Time To Start Funeral Planning
On New Years eve many people make a resolution, yet while it is a common tradition some reports claim only 8% of these resolutions are ever kept. Yet, whilst it is easy to get caught up in the frivolities of the occasion, the new year provides a great opportunity to plan the year ahead. Ever considered funeral planning as part of this?
Why start funeral planning?
Funeral planning is a topic that many of us tend to shy away from. However, with the insurance that we already have in place for our cars, our homes and our lives, it is worth considering planning for our funerals too. Pre-planning and pre-paying for a funeral is not a new concept in Australia and it has been around for almost a century in various forms. The concept of funeral pre-planning typically involves sitting down with your funeral director and working through all the items and services you would want for your funeral, ensuring that the burial or cremation services are meaningful, appropriate and affordable to your unique needs. Cemetery or crematorium fees may be pre-paid directly with the cemetery or crematorium, the balance of the funeral funds is invested in a funeral bond, secured and held at arms-length from the funeral director, and capital guaranteed. Planning ahead for your funeral not only relieves your family of an extra burden, but also provides peace of mind. Additionally, investments in a funeral bond that exceed $14,000 in value are exempt from Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs income and assets tests as per the changes to the pension assets test.
The funeral is costed at today’s price and paid for. Cemetery or crematorium fees may be pre-paid directly with the cemetery or crematorium and can be organised by your funeral director or paid direct. The balance of the funeral funds is invested in a funeral bond in the clients name and assigned to the funeral director on the death of this person. This way the funds are secured, held at arms length from the funeral director and capital guaranteed.
The funeral director will issue a contract showing all the goods and services pre-paid and the monies paid.
So why would you consider pre-planning your funeral?
For many its simply a matter of “Peace of Mind”. So that your family is not burdened with the expense and not knowing your wishes at the time of your death. Robert Nelson, from Robert Nelson Funerals, says “that for many pre-planning your funeral is about planning for the future so that people can get on and live their life, knowing all their affairs are in order.”
Funeral planning is indeed an important aspect of end-of-life preparations that is often overlooked. Pre-planning allows individuals to make decisions about their final arrangements, ensuring that their wishes are honored and that the financial aspects are taken care of. The benefits of funeral pre-planning, as highlighted in your description, are worth considering. Here are some key points to emphasize:
Relieving Family Burden: Funeral planning in advance can alleviate the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones during an already difficult time. Your family will not have to make important decisions hastily, and they can focus on grieving and supporting each other.
Customization of Services: By pre-planning, individuals can specify their preferences for funeral services, burial or cremation, type of casket or urn, and other details. This ensures that the funeral reflects their unique wishes and values.
Financial Planning: Pre-paying for funeral expenses allows individuals to lock in today’s prices, protecting against inflation. This can result in significant cost savings over time. The allocation of funds to cemetery or crematorium fees and a funeral bond helps secure the financial aspect of the funeral.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your funeral arrangements are in place can bring peace of mind. It allows individuals to have control over their final wishes and ensures that their desires are known and respected.
Exemption from Income and Assets Tests: The exemption of funeral bonds exceeding $14,000 from Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs income and assets tests is a valuable financial consideration. This exemption can be advantageous for those concerned about the impact of funeral expenses on pension eligibility.
Professional Guidance: Collaborating with a funeral director during the pre-planning process provides professional guidance and expertise. Funeral directors can help individuals navigate the various options available, making informed decisions tailored to their needs.
It’s important to individuals know about the benefits of funeral pre-planning and encourage open discussions within families. Considering the emotional and financial implications, this proactive approach can be a thoughtful and responsible part of overall life planning.
So what does it mean when your funds are capital guaranteed?
The capital guarantee means that all your contributions (less fees and duties payable) and declared bonuses are guaranteed to be paid on maturity, no matter how the investment market is performing.
Finally, once paid you to have nothing more to pay at the time of death for your funeral. The funeral directors contract provides a guarantee that your original investment will cover the cost of the funeral into the future.
So if its “peace of mind”, getting your finances in order or it seems just the right thing to do at this time, call Robert Nelson Funerals and discuss your requirements.
More information is available from Foresters Financial and Robert Nelson Funerals
