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Why Plan Ahead

Why Plan Ahead

There’s a lot that goes into planning a funeral, but making those arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all of your options and make sure that you’re covering all of the necessary details. Still feeling unsure? Here are some of the most important reasons why planning ahead may be the best option.

What is a pre-arranged funeral?

A pre-arranged funeral is when a funeral is arranged in advance. Making these decisions today allows you to make logical, thoughtful arrangements your family will appreciate, as well as allowing you time to tend to every detail.



What are the methods of pre-arranging a funeral?

Pre-arranging your funeral can be very informal, and as simple as writing down your preferences and sharing your wishes with a family member. More formal arrangements in the form of a pre-need contract can be set up with a funeral home and can be pre-funded through life insurance, bank trust, or other methods such as revocable and irrevocable pre-need contracts.

If you elect to pay for a funeral service in advance, the price of the services and merchandise are guaranteed. You are essentially paying for a funeral service at today's price, even though the need may not occur for many years. Through funeral home pre-planning programs you can be assured that your money is safely in trust and will be available at the time of need.

If you need nursing home care or other monetary assistance in the future, your pre-funded service cannot be taken away from you. Yet if you move, your arrangements can move with you to the funeral home of your choice.



What is the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable pre-need contract?

The revocability of your plan refers to the pre-funding of your funeral. A revocable plan allows you to un-fund your pre-arrangement at anytime and spend the money as you wish. If your revocable pre-arrangement was funded with a bank trust, your principal plus all interest will be refunded to you. If your revocable pre-arrangement was funded with an insurance policy or annuity, the cash surrender value, less surrendered charges, will be returned to you.

Most people choose to make their pre-funding irrevocable because they want to do what they can to ensure that the money will be there to pay for their funeral in the future. Irrevocable funds cannot be withdrawn for any reason prior to the death of the person for whom the pre-arrangement was made.



What are some reasons why I should plan my funeral?

  • It lets you make your wishes known, so your loved ones won't have to guess. They won't have to worry if they did the right thing.
  • It eliminates emotional overspending from grief or guilt. Pre-arranging can bring peace of mind to your family's decision-making.
  • It gives you a chance to personalize your funeral service and makes it a "celebration of life." It's a way to get your loved ones involved and make it a positive experience.
  • It relieves you and your family from future financial responsibilities and burdens.
  • It gives you total peace of mind. Pre-arranging- a thoughtful gift you can leave your family.


What information do I need?

You need facts about yourself, such as, your address, social security number, religious affiliation, military service records, and the names of your family members. This is an opportunity to tell about yourself and the type of funeral service you prefer. You should discuss your preferences with family and friends. Feel free to ask these people to accompany you when making your pre-arrangements.



Whom do I contact?

Advice from a professional funeral director is absolutely essential. Our funeral directors are well versed in all types of funerals, and are knowledgeable about the laws regarding funerals and final disposition, trusts, and insurance pre-funding rules. We will arrange to meet with you at a date and time of your convenience - at your home or the funeral home.



 

H.D. Pope Funeral Home - Roanoke Rapids
(252) 535-1228
520 Smith Church Road
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

H.D. Pope Funeral Home - Rocky Mount
(252) 446-9696
325 Nash Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

 

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