By pre-planning:

• You will relieve your loved ones of the some unnecessary stress.
• The funeral will be the way you want it.
• By pre-paying for your funeral, it will not be a financial burden on your family.

A funeral service usually includes:

• Professional services
• Transportation services
• Embalming and other preparation
• Facilities for visitation
• The funeral ceremony
• Funeral coach
• Other services and associated items

Included in the funeral merchandise are:

• A casket
• An outer burial container (or other selection)
• Other merchandise and associated items

You may choose any or all of those items you prefer. We would be glad to answer any questions that you may have regarding your funeral options.

What are my Pre-financing Options?

Generally, trusts and life insurance provide ways to fund your choices. Each provides a different set of advantages and options.

Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. In most cases, they are revocable, meaning that funds can be withdrawn at any time. At the time of death, however, these funds can be paid directly to the funeral home upon presentation of the death certificate. The process assures your funeral expenses are taken care of.

Trusts are often used to protect an individual's assets and solve some estate consequences. For those in nursing homes, for example, this method helps assure that funds will be available long after all other finances are depleted and help preserve Medicaid or SSI eligibility. Taxes on earnings can be the responsibility of the funeral home and not the individual.

With life insurance, coverage often begins the day you apply for a policy, and you may not be required to hold your policy for a specified period of time before you receive full benefits. This funding helps assure you are financially cared for no matter when death occurs. Flexible payment plans may also be available. Earnings from life insurance are not taxed like trusts are.

In most cases, the use of services indicated at the time of pre-financing means no additional costs should be incurred at the time of death.

What if my Plans Change?

If all or part of funeral preparations take place at a funeral home other than the one prearranged with, records of your preferences can be transferred. If funds were in a trust, they normally will be paid to the funeral home providing services. Additionally, insurance will be applied toward your arrangements regardless of the funeral home that provides services, subject to the funeral home's policy and state laws. The funeral home you arrange with may offer some special programs to assure you're protected no matter where death occurs.