Pre-Planning with Anthony Funeral Homes
Pre-arranging a funeral can be beneficial, both for your family and your wallet. When you pre-plan, you have the opportunity to designate funeral and cemetery plans before the time comes. Primarily, this option takes a lot of the burden off your family, as the decisions have already been made. Not to mention, if you make plans ahead of time, you can be assured your funeral will be planned exactly as you prefer.
There are two ways to set up a pre-arrangement: you can devise your plans and have the funeral paid at the time of services, or you can set up a trust with the funeral home, which will guarantee today’s prices at the time of death.
Why should I plan ahead?
Typically, funeral arrangements are made within the first 24 hours after the loss of a loved one. But pre-planning a funeral allows your family to skip the stressful decision making. Instead, they can focus on the resulting emotions of loss and work towards healing, while your wishes are known and met.
Financially, pre-planning is very beneficial. You have the opportunity to lock in today’s prices at the time of services, or make payments along the way.
How do I start?
Beginning the process is as easy as calling us to set up an appointment (330-724-1281). One of our directors will sit down with you and discuss your options, either at one of our funeral homes or your residence. We will listen to your questions and concerns, and will never pressure you into anything you don’t want.
Do I have to pay in advance?
No, it is not required. You have the option to pay in advance, make payments over time, or simply wait to pay until the time of services. The most important thing is to make your wishes known.
What are the benefits of pre-paying?
Like the cost of everything, the cost of funeral services rises over time. By paying in advance, you'll lock in your services with today’s prices. Then, you can enjoy the peace of mind that everything is taken care of and your family won’t have to worry about financial matters during their time of grief.
How permanent are pre-arrangements?
Pre-arrangements can be flexible, depending on the circumstance. If you decide later on to switch plans, say from burial to cremation, we can adjust the paperwork. However, if you’ve placed your money in an irrevocable trust, the money must be spent with the funeral home. This could be applied to a memorial luncheon, merchandise, or other add-on services.
If you move away, the money is transferable to any funeral home.
If you choose to make pre-arrangements and place the money in a revocable trust, you can cash the money out at any time and cancel your plans. However, if you have gone on Medicaid and the money was placed into an irrevocable trust, the money cannot be cashed out.
I'm applying for SSI/Medicaid. Why should I pre-plan my funeral?
By pre-planning during the application process for SSI/Medicaid, you will have the opportunity to plan and pay for a funeral out of your own funds, ensuring that your wishes are met. However, if you wait until the funds are exhausted and you are relying on the limited Medicaid benefit to pay for your funeral, it may not be enough to provide for the services you want.
Do I have to come to the funeral home?
Our directors are very accommodating. We are happy to make basic arrangements with you by phone, email, or in person. And yes, we can even make house calls.
Can I make pre-arrangements for someone else?
Yes. If you are a power-of-attorney, guardian, or have someone of insurable interest, you can make pre-arrangements for them.
