What Is a Funeral Plan?
A funeral plan helps you manage your funeral arrangements in advance. It allows you to set aside money now, so your family doesn't have to worry about the costs when the time comes.
Funeral plans typically cover services like the coffin, burial or cremation fees, and sometimes transport. It's important to check what's included, as not all expenses may be covered.
Some of the payment options for a funeral are:
- Lump Sum: Pay a one-time fee.
- Instalments: Spread the cost over several months or years.
These funds are generally invested in a life insurance policy or trust fund to ensure they're available later.
Some plans allow you to express your personal wishes, like choosing the music or specifying other elements of the service. Even though they may not cover every detail, such as flowers or a wake, some might allow small contributions towards these.
When Is a Funeral Plan Needed?
You might consider a funeral plan when you're thinking about rising costs. Funerals can be expensive, with fees for services like cremation often increasing over time.
A funeral plan locks in today's prices, ensuring your loved ones aren't burdened with potentially inflated costs in the future. Planning in advance can relieve your family of financial stress. If you don’t have sufficient savings or life insurance, a prepaid funeral plan can cover basic funeral costs, reducing the financial strain on your family during an emotional time.
If you have specific wishes about how you want your funeral to be conducted, a plan can ensure those wishes are honoured. This might include details about your preferred funeral director, type of service, or specific ceremonial elements.
A funeral plan might also be important if you travel frequently or live far from family. Organising ensures that arrangements are in place regardless of your location, which can be crucial if there's an unexpected event.
A funeral plan simplifies the process for families concerned about managing logistics. It ensures that all necessary arrangements are in place so the family doesn’t have to make difficult decisions during a challenging time.
How to Write a Funeral Plan
Crafting your own funeral plan can give you peace of mind and relieve your loved ones from making tough choices. Here’s how you can create a thoughtful plan.
Step 1: Identify Payment Options
First, decide how the funeral will be funded.
You might have a funeral plan that covers some costs. It's also useful to explore different payment options, such as using savings or securing a pre-paid funeral plan that might cover more expenses.
Step 2: Detail Your Wishes
Think about whether you prefer a burial, cremation, or direct cremation.
Identifying these choices early on can help guide further decisions, such as the type of service you'd want and the kind of coffin required.
Step 3: Enlist a Funeral Director
A funeral director can be invaluable in navigating arrangements.
These professionals can help ensure your wishes are respected, providing both practical assistance and emotional support during the planning process.
Step 4: Document Personal Preferences
You can include specific requests for aspects like a non-religious or religious ceremony, music, readings, or any particular people you'd like involved. This will provide significant guidance to family members during the planning process.
Step 5: Keep Your Plan Accessible
After creating your plan, keep it accessible.
To ensure your wishes are followed precisely, inform close family members or trusted individuals of its existence and location. Consider adding it to your will or sharing a copy with your solicitor.
