IN Shaler Fall 2019 | Page 35

INDUSTRY INSIGHT M FUNERAL HOME Forward Thinking y husband died and we had nothing planned. I felt so lost and upset because I didn’t know what he would want me to do.” We hear this often when someone dies unexpectedly and the family has never considered making pre-arrangements. Pre-need, pre-arrangements, and pre-planning are all terms used in funeral service to describe different services and merchandise purchased or planned before those services or products are needed. Some people discuss their wishes with their family ahead of time. Some people don’t really care what happens to them after they die: “Do whatever you want. I won’t be there.” Many consumers call us for information. I wrote a book that answers many questions you may have, such as: n n n n n n SPONSORED CONTENT What is the motivation for pre-arranging? For example, estate planning, moving into a long-term medical facility, Medicaid spend-down, protection of assets, making wishes known, someone already in declining health, etc. What are the wishes for a suitable farewell? Do we want burial or cremation? Will there be public or private visitation and/or services? What is the funeral going to cost? How much do we have to spend? We also gather the information that will be needed for the paperwork (death certificate, newspaper notices, Social Security form, veterans forms). Prior consideration of these items will help you make better decisions. OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS CONTINUES TO GROW TO BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY Introducing Kate Cheman our Preneed Advisor Kate Cheman, FD Contact Kate for a FREE in-home, no obligation preneed consultation Call 724-422-8782 or email [email protected] Frank Perman, Supervisor Permanfuneralhome.com/plan 412-486-3600 Whatever the reasons to pre-plan, here are some things to think about…You may take your pre-arrangements to whatever level you are comfortable with; have a conversation with your family about what you would want. You can bring the discussion to us so it can be recorded in a file, or we will come to your home to help gather the information. We need the statistical information such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, veteran discharge forms, newspaper information, etc. Services and merchandise can be pre-selected and paid for in advance. Often, we are asked by consumers what happens to the money for pre-arrangements. Pennsylvania requires that money paid for pre-arranged funerals must be placed into a pre-need trust or into a pre-need insurance policy. The money does not belong to the funeral home. No one can access the money before a death has occurred. Only when a certified copy of the death certificate is presented to the trustee or pre-need insurance company can funds be paid. The choice of funding vehicle depends on individual circumstances. Many consumers do not know their options when pre-planning for cemetery or mausoleum space. Some cemeteries offer price packages that may be suitable. Families have purchased grave spaces or mausoleum space through cemetery sales websites, Craigslist or the Pennysaver. These offerings can include grave digging charges, burial vaults or grave liners, headstones or grave markers. Purchasing caskets or other merchandise from a cemetery rarely is a good financial deal. Compare prices with us before signing any contract. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into any decision. Many people have final expense insurance through the Catholic Funeral Plan or from insurance companies. These companies may tell you that all of your funeral plans are completed, but they are by no means complete. Perman Funeral Home is never informed that someone has purchased a policy. We have no information about selections of services or merchandise. If you purchased a policy such as this, make an appointment with us to complete your pre- arrangements. Any individual pre-need, pre-arranged or pre-planned funeral is not like any other. Each person has his/her preferences. Have a conversation with your family about your personal wishes. Finally, let your family, friend, and/or attorney know that you have purchased funeral services or merchandise. Thousands of pre-need contracts sit unclaimed because someone has died and never let anyone know about the contract. Communication is important. When you are ready to move forward, give us a call and we will deliver a copy of our free planning guide book. This Industry Insight was written by Frank Perman, FD, Supervisor, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CFC. He is the owner of Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 923 Saxonburg Boulevard at Rt. 8 in Shaler Township. Mr. Perman believes an educated consumer makes the most personal, affordable and memorable decisions. Inquiries may be made to him at 412.486.3600 or emailed to [email protected]. SHALER ❘ FALL 2019 33