle, however we plan ahead for just about every other financial possibility. To protect our loved ones and ourselves we take out life insurance and health insurance, put money aside for retirement and most have a Will.

Pre-planning a funeral is as easy as any other financial arrangement. It can protect your loved ones emotionally as well as financially, and can provide you with reassurance knowing that your affairs are in order.
 

Getting your Affairs in Order with a Pre-planned Funeral
When you pre-plan a funeral, you arrange the funeral service you want with your chosen funeral director. Some of the details you will need to consider when pre-planning a funeral are:

• The type and style of funeral
• Whether you'd prefer burial or cremation
• Which cemetery or crematorium
• The type and style of coffin or casket
• The type of death notices, mourning vehicles and flowers
• Special features in the service, such as a poem or a piece of music
• The wishes of your family and friends
• How much you'd like to spend

What is a pre-paid funeral plan?
A pre-paid funeral plan is a written contract between you and your funeral director. It details the funeral service of your choice and you pay for it at today's prices. So you enjoy not only the financial benefit in being protected against Inflation but also the peace of mind knowing that your funeral will be conducted exactly in accordance with your wishes.

Making Payments is Easy
There are two ways to make payments. You can pay in a lump sum or your funeral director may give you the option to pay by instalments.

How can your funeral director help?
Your funeral director can guide you through the planning process explaining the products and services available and the costs involved. You can arrange to meet your funeral director either at their office or in the comfort of your own home. Whichever you find more convenient.

The Benefits of a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan

• You can protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress related to making difficult decisions at an emotional time.
• Your family will be relieved from any financial burden.
• It makes good financial sense. By making all of your choices now, you can fix the price of your funeral at today's costs.
• You can ensure that your exact wishes are made known and are carried out.
• You may be able to maximise your pension entitlement. Any money spent on a pre-paid funeral plan is not subject to the income and assets test or the deemed earnings rules (according to current legislation).
• Pre-paying provides reassurance for you and your family.