Pre-Planned Funerals

With so much advertising about funeral pre-planning, it is little wonder so many people get confused about the different options available. Funeral planning is a highly emotional and personal matter, requiring decisions that can have significant financial implications.

Our experienced funeral planners can help reduce the stress by offering you an easy alternative. Better still, there’s no age limit or medical assessments required before you can put your plans and wishes in place.

Why should I consider a pre-planned funeral?

We believe funeral pre-planning is a parting gift to your loved ones. There is nothing more certain in life than death, but we don’t know when it will occur. Being prepared takes away an enormous burden from those who will have the responsibility of organising the funeral at the time of death.

During the grieving stages, it is very difficult for loved ones to focus on the task of planning a funeral. However, this is a time where questions will be asked. Decisions will need to be made to ensure the funeral is conducted in a special way.

Choosing to pre-plan your funeral allows you to record your wishes. You get to make the decisions ahead of time. This allows your loved ones some relief from the stresses that may otherwise come once you pass away.

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What are the steps in funeral pre-planning?

Step 1: The Pre-Arrangement

We will help you through the process of pre-arranging your funeral. Each family or individual has different ideas about how the passing of a loved one should be acknowledged or celebrated.
 
The first decision that needs to be made is whether you would prefer a burial or cremation. After that, you’ll need to decide on a service in our chapel, a church, a crematorium chapel or graveside. Alternatively, you could choose no service at all. This is known as an Unattended Cremation or Direct Delivery.
 
There are many other options to consider for your pre-planned funeral. For example, would you prefer a coffin or casket? Do you like the look of a floral tribute? Will you require a celebrant or minister for the service? Will you need catering, a photo tribute, programmes, funeral notices, or perhaps a mourning coach on the day of the funeral?
 
Further to helping you make these decisions, we will then collect the essential information required for the completion of the death certificate and other relevant paperwork.
 
In our experience, those completing a pre-arrangement are given security and comfort in the knowledge that their family will be able to access the funds needed to pay for the funeral when the time comes.
 
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Step 2: Preparing Financially

In our opinion, the preferred method of preparing financially for your funeral is to open a Funeral Bond. These bonds are administered by Funeral Plan Management and come with the following benefits:
  • Capital guaranteed investment
  • Your money is held in your name
  • Tax benefits – your bond is not counted as an asset by Centrelink
  • From as little as $50 per month
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Step 3: Know Your Options

Funeral Planning Options: A Guide to Your Choices
When planning ahead for a funeral, there are four main options to consider: funeral insurance, pre-paid funerals, funeral bonds, and pre-arrangements. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so it’s important to understand how they work.
 
1. Funeral Insurance
Funeral insurance may seem like a convenient way to cover funeral costs, but it often ends up costing much more than the actual funeral. With funeral insurance, you make regular payments—whether fortnightly, monthly, or yearly—to build up a fund for your funeral. However, over time, you might end up paying thousands of dollars more than the funeral will cost. The downside is that the premiums continue until you pass away, and the total amount paid may far exceed the funeral’s actual expenses.
 
2. Pre-Paid Funerals
A pre-paid funeral allows you to lock in your funeral arrangements by paying for them in advance. This means you can choose the details you want, such as a viewing, limousine, celebrant, and flowers. However, the major downside is that once paid, the money belongs to the funeral home, and you can’t get it back if circumstances change. For example, if your family later decides they don’t want the limousine or viewing, you’re still bound by the terms of the pre-paid contract. Additionally, many funeral homes charge an inflation fee to account for rising costs, meaning the amount you pay upfront could be more than the funeral is worth when the time comes.
 
3. Funeral Bonds (Recommended)
A funeral bond is a flexible and secure option that Hetherington Funerals strongly recommends. With a funeral bond, you make decisions about your funeral, much like with a pre-paid plan. However, unlike pre-paid funerals, the money you allocate to the bond remains in your name, even though it’s set aside for the funeral. This means that if your family chooses not to use some of the services you selected—such as the viewing or limousine—the remaining funds will be refunded to your estate. The bond is capital-guaranteed, meaning the money is safe, and any interest earned is yours. This makes funeral bonds a more flexible and cost-effective option in the long run.
 
4. Pre-Arranged Funerals
Pre-arranging a funeral is a good option if you want to make specific arrangements without paying in advance. This option allows you to plan the details of your funeral, such as service preferences and venue, but does not require any upfront payment. Pre-arrangements work well if you already have funeral insurance or if you have funds saved in a high-interest account. With this option, you retain control over your finances and can reassess your plans as needed.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Setting up a pre-planned funeral or funeral bond usually requires personal identification, proof of residency, and financial information to manage the funds.

Generally, pre-planned funeral plans cannot be changed without penalties. Funeral bonds offer more flexibility, allowing changes to the allocated funds based on the family’s wishes.

Yes, we offer the option to pay for a pre-planned funeral in instalments, allowing you to spread the cost over time. We can tailor these payment plans to suit your financial situation.

Get in touch for more about Pre-Planned Funerals in Perth

At Hetherington Funerals, we understand that funeral planning can be overwhelming. We are here to guide you through the available options so you can choose the best solution for you and your family, ensuring peace of mind for the future.

Complete the online form below or phone us on (08) 9459 2846 and we will make an appointment to visit you in your own home to complete your funeral pre planning arrangements.

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