Pre-Planned Funerals
Pre-planning your funeral
Planning your funeral is a highly personal matter and, if left to a time when emotions are upset, it can be confusing.
Add to that, if you haven’t considered the financial commitments and paperwork formalities, making decisions can be even more difficult.
Don’t worry! There are excellent ‘no fuss’ solutions.
Different families have different ideas about how a lost loved one should be acknowledged. Some prefer no service at all, some want a ceremony in a chapel, some want a service at a cemetery and some want to gather in church.
Many options need considering and many question need answering before legal documents can be completed. We can help you with every detail, it’s just part of our service.
By making your choices and completing the paperwork in advance, your family will be spared the stress of last minute decisions at a time when your thoughts will be elsewhere.
The information you give us in trust is stored and made ready for immediate response. Just one phone call from you and your plans are put into action.
What are Funeral Bonds?
A funeral bond is a capital guaranteed investment whose purpose is to meet funeral expenses.
It is a secure investment held in your name. You can pay a lump sum, or open a bond with a smaller amount and have a savings plan, where money can be paid from your bank account.
Monies held in a funeral bond are not considered part of your assessable assets, and bonus payments paid on the investment are not assessed as part of your income for pension purposes.
Setting aside money in a funeral bond is a sensible financial decision. It provides peace of mind knowing you are not passing on future expenses to family or friends.
- The bond grows in value as it enjoys annual bonuses.
- Monies are held in your name in the funeral benefit fund, Foresters Friendly Society.
- It can help maximise pension entitlements as monies invested are not deemed part of your assets, nor are bonus payments considered part of your income for pension purposes.
- You can invest as little as $25 per month when making regular contributions.
- You can stop making payments at any time and the money is still there in your name.
- A funeral bond can be taken out in joint names.
- You can nominate your preferred funeral director.
- Your investment is portable and moves with you should you change your place of residence.
- You can take out the optional Prepaid Travel Care Plan.
What about Funeral Insurance?
Funeral insurance can be a good option, especially if your life expectancy is short.
When considering funeral insurance, remember that you must continue to make monthly payments up to the age of 90 (or until your death). Failure to make one monthly payment can cancel your policy, and there are no pension advantages with insurance.
Already have funeral insurance? If you would like to discuss all of your pre-planning options, simply call us for a chat.