We plan for every aspect of life: going to college or university, our career path, getting married and having children; buying a home. We plan our vacations, and our retirement. We buy insurance for when the unthinkable happens: fires, accidents and floods.
But, because most of us do not like to think about death - we avoid making important funeral decisions in advance. This is one of the biggest oversights made in a life well-lived. Such inattention can cost your loved ones money, time, and emotional strain.
During our service to the community we've repeatedly seen the confusion and heartache that can occur when no plans have been made. Conversely, we've also seen the peace-of-mind brought by thoughtful end-of-life preparation – not only for the one making the plans, but also for those who will be left behind.
What are the benefits of Pre-Planning?
Pre-planning is a thoughtful gesture. But, it’s also practical:
- It allows you to make unhurried informed decisions while your emotions are at rest.
- It requires you to organize your important documents so your survivors will have the information they need, and so insurance or other benefits due you won't be overlooked.
And, if you choose to invest in a pre-payment plan, you not only protect against the higher costs tomorrow may bring, you also assure funds will be available when they're needed most.
Advance planning allows you to:
- Choose a reasonable budget
- Have the option to set aside the funds over a period of time
Funds set aside against future cost are held in a state-approved trust account or top-rated insurance company until required. Pre-payment is not required, however; many families simply prefer to record the details for future use.
Either way, there is no charge for making pre-arrangements.
What are the Advantages to Pre-Planning?
There are many advantages to arranging your funeral, cremation or cemetery services in advance:
- You protect your family from having to make such decisions at a difficult time.
- You make your wishes known to your loved ones.
- You make your own decisions about the type of service, merchandise and price.
- You prevent emotional overspending by family members who can only guess what you might have wanted.
- Your funeral, cremation or cemetery prearrangement is transferable to other firms all around the country.
- You lock in today’s prices for services that may not be needed for many years.
All of the ceremony, burial, or cremation arrangements can be made at one time in our offices, or in the comfort of your own home. Call us today at (734) 783-2646 for an appointment. Our pre-arrangement specialist will be honored to assist you in creating the perfect pre-need solution for you.
If you’d like to complete the process online, through our state-of-the-art interactive advance planning tool, click here.
Planning your own Funeral
- Enables you to make your wishes known
- Provides an opportunity for you to involve your family in making arrangements for your memorialization.
- Relieves you and your loved ones of future financial responsibility.
Making your selections…
Generally, funeral plans consist of a two-step process: making the funeral arrangements and funding the cost of the prearranged funeral.
Funeral service selections fall into two categories: the services of a funeral professional and funeral merchandise.
Funeral services include:
- Professional services of a funeral director and staff
- Transportation services
- Embalming and other preparation
- Facilities for visitation
- The Funeral Ceremony
- Funeral vehicles
- Other services and associated items including pastoral services, music, grave opening and closing.
Funeral Merchandise include:
- Casket, urn or both
- An outer burial container — cemetery vault or other selection
- Other merchandise and associated items such as flowers, acknowledgment cards, and transfer containers.
We can assist you in making informed choices when you prearrange your own or your loved one's funeral. Included is information on the types of decisions you make today … before the need arises, for your peace of mind — and for those you love. Please call us today to set an appointment with our pre-arrangement counselor, or begin the online process by clicking here.
We would be honored to talk with you. Please call Corey Calderone, one of our pre-arrangment specialists, at (734) 783-2646 to make arrangements in person.
