Maher's Funeral Home

The Purpose of a Funeral

A funeral service fills several important needs in today's society. It provides for the respectful care of the deceased, by providing a special tribute to a unique life.

Equally important, the funeral service helps survivors face the reality of death - the first step in overcoming grief. A funeral brings together relatives and close friends who can lend support and comfort when needed most.

A funeral also gives friends and relatives the opportunity to express the love and respect they feel for someone who was very important to them. Just seeing how much others care can be a tremendous help to a family adjusting to their loss.

Funeral Prearrangement

The prearranged funeral is an opportunity to carefully plan for an orderly conclusion of life. It is not a difficult or complicated task and it can give one peace of mind. It can eliminate some of the undesired stress which can accompany a death.

Prearrangement is a practical way of determining an individual's wishes for a funeral in advance. The prearranged funeral provides the opportunity to decide the type of services preferred and outlines instructions for final arrangements. It will also serve as a guide for family and friends. This foresight can be invaluable in a time of stress and will give you and your family the opportunity to make decisions together to meet everyone's needs.

It should be noted that any type of funeral can be prearranged and this can be done at the funeral home or in the convenience of your own home, if you prefer.

We at Maher's Funeral Home are here to help in any way possible and look forward to any questions you may have about prearranged funerals or any other matter of concern.

To set up a prearrangement consultation at a time that works for you, please contact us.

Funeral Planning at Work

Traditional Funeral Arrangements & Their Limitations

Until recently, there have been three ways a family has provided for a funeral. However, these routes are not typically ideal in many circumstances.

The first is level death benefit life insurance. This is normally intended to cover ongoing living expenses for the surviving family members. It usually requires waiting weeks or even months until proceeds are available, and with inflation, proceeds may erode over time. As well, dealing with a level death benefit life insurance may involve disputes over contested claims.

The second traditional way has been through the use of one's savings. Often savings become depleted by the costs of illnesses before death. The funds may also be tied up in probate or not readily accessible at the time of death. As well, long-term savings may be reduced by taxes and early withdrawal penalties.

The third way people have planned to provide for a funeral is to rely on friends and relatives. Doing so places unexpected burden on those you care about most. It may put survivors in an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation and can cause friction between loved ones. It is also important to keep in mind that borrowed money must be repaid.

Funeral Planning in Recent Times

More and more people are opting to create a funeral plan. A funeral plan eliminates your concerns by allowing you to plan and fund your funeral before the need arises.

You put your plans in writing, so there will be no doubt about your wishes. Family and friends will never have to wonder if they have done the right thing, if they have forgotten anything, or if what they selected is what you truly would have wanted.

Using a funeral plan will help you avoid the issues that may arise when using traditional funeral arrangements.

What is your next step? Plan ahead.

Choosing the Payment Method for You

There are a variety of ways that you can pay for your funeral plan. You can pay all at once, or over time.

When death occurs, one call to the funeral home is all that is needed to begin the funeral process. Your funeral director will carry out all the arrangements per your wishes. Monies set aside for your funeral plan will be paid directly to the funeral home.

It is important to note that any funds paid to Maher's Funeral Home for the purpose of your funeral will be held securely and separately, within a highly regulated system that is there to protect you and your family.

Paying for Your Funeral in Advance

The Maher's Funeral Home prearrangement process has you and your family's best interest at heart. It has been designed to protect you and your family from future price increases. More importantly, any monies paid in advance will be secured in a funeral trust or annuity until that time at which payment is required.

Although the average funeral is priced lower today than many people might assume, a funeral will almost surely cost more in the future. Therefore, if you are truly seeking peace of mind, it is important that the funding method you choose provides adequate growth to offset future price increases. This is why Maher's Funeral Home helps you secure your pre-payments with a trustworthy financial institution through products and services that are designed specifically for funeral pre-planning.

Paying for Your Funeral by Installments

A payment plan can be devised to best suit your current financial situation. Every effort is made to accommodate all needs and it is fully understood that there are many different circumstances in people's lives. Together, we can devise a payment plan that works for you and your loved ones.

Areas of Special Concern for You

It is important to keep good records and to be sure that loved ones know where records are kept, regardless of what funeral plans you have made.

A Legal Will is Important

Every adult should have a will, regardless of age or financial situation. A will is a legal document that can prevent many serious problems for those you leave behind.

If you do not already have a will you should have one drawn up as soon as possible. It is in your own and your family's best interests.

Keep Accurate Records

For your family's sake, write down everything you think the Executor of your Estate will need to know to carry out your wishes.

Be sure to list all biographical and financial information, including:

Location of your will;
Information about insurance policies;
Children's names, addresses, and telephone numbers;
Bank accounts and securities;
Safe deposit boxes;
Benefit entitlements; and
Any other important documents

All too often, loved ones are left with months and even years of loose ends to try and manage. These are simple steps that can be done at any point in your life to assist those you love in a smoother transition after your death. After all, grief is burden enough.