PRE-NEED FUNERAL PLANNING

Have you ever given any thought to preplanning your own funeral? Most adults who have had a relative or close friend die have thought about making arrangements for their own funeral, or the funeral of a relative - but like many good intentions, this one is also easily put off.

Why should you pre-plan a funeral? For some people who do not have relatives living in the immediate area it gives assurance of a funeral that will represent their personal beliefs and lifestyle. For others it is a way to relieve relatives or friends of many of the burdens and decisions that come with a death.

There are so many personal and practical things to consider about funeral prearrangements that many people succumb early to seemingly quick and simple arrangements that appear to answer every-thing, but in the end, solve nothing. For our part, we aim to do our best to uncomplicate matters, but never at the expense of losing the very security and peace of mind that were instrumental in your decision to pre-plan.

When making arrangements in advance of need for yourself, you should keep your wishes compatible with those who will survive you. Arrangements not acceptable to your loved ones can prolong or inhibit the grief process which can led to emotional or physical problems, so you need to be aware of and considerate of the feelings and wishes of those who will be left behind to deal with their grief. Do not be forceful or insistent in any area that may be upsetting to your family. Remember that the funeral is for the living.

PRE-PLANNING OPTIONS

WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.
These can be instructions telling the funeral home or family what kind of services and
merchandise you would prefer for the funeral. These can be as simple or as detailed as you want. These directions can be given to the funeral home, relatives or friends, or to your attorney telling them the type of services you would like, where they should be held, who should be involved in the service and the type of casket, vault, and other merchandise you would like for the funeral.

PRE-FUNDED FUNERAL
This would involve setting aside money for the funeral. You can decide on an appropriate amount with the funeral home and then put the money in the bank (CD's) as a funeral trust fund. The interest is added to the principle, and at the time of need the family can spend what they want out of the burial fund. Any excess funds are returned to the estate or family, but if the family spends more than the amount in the fund the estate or family is responsible for the added cost. A pre-funded funeral trust does not count as an asset if the person must apply for government assistance.

At Svoboda Funeral Home we believe that 100% of the money you choose to set aside in your Pre-Need Funeral Plan should go toward your funeral. Therefore we will not use a program or insurance plan that pays someone a commission or incentives to sell you a pre-need funeral plan that then invest your money out of town. Our Pre-need program is simple and straight forward. All of the money goes into the local FDIC insured bank of your choice, this way everyone knows where the money is and that it is accessible. We believe that by using local banking institutions we also help the area economy, which benefits us all.

PRE-PAID OR GUARANTEED FUNERAL
This would necessitate selecting the type of services you would like as well as selecting
the casket, vault and other merchandise you want for the funeral. The total amount of the
services and merchandise at today's prices is then put into the bank (CD's) as a funeral trust fund. The interest is added to the principle and at the time of need the funeral is already paid for. If there is not enough money in the fund to cover the expenses at the time of need the funeral home can not charge the family extra to cover the expenses. However, if there is more money in the fund than is needed to provide the services and merchandise chosen, the funeral home keeps the excess funds. In the guaranteed funeral no money changes hands between the funeral home and estate or family at the time of need. The pre-paid funeral trust does not count as an asset if the person must apply for government assistance.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-ARRANGED, PRE-FUNDED, OR PRE-PAID FUNERALS.

If you would have to go on assistance the funeral trusts does not count as an asset.

Your family would not have the financial burden of paying for your funeral.

You will have input in the type of services, casket, and vault used for your funeral.

You know your family will not have to make all the decisions at a stressful time.

Pre-planning lowers family friction because they will all know what your wishes were.


If you would like more information about pre-planning a funeral please contact the Svoboda
Funeral Home and make arrangements to talk to us either at the funeral home or in your home.