Why Should I Consider a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan

Why should I consider a Pre-paid Funeral Plan?

It is not an easy decision to make, simply because it is not always easy to think about planning your own Funeral. A lot of people avoid facing this issue altogether, but there are many reasons why a Pre-paid Funeral Plan could be right for you.

Stating your Funeral wishes and requests in your Will is not legally binding

Only a Funeral Plan will guarantee that your wishes are carried out.
Money put aside for your Funeral may not be used for this, or there may not be enough.
Friends and family may not know what you would want.
The price of a Funeral Plan is in line with the cost of a Funeral today and represents real value for money.

Here are some basic facts which may help you to make up your mind:

It is an unfortunate fact that, for many families, budgeting for a funeral by traditional means is very costly.
Stating your Funeral wishes in your Willis NOT binding upon your Executors. Funerals often take place before the Will is read.
Often, people just do not know what their Deceased relative or friend wanted.
A Funeral Plan can guarantee that no matter how long our plan-holders live, or however expensive a funeral is when they pass away, there will never be anything further for those left behind to pay towards the funeral director's fees and services.
Savings in a Bank or Building Society or Insurance is just a sum of money. Your Executors are NOT obliged to spend it on your Funeral and there may not be enough.
At a time of sadness, you will have relieved your family of financial and emotional burdens.
Those you leave behind will remember how thoughtful you have been.
The price of a Funeral Plan is in line with the cost of a Funeral purchased today. Funeral costs, like everything else, will almost certainly continue to rise in the future.
You can choose a Funeral to suit your requirements across a range of prices, and receive a certificate which confirming your choice.

Which Plan is right for you?

There are several types of funeral plan available; including upfront payment, use of a life assurance policy, use of a loan or use of a "savings plan" alternative. You can choose your Funeral arrangements to suit all of your requirements across a range of prices.

Real Life Legacy can help with any of the above types of funeral plan arrangement, however, we recommend the use of the "savings plan" alternative if you choose not to make a full upfront payment. Both life assurance and loan based funeral plans have the significant disadvantage that should any premiums be missed, or defaulted, the life assurance may be cancelled or the loan put into arrears. With a "savings plan" alternative there is more flexibility of payment terms even including payment holidays if necessary.

How Does a Funeral Plan Work?

The first important decision is the agreement on what kind of funeral that you wish for, including; burial or cremation, type of coffin, funeral arrangements and details, such as music flowers etc., limousines, coffin bearers and any other relevant choices. The tailored choice will decide the exact cost of your preferred funeral arrangements. At Real Life Legacy, we find that the majority of plans fall into one of four categories where the increase in requirements rises from one to four.

Having decided the type/category of funeral plan arrangements you can then choose a payment plan to suit from payment in full upfront to an initial deposit and regular monthly payments over an agreed timescale. This agreement forms the basis of your contractual funeral plan arrangements. When you have agreed a payment for the plan and defined your preferences, a guarantee is issued to confirm that the services of a funeral Director as specified, when they are required.

NB. Included in the price of some of the plans are contributions for other necessary expenses or 'disbursements such as Cemetery or Cremation fees and Clergy fees if applicable. These amounts are based upon national averages and are increased regularly in line with inflation. So most, if not all, of the costs will be covered, If you wish to include a larger amount, simply add the extra cost to the price of the Plan. (Note - If you require Burial, the cost of the Grave Plot is NOT included in the Plan price).

Examples of Real Life Legacy Recommended Funeral Plans

"Topaz" Funeral Plan

This option is the most affordable within the range. It includes all the funeral director's fees and services (including 24-hour bereavement support), a standard, veneered coffin, chapel of rest viewing during office hours, plus a hearse and two bearers and 24-hour bereavement support. Please note this option does not include 3rd party charges. Approximate Plan cost: *£2390

"Pearl" Funeral Plan

You can choose a Funeral to suit your requirements across a range of prices, and can pay in a lump sum or by instalments if you prefer. This option includes all the funeral director's fees and service (including 24-hour bereavement support), a standard, veneered coffin, a hearse and two bearers, chapel of rest viewing during office hours, plus a £1,200 allowance to cover 3rd party charges Approximate Plan cost:. *£3495

"Sapphire" Funeral Plan

When you have paid for the Plan, a guarantee is issued confirming that the services of a Funeral Director will be provided as specified, when they are required. This plan is the most popular in our range. It includes all the funeral director's fees and services (including 24-hour bereavement Support) a standard, veneered coffin plus bearers, a limousine to transport your loved ones to the ceremony, chapel of rest viewing during office hours, plus a £1,200 allowance to cover 3rd party charges. Approximate Plan cost: *£3795

"Ruby" Funeral Plan

This Plan provides a comprehensive package and is particularly suited to those with very large families, or who expect many mourners to attend. The plan includes all the funeral director's fees and services including 24-hour bereavement support) four bearers, two limousines, an oak-veneered coffin, open chapel of rest viewing, and a £1,200 allowance to cover 3rd party charges. Approximate Plan cost: *£4095

NB* The costs above were correct as of January 2019, however, all prices are subject to review and market conditions, but once purchased every funeral plan has a fixed price that does not change.

Real Life Legacy have qualified funeral plan advisers that can help tailor a bespoke funeral plan that suits your preferred requirements in all details.