Planning a Funeral

One of the most caring, loving things you can do for your family is to leave detailed information about how you want your funeral to be conducted. Making funeral arrangements at the time of loss is extremely difficult for those left behind. When the funeral, and payment, have been arranged in advance, most of the decisions have been made, sparing uncertainty and confusion at a time when emotional stress may make decisions difficult. It would be better to plan ahead, calmly and sensibly, when you are in a normal mental and physical state, when you have full ability to reason, and when you are able to discuss arrangements with your family?

What do you mean by "funeral prearrangement?"
Pre-arrangement simply means that you sit down with one of our experienced Funeral Directors and plan your funeral details in advance.

Is that as unsettling an experience as it sounds?
Not at all. In fact, most people find that pre-arrangement gives them peace of mind because they have taken the initiative to spare their families this duty at some future time when it would, indeed, be a disturbing task.

How does it work?
Our Funeral Director takes down your personal instructions as to the type of service you want, the type of casket you select, the amount to be spent this and other details. He then puts information on file until it is needed.

Why should I consider funeral pre- arrangement?
In some cases, surviving family members make emotional decisions in their time of bereavement that result in spending more on a funeral than the deceased would consider wise. By arranging the details of the funeral service in advance, you can prevent such emotional overspending. And if you pay for the service in you can 'freeze" the cost at today's prices.

What do you mean "freeze the cost?"
Inflation is pushing funeral costs upward just like everything else. But if you pay for your pre-arranged funeral service in advance, you are guaranteed that the services, the type of casket and all other components you have selected will be supplied at the prices prevailing today ... not at inflated future prices.

What if I die before the total amount is paid?
Your family has the option of either withdrawing the money you've paid in from the account or using it toward the previously established cost of the funeral.

The plan sounds solid enough, but I have life insurance. Why should I have this trust account too?
Because your family will primarily use your life insurance benefits for their living expenses and perhaps for your final medical and other expenses. The trust account means that funeral costs won't have to be taken from their income. It's really a matter of thoughtfulness.

Can I set up this trust for anyone in my family?
Yes. There's no limit as to the number of family members who can join the trust. A separate account will be set up for each member who enrolls.

Where can I get more specific information about this plan?
You can click Pre-Planning Form , fill it out and we will contact you, or telephone us at 684-3811 and one of our funeral directors will call you to arrange an appointment in our offices or your home.