Pre-Planning Checklist

How can I begin pre-planning my funeral?

You can go through your pre-planning process online, in the comfort of your home. After you have completed the on-line form, you will receive an e-mail response to verify that we have received your information. We will keep your data on file, at no cost to you, so it will be available when needed. Just let your family know we have your records on file. We will not call you unless you have indicated you would like information on pre-paying your funeral.

What is involved in pre-planning my arrangements?

When pre-planning your arrangements, we simply ask you your preferences now, rather than at a time when your family may least feel up to deciding what you would have wanted. Too often, the task of arranging for a funeral falls to survivors who are unprepared for the important decisions they’ll need to make. We’ll keep your preferences on file–without cost or obligation to you. If you have lost a loved one in the past, you can appreciate the comfort of knowing that such matters are in responsible, knowing hands. With the peace of mind that comes with pre-planning, you can devote your attention to enjoying life.

Prearrangements may sometimes involve prepaying for a funeral. Prepaying offers you the advantage of paying for your funeral when you can afford it, thus relieving your family of a financial burden later. There are generally two basic ways to pre-pay for a funeral. One option is to purchase a specially designed insurance policy that provides benefits equal to your funeral expenses. Another option is a savings or certificate of deposit account–earmarked for funeral expenses, held in a bank–that would be payable on death to the funeral home.

So, you're thinking about making your final arrangements? This checklist will help you make sure every detail is handled properly.

• Prepare a list of people who should be contacted in case of a medical emergency or death
• Write an obituary or write down information needed for an obituary
• Decide where the obituary should appear
• Choose the type of disposition you would like (burial or cremation)
• Choose Your Details:
  o    Cemetery lot location
  o    Casket type/Cremation urn type
  o    Vault/Sectional crypt
  o    Type of service: religious, military, other
  o    Your pallbearers
  o    Your music selection
  o    Your flowers
  o    Readings at service and who will read them
  o    The charity, church, or organization you would like donations to be made to
  o    Your funeral and visitation location

Now that you've figured out the details, it's time to make sure they're carried out. Take the time to assign responsibility for each task on your list.

But, honestly, there’s an easier way. Use our online tool, PreArrange Online. It’s just four steps – and you can revisit it at any time to revise your plan, because you’ll create an account with a log-in name and password.

All the information you provide will be held in strict confidence, because your privacy is as important to us as it is to you.

Have questions about pre-planning? Give us a call. We’ll help you take care of all the details – and there’s absolutely no cost or obligation for this service.