Prepaid Funeral Plans
Pre-planning your funeral might be one of the best gifts you could ever give your family. Here‘s why: those left to arrange funeral plans at the time of your death must make hundreds of decisions quickly. That can be difficult for them.
Your family loves you; you know that. However, faced with preparing a fitting tribute, they may be grasping for answers – trying to imagine what you would most want. Emotions can run high. People are sad, and time is short. All members of your family may not agree on every decision. Your family is missing you already, and the void can be enormous. The simple act of preplanning your service is a remarkable way to extend your own love and comfort at the time of your passing.
Advantages of Pre Planning a Funeral
While none of us like thinking about death, it is a certainty, and considering practical matters provides peace of mind for you, as well as your family. Making arrangements now needn‘t be a solemn or difficult task. You have time to think about your legacy, what fits you best and how you most want to be remembered. The pre-planning process requires thoughtful attention, but it‘s not arduous or unpleasant.
Some of it is simple information gathering, like your birthplace, parents‘ names, armed forces service and medals, education and professional experience. You can complete preliminary steps using Dannel’s -preplanning booklet or talk with our counselor who will assist with information and guidance. It’s an important step in sharing information about your preferences, your family, your religious preference, your budget, and your thoughts about how you want to say good-bye.
Funeral Financial Arrangements
There are several options to pay for a funeral. You can choose to pay up-front or determine a payment plan that fits your budget. Or you can make it payable at death. Pre-plans are an insurance product, so even if you pass away before they’re paid off, the arrangements are paidfor. Plans are also nationally transferable, so the policy goes where you do. The funeral home doesn’t hold the policy; the insurance company does. It is also amendable, so that changes can be made to fit your changing needs, or those of your family.
Common Questions About Funeral Plans
What if I complete and submit my preplanning arrangements and later move to another town?
Plans are nationally transferable, so the document goes wherever you go. Like an insurance policy, the plan is maintained by the agent and not an individual funeral home. While each state has its own regulations, your preplan will be honored at any funeral home.
Where should I store the copy of my preplanning document?
First, be sure to give copies to your family. Then designate a safe place and tell family members where you have chosen. It isn’t recommended that you use a bank safe deposit box because your family may need it on a weekend when the bank is closed.
Can I make changes to my plan?
Yes. They are amendable, so you can make changes as needed.
Before making any pre-arrangement commitments, please visit https://www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov.
A Note on Pre Planning from Charles Dannel
I encourage you to plan your funeral now so your family doesn‘t have to later. It‘s one of the most important gifts you will ever give. Without a pre-plan, families never know whether they did the right thing. They don’t know if what their decisions were what their loved one would have wanted. You can answer those questions with a pre-plan.”
Charles Dannel
