Pre-Planning Check List

For many, it feels like there's an overwhelming amount of things to think about!
But in all honesty, taking control of the important things in life just feels good. You know it's the right thing to do for you and your family.

Prepare

Laying the foundation for a well thought out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but, it's worth every moment spent. After all, you’re setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life, because you’ll have the peace-of-mind preparedness brings. Here’s what to do to get started:
  • Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in a medical emergency or death.
  • Write a eulogy or simply jot down information you would like included in your eulogy.
  • Decide where funeral notice and memorial information should appear.
Choose the type of service you would like including the burial or cremation you prefer and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:
  • Cemetery plot location
  • Service venue: church, chapel, park or private home
  • Casket or Coffin type
  • Type of service: religious, military, non-denominational
  • Family only at service or publicly advertised
  • Pallbearers, music, flowers, scripture or other readings
  • Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
  • Decide what organisations or church will benefit from memorial donations in your name.

Arrange and Delegate

The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions, important financial details, and then relax. You’re in good hands.
  • Give your Executor a copy of your Will. Safety deposit boxes are often opened up during the estate settlement process, long after the funeral. Any funeral planning documents therein can be of no help to your executor.
  • Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe-deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and funeral directors. Remind your personal representative that the Dept Human Services will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Dept Veterans' Affairs, they should be contacted as well.
  • Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure an enduring power of attorney for health care and a advanced care directive are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
  • Make arrangements for telephone, internet and utilities services, and newspaper and magazine deliveries, to be cancelled.
  • Make arrangements for pets to find a new home.

Pay for...

  • Cemetery and memorialisation services
  • Funeral arrangements, including clergy, florist and transportation