FAQ / Pre-Planned Funerals FAQ
A: Funds are secure. Your investment for your funeral will be held independently of the Funeral Director and invested in a capital guaranteed funeral benefit fund of a Friendly Society. In the event that the funeral firm you made your arrangements with ceases to operate, your money will still be available to meet the cost of the funeral with an alternate Funeral Director of your choice.
A: You have a 30 Day “cooling off” period to allow cancelation and a full refund.
A: You select a preferred Funeral Director to manage your funeral. A legally binding contract is created between you and this Funeral Director. Copies of your requirements at an agreed price (the contract) are held by yourself, your chosen Funeral Director. Monies are invested via FPM into a Friendly Society Funeral Fund.
A: Payments can be made through the mail, at our funeral home, Direct Debit, EFTPOS, Credit Card, Cash at any of our affiliated funeral homes throughout Australia.
A: A funeral bond is specifically designed to help you save for future funeral expenses. Whatever you have saved (plus interest) goes towards the funeral at the time of need. A Funeral Plan is a fixed price plan at today’s price (no more to pay) no matter when the time comes in the future.
With a fixed price funeral Plan there are no restrictions on age or health.
Peace of mind Have peace of mind knowing you have taken care of this important matter.
A: The amount paid can go against the cost of the funeral OR your estate can pay the balance and the agreed funeral will be provided.
A: It is refunded to your estate
A: Of course, your wishes may change over the years. For example, you may discover a new favourite song, or you may change your mind about being an organ donor. Simply let us know in writing and we’ll make the necessary changes and send you a revised Certificate. This may incur some office costs.
A: You can plan for this possibility when you pre-arrange your funeral. However, in most cases, transport costs will be involved. If you plan to stay interstate for some time, talk to your adviser and we can transfer your arrangements to another funeral home and of course you can take insurance for travel.
A: Your money is held in trust by a government accredited Fund manager – separate to us so your money is safe and can be used at the time of need by another Funeral Director of your choice.
A: Yes if for some reason we can’t provide the funeral service you can transfer the agreement to a new funeral director.
A: YES please ask us for details.
A: No. Once you have paid for your pre-arranged funeral, there is no more to pay for the services identified in the pre-paid plan. The only exception is the cost of transport if you die overseas or interstate (although you can include this cover in your pre-arrangements), and any additional items that may be requested by the family at the time of the funeral.
A: Yes.
A: Yes, age and state of health do not matter.
A: No, you can plan any type of service - from a graveside service to a full church service and your choice of burial or cremation.
A: Funeral services can vary in price depending on your particular requirements. We can tailor a funeral service to suit your needs and budget.
A: No, there is no extra cost to pre-arrange your funeral with us.
A: No, pre-arranging and pre-paying for your funeral is not considered an asset, so your pension and taxation will not be affected.
A: It depends on the cemetery and crematorium. Our staff can discuss the various options available.
A: Contact us, or any of our affiliates, and we will coordinate all the arrangements you requested. We are available 24 hours a day.
A: No. Once you have paid for your pre-arranged funeral, there is no more to pay for the services identified in the pre-paid plan. The only exception is the cost of transport if you die overseas or interstate (although you can include this cover in your pre-arrangements), and any additional items that may be requested by the family at the time of the funeral.
A: Yes, you will need to make arrangements with the relevant authorities and we will contact them at the appropriate time.
A: A copy of the details of your pre-arranged funeral will be contained in a folder, which you should keep with your Will and other personal and legal documents. We will also keep a copy.
A: Yes.
A: Yes - your wishes may change over the years. For example, you may discover a new favourite song, or you may change your mind about being an organ donor. Simply let us know in writing and we’ll make the necessary changes and send you a revised Certificate. This may incur some office costs.