Funeral Plans
PLANNING FOR LIFE TRANSITIONS
Thinking about your own funeral can feel a bit strange. But it is one of the kindest things you can do for your family.
When you write down your wishes, you take away the worry and guessing for them at a sad and difficult time. It helps make sure your goodbye is all about you and the life you lived. This guide will help you think about your wishes and plan for the costs.
Step 1: Your Wishes for the Service
Your goodbye should be special, just like you. There are no right or wrong choices, only what feels right for you. Here are some things to think about.
Burial or Cremation?
This is the first big choice. Think about what you would like. You might have a family spot in a cemetery, or you might have a special place you would like to be.
An Important Note on Burial Plots: If you own a 'burial right' for a plot with space for more than one person, it's a good idea to plan for the ownership to be transferred to a family member. This makes sure they can use the remaining spaces in the future without any problems. You can arrange this with the cemetery administration.
What Kind of Service?
How do you want people to remember you? Here are a few examples, but the choice is completely yours.
A Church Service: A service in a church with prayers.
A Happy Get-Together: A relaxed get-together to share happy memories. This could be at a park, a club, or at home.
A Small, Quiet Goodbye: A simple service with only your closest family.
Special Details for the Day
Think about the small things that would make the day special.
Music: Are there songs you would like to be played?
Readings: Are there special poems or prayers you like?
Who will speak? Is there someone you would like to share a memory?
Flowers or Donations: Would you like flowers? Or would you like people to give money to a charity you care about instead?
After the Service
What happens after the main service?
A Gathering (Wake): Would you like your family and friends to get together for food and drinks?
Ashes: If you choose to be cremated, what would you like to happen to your ashes? They could be scattered in a special place, put in a memorial garden, or kept by family.
Step 2: How to Pay for Your Funeral
Planning for the costs now makes things much easier for your family later. Funerals can cost a lot of money, so it’s wise to have a plan. You can always ask a local funeral director for a price list to get an idea of the costs.
Ways to Save for Your Funeral
Here are a few good ways to set money aside.
Pay Now with a Funeral Director (Pre-paid Funeral): You plan your funeral with a funeral director and pay for it now at today's price. The main positive is that the price is locked in. However, you often can't move your plan to a different town if you move.
Save in a Funeral Bond: This is a special savings plan for your funeral. The money is kept safe just for this purpose, and Centrelink usually does not count this money as one of your assets (up to a certain limit).
Use a Savings Account: You can open a bank account and save money just for your funeral. It's easy to do, and you are in control of the money, but your family may have to wait to get the money after you pass away.
Use Funeral Insurance: You pay a small amount of money every month or fortnight. Be very careful with this. Over the years, you could pay much more than the funeral will actually cost. If you stop paying, you often lose all the money you have put in.
DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: MY FUNERAL FINANCIAL PLAN
Last Step: Keep Your Plan Safe
When you have written down your wishes and your money plan, keep the papers in a safe place. Put them with your Will and your Financial Master List.
Most importantly, tell your Executor and your close family that you have made a plan and where they can find it. A good plan only helps if people can find it when they need it.
DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: LETTER OF INSTRUCTION TO MY EXECUTOR REGARDING FUNERAL PLANS
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.
Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.