Pre-Planning

Pre-Planning

Pre-arrangement is the planning of funeral services before they are needed, often years before the death actually occurs. Services can be planned for oneself and one's family member at a convenient time with no obligation at that time. 

There are two ways to make arrangements for this important service in advance of need. One is simple pre-arrangement and the other is pre-financing of merchandise and services.

Pre-Arranging

Think about having all of your wishes taken care of as you would have wanted them. This can be done with pre-arrangement.

Pre-arrangement answers many important questions survivors have at the time of death about what the deceased would have wanted. The recorded preferences of the deceased gives survivors the assurance in time of loss that the funeral is one which compliments the life of the deceased and also meets the needs of the survivors.  Pre-arrangement also takes the burden of decision off survivors at the time of grief, when reason is clouded and the most sincere desire to create a fitting tribute can result in emotional overspending.  

With pre-set plans as a guide, survivors can memorialize the deceased in a way that reflects their memories without unreasonable expense.

Pre-Financing

Pre-financing has the added advantage of setting funds aside, which usually accrue valuable interest over the years. The accrued interest helps to offset the cost of the funeral when death occurs easing the financial burden that can beset unprepared families at a time of loss.

Things to Consider When Pre-Arranging or Pre-Financing

Remember that funerals are for the living. Your family members should not only be aware that you have pre-arranged funeral services, but have been actively involved in the pre-arrangements of the services. Take into consideration the effect of all planning on survivors, and seek to meet their emotional needs as well as have you wishes carried out. Face funeral planning realistically. Because the nature and circumstances of death are unknown at the time of pre-arrangement, some facets of your planning must be on a tentative basis.

Consider the economic advantage of pre-arrangement and pre-financing. A well thought out pre-arrangement plan is to your advantage, and to the economic advantage of your survivors at the time of your death.