Pre-Planned Funerals

Pre-planned funerals

The benefits of a pre-planned funeral

With a little forethought and pre-planning, we have the opportunity to relieve some of the burdens from those closest to us.

When you think about it, pre-planning is something we do all the time. We put money aside for travel, for retirement and other important events. It makes sense to approach planning ahead for a funeral in exactly the same way.

With the help of a professional funeral director, it is really just like making a Will.

• Relieve some of the emotional stress of your family
• Reduce some of the future financial burden on your family
• Create your own meaningful funeral service - one that reflects who you are and what is significant for you throughout your life.
• A funeral service that gives those attending your personal touch, and reflecting your wishes, which will help ease their pain of loss and grief.
• You may be able to maximise your pension entitlements by reducing your cash assets when you pre-pay a funeral.

Pre-planning considerations

Some issues for you to consider are:

• Whether you want to be buried or cremated
• Which Cemetery or Crematorium you prefer
• Your choice of coffin or casket
• Your choice of flowers
• Your choice of music and/or hymns
• Your choice of any readings or poems for the service
• Your thoughts about a photo presentation for the service
• The types of vehicles you may require
• The wishes of your family
• How much you wish to spend

Pre-payment of your funeral

A pre-paid funeral is costed at today's prices, and when paid in full, you will not be affected by any future price rises for the services you have selected. However, if you change your arrangements or add something extra, you may incur additional costs.

Advantage for pensioners

For Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs pension recipients, a pre-paid funeral plan can enable you to maximise your pension entitlement. That's because money spent of a pre-paid funeral plan is not subject to the income and assets test or deemed earnings rules (according to current legislation). This benefit only applies for pre-paid funerals on the condition that the money is not withdrawn and used for other purposes.

Your payment options

Although usually paid in a lump sum, you may pay by instalments over a fixed period. Your funeral service price cannot be guaranteed until full payment has been received.

 

For a complimentary copy of the brochure:

"A little forethought, a great deal of benefit - A guide to pre-paid funerals" and "Personal and Family Profile Booklet", please phone or email us.