Most of us plan for years when we no longer need to, want to, or cannot work. It is a necessity we cannot afford to ignore. The federal and state governments have programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to which we all contribute while working. Being informed as to what we have earned and making sure we receive these important benefits is part of "Being Prepared."

There are other important aspects to being prepared, such as preparing a Will and making a Tradition & Trust funeral Pre-Arrangement.

Where To Start

Knowing where to start can help make planning easier. Although this site cannot answer all of your questions, it will highlight the main steps for you. We find once families know what to do, planning is not difficult. As funeral directors, we are able to assist with the details and answer questions you may have about planning. No matter what you decide to do first, it's important to start now.

4 Good Reasons For Making Tradition
& Trust Funeral Arrangements In Advance.

1. Your Family
Without a doubt, the most important reason for making funeral and other estate arrangements in advance is to spare your family this task at a difficult time. There are over 50 decisions to be made when arranging a funeral. Making these decisions today, with the help of those close to you, lets you make logical, well - thought - out plans which your family will appreciate.

2. Lower Costs
Though not a requirement, you may wish to invest in a funeral trust account making funeral arrangements. While most of us have life insurance or funds reserved for retirement, these are intended for the living, not to meet the cost of a funeral.

3. Securing Benefits
With the number of revisions in government benefits over the years, it is important for each person to be aware of these changes and how to protect those benefits such as Social Security, Veterans' Benefits, and Medicaid.

4. Peace Of Mind
We often have special wishes as to where to be buried, who is to receive our personal effects, and how we are to be memorialized. Making funeral arrangements today permits time for you to tend to every detail. You gain the confidence that results from making unhurried, informed decisions. Plus, your family and others who care for you will be assured the arrangements reflect your true wishes.

How To Plan
Investigate. Most people are unsure how to secure benefits and to be certain everything will be carried out according to their wishes. Often people delay making a Will because they feel they have little to leave behind. Yet, a Will is vital to insure belongings are properly distributed and to avoid excess taxes. A Will allows you to name an executor -- someone in whom you have confidence -- to carry out your wishes. You should have an attorney prepare your Will to be certain that legal requirements are met.

Legal procedures following death are also confusing. For example, since a Will is most often read and administered after the funeral, the practical, safe approach is to have a separate document for funeral requests.

By speaking with one of our qualified funeral planning counselors, you will have taken the most important step towards "being prepared."

Organize. We all have documents and information which others would have trouble locating: military discharge papers, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, safety deposit box keys, insurance policies, relatives' addresses. All of these items must be organized to eliminate frustrating hours of searching and to be certain everything will be found. Insurance companies report that life insurance benefits are often unclaimed because survivors were unaware a policy existed.

Consider. No matter what your final wishes, planning in advance permits choices and valuable input from those closest to you. Some considerations for your funeral service are listed below.

01) Have you selected a cemetery
     or memorial location?

02) Have you prepaid your Tradition
     & Trust pre-arrangement?

03) Are certain religious or fraternal
     customs to be followed?

04) Do you wish a military service?

05) Do you prefer particular charity
      as recipient of memorial gifts?

06) Do you whish to name pallbearers?

07) Do you wish to be buried in particular
     clothing or jewelry?

08) Are there any special readings,
     biblical passages, or musical selections
     you prefer?

09) Would you prefer a casket of metal
      or hardwood protective or non-protective?

10) What type of monument or marker
      do you prefer?

This list is far from complete, but it gives you an idea of the many decisions involved when planning a funeral. Our services help you make the decisions right for you.

Decide. To protect your family, you will want to make some decisions and arrangements. As experienced funeral directors, we can assist you in all stages of planning, from completing paperwork to helping and counseling the bereaved. We retain a complete record of your plans to insure they are carried out on your behalf.

Finally, be sure to advise your family of your decisions and the arrangements you have made. Knowing everything is taken care of will give both you and your family peace of mind.