Are Funeral Plans Worth It?
Let's be honest; if someone were to ask you, "what's the benefit of planning ahead?" you'd probably answer quite simply: "it helps prevent mistakes". It's true in all areas of our lives; when we take the time to plan ahead, we can save ourselves time, energy and, of course; quite often planning ahead can also save us money. This is especially true in relation to cremation funeral plans. If we agree on the answer to the question "why plan ahead?" it's easy to see the enormous value of the decision to plan ahead for cremation services.
Funeral Prearrangement Benefits
Certainly, whenever we make the effort to plan ahead we benefit. Not only can we save ourselves precious time and energy (and let's not forget money); but there are some other real benefits in funeral home pre arrangements–and not just for ourselves, but for those we love.
Benefit #1:Because you've had the foresight to plan ahead, your family will not be forced to make emotionally-difficult decisions while arranging for your final care after you're gone. There's no more difficult task than making funeral arrangements when grief is fresh; the sorrow, confusion and fatigue can make clear, decisive thinking almost impossible. Your foresight has saved them the heartbreaking task, and given them much-needed time to share their grief and get emotional support from one another.
Benefit #2: Since you've taken the time to make funeral plans, you (and your family) will have greater peace-of-mind. Is there anything more valuable than peace-of-mind? We're reminded of the passage from Wally Lamb's book, I Know this Much is True: “If I could just write it down in a piece of paper, then maybe she could get a decent night's sleep, eat a little of her dinner. Maybe she could have a minute's worth of peace.” In writing down your final wishes, you've effectively given those you love far more than a minute's worth of peace; you've given hours, days, weeks and even years of peace. How priceless a gift.
Benefit #3: If you've chosen to pre-pay for your cremation arrangements, you've effectively saved some of your family's hard-earned money.The National Funeral Directors Association published a "Bill of Rights for Funeral Preplanning" which states, "Before making any decisions on preplanning or prefunding funeral goods or services, or signing a preneed funeral contract, we urge you to ask any and all questions you may have regarding the planning process." According to this guiding organization, any of the funeral homes in Manhattan NY you meet with to pre-plan your cremation must provide you with:
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A detailed price lists of goods and services before you make your selections
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A written statement listing all the goods and services you have purchased (along with the prices of each) you, at the conclusion of the cremation arrangement conference
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A written preneed contract explaining, in plain language, your rights and obligations
In addition, the contract provided to you must:
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Guarantee that if any of the goods or services you have selected are not available at the time of need, goods and services of equal or greater value will be substituted at no extra cost.
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Explain the geographical boundaries of the firm's service area
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Identify under what circumstances you can transfer the preneed contract to another funeral home if you were to relocate, or if the death were to occur outside of the service area.
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State where and how much of the funds you pay will be deposited until the funeral is provided.
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Explain exactly will be responsible for paying taxes on any income or interest generated by the preneed funds that are invested.
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Inform you whether, and to what extent, the funeral home will guarantee the price of goods and services you are purchasing. (If the prices are not guaranteed, the contract will explain who is responsible for any additional amounts that may be due at the time of the funeral.)
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Explain whether and under what circumstances you may cancel your preneed contract and how much of the funds you paid will be refunded.
Enjoy the Benefits of Funeral Home Pre Arrangements
Are you ready to experience the peace-of-mind gained when pre-planning funeral arrangements from one of the top Funeral Homes in Manhattan NY? We're ready to assist you. In fact, we've made it easy for you to plan ahead by offering you two ways to make your cremation arrangements ahead of time. You can use our online pre-arrangement planner, Pre-Arrange Online, in the privacy and comfort of your home. Or, if you feel a need for additional guidance, you can set an appointment to sit down with a professional to make your cremation pre-arrangements by calling us at 212-473-2220. Don't worry; there's no need to come into our offices; we'll be pleased to come to you.