Planning Ahead - My Life / My Funeral
The benefits of pre-planning your funeral
The pre-planning meeting
Investing in the cost of your funeral
The benefits of pre-planning your funeral
Planning your funeral is one of the most caring things you can do for your family. At an emotional and stressful time, your family will not be burdened with the task of making decisions and perhaps even guessing what you would like, especially if the subject has never be discussed. They will have comfort in the funeral is exactly what you wanted.
If you would like to discuss pre-planning your funeral just call the office anytime to make an appointment. One of our team will be available to take you through all the decisions that need to be made to create a funeral that reflects the love you shared for family and friends, and the things that gave true meaning and joy to your life.
The pre-planning or pre-arranging meeting is an opportunity for you to make informed decisions in a relaxed and private situation. This can take place at your home, our premises or an place that you feel comfortable. During the meeting some of the information you provide is required by the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages. This information includes:
- Your age at marriage
- Place of marriage
- Parent's names and mother's maiden name
- Parent's occupation
- Children's names and date of birth
When considering your own funeral, some important choices include:
- The venue of the service
- Minister or celebrant
- Whether you want to be buried or cremated
- Choice of cemetery or wishes regarding ashes
- Special music, headings, slide show or speakers to be included in the service
- Choice of flowers
- Catering after the funeral
- Placement of death & funeral notices in newspapers
- Perhaps a request for donations to a charity in lieu of flowers
- Any special instructions regarding jewellery and glasses that may be worn
- Any other special inclusions such as R.S.L. and Masonic Oration.
Your funeral wishes are recorded on an 'arrangement certificate' and an estimate of costs is calculated. There is no obligation to make any payments towards your funeral at this time.
Several copies of your pre-arrangement wishes are held securely and confidentially at our premises. The original 'arrangement certificate' is yours to place in safe-keeping. If your circumstances alter or you change your mind about any wishes, we can simply update your information on our system and we will send you a "receipt of change" of your pre-planned details.
You may wish to invest towards the cost of our funeral, removing the financial burden from family.
A death and subsequent funeral not only impacts the family and loved ones emotionally, but it can also affect them financially. By planning ahead and investing in the cost of your funeral you are creating a thoughtful and practical legacy.
It is an investment that provides you with peace of mind, knowing that you have protected your family from future funeral expenses.
A funeral bond is a safe and secure way of putting aside money to pay for your funeral. It is similar to a savings plan. You may invest a lump sum or make regular payments until you reach a predetermined amount.
Your investment grows in a tax effective environment, generally covering any inflationary price increase. You are not required to include allocated bonus in your personal tax return and your investment is exempt from means tested government benefits, such as pension. Individuals are permitted to invest up to $10,000 into the cost of their funeral.
This investment is similar to a life insurance policy, in which your benefit becomes payable on death and must only be used towards the cost of your funeral. If additional costs beyond the investment have been incurred, the shortfall will come from the estate.
Similarly, if there is money left over in the investment following the account payments, the money is passed on to the estate.
The funeral bond is held independently and not in control of Finney Funeral Services. The flexibility is such that the bond may be transferred to any funeral firm within Australia.
If you would like to invest in the cost of your funeral, or you would like further information please ring us and we will be happy to assist.
- Understanding Funerals
- Common Questions
- Arranging a Funeral
- Funeral Options
- After the Funeral
- Planning Ahead:
My Life / My Funeral