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:
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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.
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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
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