We all make plans in advance every day of our lives. We schedule doctor and dentist appointments regularly. We save for vacations long before we take them. We buy auto insurance to protect our family in the event of accidents and health coverage for unexpected illnesses. We often carry life insurance intended to cover ongoing living expenses for the family in the event of an untimely death.
Equally important is discussing your funeral preferences with your family and setting aside funds for your final expenses. By doing so, you help relieve your loved ones of the emotional and financial burdens in the future. You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having your affairs in order for your survivors.
Families have asked us to provide the opportunity to prearrange because it makes sense to them.
Prearranging your funeral allows you to think clearly about funeral decisions. It can be done at your convenience and often with a partner rather than alone.
Many of the details needed at the time of death are obscure, such as maiden names, countries of birth, or social security numbers. The best person to provide this information is you.
Reasons for Planning Ahead
- It is easier to do now than in the middle of a crisis.
- You can save a considerable amount of money.
- You don’t want your family to have to pay for funeral costs.
- You don’t want your family to have to scramble for information or make tough choices.
- You are on Medicaid or other public aid and need to prefund your funeral.
Collecting Information
Most people do not realize how much information is needed at the time of death.
The following information must be gathered:
- Full Legal Name
- Mailing Address
- Date and Country of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Occupation & Industry Worked
- Education Completed
- Dates & Branch of Military Service
- Military Service Number
- Name(s) of Wars Served In
- Marital Status
- Legal Name of Spouse (and Maiden)
- Mother’s Full Maiden Name
- Father’s Full Name
- Name & Location of Cemetery
Our Family Information Guide was made to help you collect this vital information.
Making Decisions
Many decisions must be made at the time of death. Planning ahead can reduce the stress of making funeral arrangements. The following must be considered:
- Type of Service
- Type of Casket
- Type of Vault
- Visitation
- Clothing
- Newspaper Notices
- Flowers *and preferred florist)
- Clergy
- Burial Instructions
- Music
- Register Book/Printed Materials
Use the Funeral Pre-Arrangement Guide to build the ideal service for you or a loved one.
Choosing Your Program
The Goodwin prearrangement program guarantees service and merchandise at today’s price. Once you begin the program, the services and merchandise that you select now will be provided in the future at no additional cost to your family or estate.
The prearrangement program is nationwide. Should you go on vacation, move, or just want to switch to another funeral home, you may easily do so and are covered. The value is transferable.
The prearrangement program is not considered an asset. If you go on Medicaid or other government assistance, need nursing home care, are sued, or declare bankruptcy – Your funeral prearrangement plans and money are protected.
Earn tax free interest on your policy. To keep up with inflation and the cost of the funeral, your policy earns interest. However, your interest is not taxable.
Goodwin provides easy payment options. You may take up to ten years to fund your plan. If you die before your policy is completely paid, the complete balance or a specific percentage will be paid for you automatically.
You may change your selections. As people change, so do their needs. Your prearrangements may be made more elaborate or simplified.
Everyone is accepted, up to he age of 99. Unlike other programs, you are not turned down due to your health.
Protect your family and friends. Your plans help everyone involved avoid costly mistakes, overspending, confusion, and bad feelings.
The prearrangement program is a gift of love to your family. Planning ahead relieves a tremendous burden from your loved ones and truly is a gift of love.
A sound program and decision. This type of program is recommended by leading senior citizen groups, banks, and attorneys.
Certified Preplanning Consultant
When preplanning a funeral, many decisions need to be made. Our professional team puts your needs first by meeting with you to discuss your options and help you evaluate choices of services.
Speak with Goodwin Funeral Home’s friendly certified preplanning consultant, Linda Wann.
Beginning The Process
The process of prearranging a funeral can be very brief and simple or very thorough with many options. The choice is yours.
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