A Detailed Guide on the Concept of Prepaid Funerals

Planning a funeral is an emotional task, and the situations at that time make the process more challenging. This is why people are now inclined towards the concept of prepaid funerals, as it allows them to make all the arrangements in advance and the payments. The benefit is that no family member will have any stress or burden of making any payment or involving in any arrangement during the passing away of the contract holder.

What Is A Prepaid Funeral?

In short, a prepaid funeral plan is an arrangement where a contract is awarded to a person in lieu of the payment made for his funeral. The amount covers the entire funeral cost, such as the services availed, the fees of the funeral directors, and the expenses involved in the 'take care' of the deceased. This will also include the cost of arranging and paying for the chosen method of body disposal, like the burial or cremation. An awe-inspiring feature is that these prepaid funeral plans allow you to personalise your after-death ceremony as per your choice. In other words, you can choose how you want to be remembered and what arrangements to be made. 

You will be your decision-maker before passing away, and all the decisions will be followed after the death. For example – you can choose whether to go with burial or cremation, and you can also select the kind of music you want. Then, you will also decide about the flowers or donations, what type of transport you want and what venue you want the ceremony to be held. You will choose the food, the drinks and the entertainment that guests will have.

What Is The Cost?

A standard funeral can cost between 4000 and 15000 Australian dollars if you choose basic cremation or a more elaborate burial process.

A typical funeral will have these costs:

●       Funeral Director Fees

●       Transport

●       Coffin

●       Death Certificate

●       Permits (For Example, For A Burial At Sea Or On Private Land)

●       Burial Or Cremation

●       Cemetery Plot

●       Other Expenses, Such As A Celebrant Or Clergy, Flowers, Newspaper Notices And The Wake

Things to Consider When Choosing A Prepaid Funerals Plan

The Details of the Prepaid Funerals Services

Regardless of whether you want a traditional funeral or not, you should always be interested in choosing where to host the funeral services. While hiring a company for the same, you should ensure that it is known for honouring the wishes of the contract holders. You will also have to be very specific about the venue, the viewing, the religious guidelines to follow additional services and whether you want the body to be present or not.

Burial Vs Cremation

A very crucial decision is whether to go with the burial or the cremation process. Funeral directors sydney can definitely help you with this, but it is essential that you rely on your religious practices and cultural belief. Lastly, you can consult your family on this and make a decision. If you prefer burial, you will have to research on the casket option, and in this regard, most funeral directors recommend earth-friendly or green caskets. They can personalise the coffin to your choice and ensure that it reflects and celebrates the life that you lived.

Some Other Details To Consider During Decision Making Are Listed Below.

●       The type and style of funeral

●       burial or cremation

●       Which cemetery or crematorium

●       The type and style of coffin or casket

●       Press notices, newspapers, mourning vehicles and flowers

●       Special features in the service, such as a DVD presentation

●       The wishes of your family and friends

●       How much would you like to spend?

Financial Benefits of Prepaid Funerals

The immediate benefit is that the stress from your family's head will be removed as everything will be arranged and paid for in advance. There will be no hidden costs that your loved ones will have to pay after you have gone. Experienced funeral directors will help you make better buying decisions and ensure that all your funeral needs are met as per your choice. You will also get funeral arrangements, and most importantly, you will save a good amount of money. You will be charged at today's prices, and your money will be invested in a Secure Independent Trust. This way, you will also maximise your pension entitlement. Government rules say that the money spent on a prepaid funerals plan is not subject to income or asset tests or deemed as an earning.