Advice: Making Final Plans Now Can Be A Freeing Experience

By Paul Larson

MILLBRAE –
Have you ever thought to yourself “I want to save money” or “I wish this didn’t cost as much”? Do you find the expense of gasoline inhibiting to the distances that you drive? Or, do you feel satisfaction when you find the item you’re shopping for has been marked down and heavily discounted? Do you appreciate good quality at a lower cost? Most everyone understands value, and the benefits it can have for your pocketbook. When ever you have the chance to take advantage of a good bargain you should think carefully before passing it up.

From the time we all were very young and saved our first coins in a piggy bank we gained a sense that our money had worth and was important to save. Counting our money helped us to learn the total amount we accumulated. Using some of that money for a purchase would decrease what we had saved, but gave us a feeling of satisfaction in owning that desired item. As we grew up we opened a bank account and with accruing interest watched our money slowly grow. Many times we held off on a purchase because it was perceived as either too expensive, or as something that we wanted but didn’t need at the moment. At times we became aware of purchases that could benefit our welfare, but procrastination prevented us from realizing their worth. Items such as Health Insurance, Home Owners Insurance or Life Insurance fall into the above category, which also can include the pre-planning of Funeral Arrangements for ourselves or our loved ones.

People who are fiscally and economically minded know that planning for a probable anticipated circumstance is part of good preparation and organization. Paying in advance for an item or service that will surely be needed in the future can be a thrifty way to save money in the long term.

At some time in our lives we all come to a realization that “final” plans for our future are very necessary. Those of us who are lucky have plenty of time to prepare, and others make the time. These kinds of plans can be made much easier by organizing them well in advance. Talking to your Funeral Director will help, and making “Pre-Need” arrangements can be a very “freeing” experience. All your wishes will be recorded at the Funeral Home and kept on file. Your Funeral Director will guide you with what items are needed. The cost for these future services can be put aside in a special Trust Account or Insurance Policy. In turn this will lock-in most costs at today’s prices and will help save funds for your family when the time comes. Your Funeral Director will also guide you with how to put aside Pre-Need funding, and will prepare the appropriate paperwork. This funding can be set aside in small amounts or in full at the time of the Pre-Need Arrangement. After the total balance has been deposited this will insure that most of the Funeral Costs will remain the same as originally agreed upon. Taxes and Cash Advance items are customarily updated at the time of death.

If you ever wish to discuss cremation, funeral matters or want to make pre-planning arrangements please feel free to call me and my staff at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS in Millbrae at (650) 588-5116 and we will be happy to guide you in a fair and helpful manner. For more info you may also visit us on the internet at: www.chapelofthehighlands.com.