My Funeral - Leave Nothing To Chance

My Funeral - Leave Nothing To Chance

It is inevitable that at some time, you will suffer the stress and trauma of bereavement. The uncertainty that when the need arises, relatives and friends will accurately recall and interpret your wishes, had they been previously indicated, is a possible concern.

That there will be sufficient funds immediately available to cover the cost of funeral arrangements, is of even greater concern - just when you didn't need it!

The last thing you would want your family or friends to inherit, especially at a time of grief, is the responsibility of recalling your funeral arrangements. Of course, you could debate that 'you' won't be here so why should you worry? On the other hand, depending somewhat on how precise you have been in life, irony can be an annual reminder (therefore, an aid?) of a horror story.
My father's death comes back to me for various reasons and for that, I personally am thankful, for others, it could be a nightmare?

My 'dad' was left-handed; the funeral director obviously didn't know this and combed his hair as if he was right-handed.

My 'dad' was a London Transport bus driver when he died and punctuality was of the greatest importance to him - imagine his 'thoughts' regarding the North London based funeral director who took him down to the Kent Crematorium in Charing but was at least 20 minutes late! "Turn in his grave he would have," I hear, except that, he was cremated!

The one most awful memory I actually do have and it has stood me in good stead through the years was weird then and would be weird today too; my wife received a letter in the post and when she opened it, it was a photograph of my father, in his coffin, staring (though his eyes were closed), straight up at her - wonder she didn't have a heart attack! I have no idea who requested or sanctioned it but how absolutely terrible not to have at least put some warning in the letter prior to opening the photograph.

I can almost feel some of the pondering at my mention of photographs which, as a subject, I will leave to another day.

Overall, I remember my dad's passing by date, May Bank Holiday (27th) 1985.

When planning funerals, commonly, clients want to steer clear of birthdays and anniversaries - I totally understand that. I have asked people in the past, "When did your dad die?" or, "When did your mum die?" Precise dates slip from memories it seems, is it that important? It totally depends on the individual but, some would argue, what better way to remember a date than by having it on the person's birthday if appropriate? Again, a totally individual point-of-view, no correct answer except the one for you.

So, how do we accomplish the goal of ensuring our wishes are met? Our will - of course, a very practical solution after all; write down all your wishes, the funeral director can help with details, options and choices and leave it with the solicitor. Hmmm.. do my children (and or Executors) know where to find my will? Did I mention who was holding the original or, a copy?

What happens if I die abroad, on holiday, away from my usual home, in an accident, unexpectedly, violently - so many variants I hadn't thought of and an important but little known fact, Executors are NOT bound to carry -out your wishes though, for the most part, they will try and respect them.

What if my will isn't found until after my funeral for whatever reason; my children didn't know, they received poor advice, they were abroad when it happened, again, numerous, unforeseen possibilities.

So, basically, there are no guarantees? Unfortunately, no - as in life but also as in life, we can take steps to minimise the unknown At Shoobridge Funeral Services, after much research, constant monitoring and now, longevity, we have supported and provided funeral plans from Golden Charter.

Planning your funeral in advance and having a written record supported by a 'credit card' style card to carry with you is widely known as 'pre-paid funeral planning' and I hear you wince when I mention money - of course, there just had to be a catch!

Or, is there? Depends on how you view things I suppose. Funeral pre-planning can save your estate money. Paying for your funeral today and living another twenty, thirty or forty years will undoubtedly be one of the best investments in your portfolio - will you gain by it? Again, it depends on your outlook.

For many aging people, they have accomplished most of their 'bucket list' items. The boat has been sold, the water skis hung up, the 'toys' we desired in our younger years no longer appeal to us because our physical body now has limitations; the idea of camping in the forest have been replaced by the comfortable motel or hotel room but, our pension keeps coming and perhaps our nest egg continues to build now, at all times, when we don't 'need' it to - life is strange but, we endeavour to make things easier than we had them for our children - the more money we save, the more they will get -after all, what else can we do with it?

I do realise this is only one point-of-view and not everybody is lucky enough to be in 'that' position but, this is an illustration after all.

The important thing is that, you CAN plan your funeral with all the options you wish; you can pay for it at today's prices in one payment or on a payment plan. Not only are there fixed plans for you to choose from, Shoobridge Funeral Services have a bespoke plan just for you, a plan you can tailor to your own personal needs and wishes – The Independent Way. One of the most important things that many folks are not informed of, is the fact that with Golden Charter, or The Independent Way plan, (endorsed by Golden Charter), you, the client, the customer, choose your funeral director. Nearly ALL the other plan providers choose one on your behalf mostly, the nearest geographically.

If you move house for any reason, your plan moves with you. Once informed, Golden Charter asks you to choose a 'new' funeral director/undertaker in that area, they write and ask the funeral director's acceptance and all remains the same unless logistics prevent it e.g. you may wish to be buried in your local churchyard; you move for (ill) health reasons, the local churchyard has no spaces available and your option is the municipal cemetery - fees are very different but once again, you can alter your plan with choice.

Don't forget, your chosen 'Power-of- Attorney' (where applicable), might be involved in 'decision making' whilst you are alive but EPOA ceases at the point (time) of death.

For more obligation-free advice or information, or perhaps a leaflet, please phone Honiton (01404) 41424  or Exeter (01392) 279929 and ask Penny or Paul to arrange a suitable time to see or talk to you, they may even be able to visit you at home.

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