Five Benefits of Arranging an Affordable Prepaid Cremation
Arranging an affordable prepaid cremation is easier than it sounds. It can help relieve many of the stresses and burdens associated with a loss, and bring you and your family some peace of mind as well
How Does Prepaid Cremation Work?
The benefit of preplanned and prepaid direct cremation (sometimes called a "pre-need" plan) is that it allows you to prepare for the future by purchasing cremation services ahead of time, as opposed to “at-need,” which means the cremation request takes place immediately after a death.
Lifting the Burden
Having to make plans immediately after a death can leave some grieving family members stressed or struggling to find adequate financial resources to pay off the sudden expense.
Creating and paying for funeral plans lifts this financial and emotional burden by allowing you to choose a plan that can spread payments out over time.
We'll explain below how planning and paying for your final wishes ahead of time works.
How to Create and Pay for a Cremation Plan
First, call or contact a cremation provider online to choose your arrangements and settle on a payment package. Your funeral home must provide the cost and details about exactly what your options are and what your plan entails.
- Review their General Price List to know exactly what you are paying for and the total cost.
- Most providers will help with paperwork like filing a death certificate.
- Many funeral homes offer grief support and travel protection.
How to Store and Share End-of-Life Planning Documents
Once arrangements are made, your provider should send you copies of all pertinent documents for safekeeping.
Tell a Friend or Family Member
Be sure to talk to at least one trusted friend or family member about your plan and where to find those documents, and update them if you move the location.
Write Them a Letter
Besides your will, consider creating an additional "letter of instruction" to help family members know about bank accounts, passwords, and details they'll need for your death certificate (things like your education, birth date and place, and profession). You can also pass on family stories or advice.
What Family Members Need to Know and Do
When the time comes, all your loved ones will need to do is call your cremation provider or funeral home and let them know their service is needed. Your provider will then take care of the rest, using the money you paid ahead of time to cover all agreed-upon costs.
Why Arrange a Funded Cremation?
Here are five benefits to arranging and paying for cremation services before you need them.
1. Payment Can Ease the Financial Burden
Especially in the case of a sudden loss, unexpected funeral costs can be a hard financial loss to bear for many families.
A prepaid plan gives you the opportunity to cover those costs for them by paying for your own cremation services ahead of time.
2. Paying Protects Against Inflation and Cost Increases
A good, funded cremation plan will include guaranteed pricing. In other words, the price you sign up for today will be the price you pay when their services are needed — even if inflation or other factors push prices up between now and then. Many funeral homes and providers offer payment plans.
3. Planning Lifts the Burden of Responsibility
Sifting through many cremation providers and evaluating the services they offer can be incredibly challenging while grieving.
- Planning ahead can make this difficult time a little less so by relieving loved ones of much of the effort involved in making urgent, at-need arrangements for the deceased.
- Protects them against providers who may take advantage of their vulnerability.
- Gives them the gift of time together to grieve and remember.
4. Planning Can Bring Your Loved Ones a Sense of Comfort
Especially if you discuss the details together ahead of time, arranging a funded cremation can be a great comfort to your family and friends.
Instead of choosing options they believe you would approve of and worrying about whether they’ve made the right choices, they’ll be able to breathe a little easier knowing what needs to be done — and that it’s what you would have wanted.
5. Planning Can Bring You a Sense of Peace
It's natural to fear the unknown when thinking about death. An arranged and funded cremation gives you some control, allowing you to take comfort in the knowledge that your wishes will be clear and easy to fulfill for your loved ones after you’re gone.
Options for Planning But Not Paying
No one thinks not planning for the end is a good idea. However, some financial experts suggest there are better ways to use your money than paying ahead for your funeral services.
Grow Your Money
Many financial experts, including radio talk show host Dave Ramsey, advise consumers to invest the money instead. That money can grow over time and more than cover the cost of funeral services.
Fund a Payable Upon Death Account
One option to consider is a Payable Upon Death (POD) account. These funds can more easily be given to loved ones who can then pay the final services for the deceased.
Join a Cremation Society
In some areas, joining a cremation society or consumer-focused cooperative can guarantee a future price at select locations.
Consider Medicare Pay Down
According to the Funeral Consumer Alliance, those who are trying to "pay down" their assets to qualify for Medicare are among the few who may benefit from paying ahead.
Buy Funeral Insurance
Some consumers purchase funeral or life insurance policies to help cover the costs of a future funeral service.
Arranging Affordable Cremation
Of course, when pre planning, it’s important to do your research and be sure the option you choose is not only high-quality but also affordable services. After all, the idea is to reduce stress, not add to it by putting yourself or loved ones in debt.
- When choosing your cremation provider, keep an eye out for hidden fees and other secret strings that may be attached to the services they offer.
- The right provider will not hesitate to provide you with any information you may need to help you make your decision.
How Tulip Makes Direct Cremation Planning Easier
Tulip Cremation offers affordable direct cremation packages at a fraction of the cost of most traditional cremations. Our simple plan covers all of the features of our direct cremation service, including transportation and help with your documents, including assistance with filing a death certificate.
Call us at (844) 942-4909 for more information or arrange online with just a couple of clicks.
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