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Funeral Plans
It is not unusual to want to arrange and pay for as much as possible in advance, so that your family can participate in a service without having to worry about details.
Before you commit to a funeral plan package ...
If you are thinking of buying a funeral plan think hard about what you are getting from it and consider whether this is what you actually want. Remember that almost none of them include the cost of a burial plot. They may mention 'contribution towards burial' but by this they mean gravedigging charges. It is important that you secure your plot in addition to any funeral plan.
Many funeral plans are 'cremation only' so make sure you don't buy one of those. It might be simpler to record your wishes and to put some money aside in an interest earning account or for the funeral to be paid out of your estate. You can leave your funeral instructions with your solicitor. You do not have to hand over thousands of pounds in advance!
Avoid “Over 50s Life Cover Plans” because if you stop paying at any time then your plan would end with no value and you wouldn’t get any of your premiums back - you'd lose the lot! So read the small print before signing and see what restrictions will be imposed.
While you’re still in fair health though it’s far easier to talk about these things, so let your family know how you’d like your funeral to be conducted - write it down and let them know where to find it. You might want a particular set of hymns, a favourite song, a cardboard coffin decorated with all your old valentine cards, or a throng of throbbing Harley Davidsons roaring behind the hearse… be creative and express yourself and make it memorable, meaningful and an enjoyable process - use our If I should die... outline to prompt you.
Give the family permission not to spend a fortune and take away the concern that they might not be not doing you justice. While you’re at it, look into how much things cost and what should take priority. Cut costs by listing some tasks that can be delegated, people often ask if they can help (and they mean it), so consider asking for sandwiches for fifty people, a sheath of flowers from their lovely garden, help with paperwork and phone calls or help to walk dogs or feed animals.
Useful websites:
http://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk
http://www.funeralinspirations.co.uk/
The following companies can help you with end of life planning.
http://www.lovinglymanaged.com/
http://www.fantasticfunerals.co.uk/planning.htm
