As funeral providers, it is our responsibility to guide families through the difficult period when a death has occured. We remind those involved that there are many options and each service should not only reflect that individual's life but also be comforting to the family and friends.
We are available to meet with you in person, in your home or in our office. Please read the information below to better understand those items of interest to a specific situation.
Andrea Graumlich, Funeral Director
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Today it is becoming more and more common for people to plan funerals before death occurs. This planning might involve your own funeral or the funeral of a family member or relative. In either case, a professional funeral director is prepared to talk with you about the wisdom of pre-planning.
Why Pre-Plan?
Planning is an important part of identifying your goals and subsequently reaching those goals. When it comes to taking care of your family and loved ones, planning is especially important.
Planning your estate, no matter the size, is the crucial first step in protecting the lifetime goals you have for yourself and your family. The foundation of any estate plan is a will. Having a will ensures that your wishes and plans are carried out without unnecessary delay. Other aspects of estate planning include: updating insurance policies, managing investments and savings and planning for retirement.
Pre-Planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one is also a vital part of estate planning. With all the details arranged in advance, the funeral will proceed as planned - without requiring last - minute decisions, and without being an unexpected financial burden.
Who Should Pre-Plan?
As ironic as it may seem, people in the prime of life should give serious consideration to making funeral arrangements in advance. The prime of life is a time when all kinds of plans are being made for the future. Prudent planners will recognize the inevitability of death and consider it in their planning.
In addition, the survivors of people who die in their prime are generally shocked by such death. As a rule, making funeral arrangements may be especially confusing and stressful to them. Pre - planning can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion.
Finally the financial benefits can be greater for people who invest in a pre-need program at an earlier age because of the effect of inflation. Furthermore, it is often the case that people in mid-life are best prepared to make financial investment.
Others who should consider Pre-planning are:
- Individuals who have no close relatives
- People who want to have final rites in a place where they no longer live
- Families who feel this type of planning would be a valuable sharing experience and want to prepare their children to make funeral arrangements
- People who want to provide guidelines for survivors
- Individuals who need to qualify for Medicaid status
Benefits
- Funeral preferences and wishes will be realized
- Survivors are relieved of several difficult decisions at the time of death
- Funeral expenses are determined and can be planned for in advance.
Pre-Financing
Pre-financing, as the name implies, simply means prepaying for the selected products and services in advance. (By law all funds are placed in an irrevocable trust and are only released at the time of death to the funeral home provider).
Benefits
- Funds to pay for the funeral will be there when needed
- Advance payment serves as a hedge against inflation by paying for tomorrow's funeral at today's prices
- Survivors are relieved of an expense they might otherwise have to bear.
Peace of Mind
By planning now, you will ensure peace of mind for yourself and your family. When death occurs, one phone call to your local funeral director will ensure your funeral wishes will be handled properly.
Source: The Ohio Funeral Directors Association