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Pre-Planning
Pre-Need, What’s the Significance?
During the last decade, more people have been choosing to make prearrangements for their funeral/memorial services. Whether it has been someone making their own arrangements or making arrangements for a loved one, the popularity of pre- need has greatly increased. By doing so, it relieves the burden of these decisions during the at-need time when emotions are at an all time high and decisions can be overwhelming. If you consider the facts, eventually we will all face losing someone that we love. We or our families will have to make arrangements and if they have not been preplanned, we will be guessing what our loved one truly desired. Peace of mind is priceless. Preplanning your services will allow you to assist in minimizing the stress that your family will have to later endure. It will keep your family from possibly facing a financial hardship as at-need services usually offer cash payment options only outside of insurance policy assignment.
When someone passes away, numerous decisions have to be made. If that person is you and you pass away today, your family will be faced tomorrow with decisions such as:
- acquiring funds to pay for services
- selecting the casket or urn
- choosing the type of burial
- choosing the place of burial or scattering
- arranging the service
- selecting music
- choosing the pallbearers
- arranging the visitation
- selecting the cemetery plot
- writing the obituary
- contacting insurance agencies
- preparing the death certificate
- choosing your clothes and jewelry
- contacting family and friends
By planning your services in advance, you can alleviate the stress of many of these decisions for your loved ones. You’ll be able to rest assured knowing that you were able to assist your loved ones ahead of time and ease the burden during their time of grief. So many families question their decisions as to wondering if what they have chosen is really what their family member would have wanted. Make these decisions for them, so that they know the services selected are what truly characterize you.
We have a preneed package that can be mailed to you if you would like additional information. Please send an email to us at info@southernmemorialfuneral.com or contact our office at 334-271-4404.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there any financial significance in making prearrangements?
Yes, when you prearrange services you are locking in today’s pricing. The only pricing that might fluctuate is for cash advance items which include obituaries, death certificates, memorial packages, etc.
2. How do I know that when the time comes, my family will receive exactly what I paid for with the funeral home?
All prearrangements are placed on an actual contract that you receive a copy of when initiated. All merchandise is listed on the contract along with all chosen services. The description of merchandise is listed for example as in regards to caskets: 18gauge, protective, silver casket or etc. Brand names are not listed as manufacturers change, but the quality of the merchandise selected will be comparable.
3. Do funeral homes accept assignments on life insurance policies when making prearrangements?
Yes, assignments on valid life insurance policies are accepted as payment. The family must leave the insurance policy with the funeral home and must also sign the assignment form.
4. Are there any payment plans offered when prearranging?
Yes, two different types of payment plans are offered based on whether you are preplanning a traditional funeral service or a cremation service. Traditional funeral services are offered a payment plan up to 36 months with 10% down and cremation services are offered a payment plan up to 24 months with 10% down. Our funeral home does not add any financing charges to your contract total, so your payments are applied 100% to your chosen services. That is why we only offer up to a 36 month plan.
5. What happens if I pass away prior to paying my prearrangements in full?
The remaining balance would be due in full when your family meets with the funeral director and executes the at-need contract.
6. Does my family have the right to change any of my decisions when meeting with the funeral director?
Ultimately, the final decision does lie with your immediate family. However, if you have expressed your wishes to your family, most families do abide by those wishes.
7. I have a preneed contract with another funeral home but would like to transfer it to this one. Can it be transferred?
Yes, most contracts are transferable.
For more information on pre-planning please fill out our online form and you will be contacted.
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