Why plan ahead? Funeral services often begin within 24 hours of the loss of a loved one. Pre-planning for the funeral allows families that precious time needed to make decisions regarding funeral options without the emotional stress related to the loss. The act of pre-planning also allows for one to ease the burden regarding decisions and to make their personal wishes known. How do I start? Starting the pre-planning process can be as easy as your first phone call. Our funeral directors will lead you through the pre-arrangement process. You can rest assured that our staff is attentive to your every need. We will answer any question that you might have and will never pressure you into any decisions. Do I have to pre-pay? The most important part of the planning process is just that, planning. You will be given the option of pre-paying, paying over time, or not paying at all and just making your wishes known. What are the benefits of pre-paying? Like the cost of everything, the cost of funeral services go up over time. By pre-paying the funeral in full, the funeral home will guarantee that the family will never have to add additional funds for the funeral home's charges. You will also have the peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of and that your family will not have to worry about financial matters in their time of grief. Where does the money go? When you pre-pay funeral expenses, the monies collected will be placed into an FDIC insured trust account. 100% of your money will remain in your name in the trust until the time that it is needed. You can open a trust account with as little as you feel comfortable with and make payments until the funeral is fully paid. What happens if I change my mind or I move? When you pre-pay your funeral expenses, the monies collected will be place into a revocable trust. You can change your mind and cash your money out at any time. If you move the money is fully transferable to any funeral home. If you have gone on Medicaid and the money was placed in an irrevocable trust, the money may not be cashed out. However, the account can be transferred to another funeral home in your area. Why should I pre-plan when applying for SSI/Medicaid? 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 the funeral services are to your exact wishes. If you wait until the funds are exhausted and you are relying on the Medicaid benefit to pay for your funeral, the Medicaid benefit is very limited and may not provide for the services you wish for. Do I have to come the funeral home? Our funeral directors will accommodate you, whatever the need. Basic arrangements can be done at the funeral home, by phone and mail, or at your own home.