Serving York County

Even though studies have shown that one-third to one-half of us have done no pre-planning of our own funeral, we would never consider having no career plan or approaching our later years with no retirement plan in mind.   Many people intend to do that pre-planning but feel they have a long time to do so.  But we never know when the end will occur.

Pre-planning your funeral will actually give your family and loved ones peace of mind since they won’t have to struggle to decide what choices you would have made for the end of your life. 

Moreover, if you think through the many decisions and details and clearly convey your wishes in writing, you will eliminate the possibility for disagreements among family members who might have differences of opinion regarding your funeral plans when the time comes. 

Take Your Time

If you begin your funeral pre-planning before there is any urgency, you can take your time, examine all the options, perhaps seek advice from professionals, trusted friends and family as needed.  You will have the time to gather all the necessary information and documents you wish to use to complete a comprehensive plan.

Then,  just as you designate an executor for your Last Will and Testament, you can designate a personal representative -- a trusted person to see that your funeral plans are known at the time of your death.  It is wise to see that your personal representative receives a copy of your funeral / burial plan to store on your behalf.  While you might wish to place a copy of your written plan in your safe deposit box, that box will typically not be opened until estate settlement is done – long after the time it would be needed for funeral arrangements. 

Pre-Planning / Funding

Pre-planning of your funeral does not require pre-payment.  You can set your plan, record all necessary details and leave the payment to your family who will handle the finances after your death. 

However, as part of pre-planning your funeral, you may also pre-fund your final arrangements. Funeral pre-funding can be handled through your funeral director, and your money is placed in a state-approved trust or some other approved financial institution until it is needed.

The advantage of pre-funding your funeral arrangements:  you will ensure that your final expenses will be covered when needed, and you will lock in many of the costs and save your family the extra expense imposed by inflation.

Whether you wish to do just your funeral pre-arrangement or take the extra step to do pre-funding of your funeral expenses, take the time to sit down with a qualified funeral pre-planning advisor to assure that your final package is complete without oversights or issues that could cause difficulties at the time of your death.

Here at the Koller Funeral Home and Cremation Center in York, PA, we welcome the opportunity to consult with you and answer your questions. We can handle the details and paperwork involved in pre-funding, should you wish to pursue it. 

Why not make an appointment today to discuss your pre-arrangements?

• Download the End-of-Life Plan Checklist as a guide to both funeral pre-arrangements and other end-of-life details.
• Download a Funeral Pre-Planning Form for your use.
• Contact us to ask questions or arrange a Pre-Planning Conference.