While many people plan their estates, ensuring that their assets are in order, they often put off one important detail –- planning their funeral. While estate planning is seen as essential, organizing funeral arrangements can feel uncomfortable. Funeral planning is an extension of estate planning. Ernie Morgan, owner of Morgan Funeral Home in Niagara-on-the-Lake urges people to take the thoughtful step of pre-planning for a good reason. Morgan says, “While no one likes to think about it, the reality is that pre-planning your funeral can lift a significant burden off your loved ones’ shoulders when the time comes.”
Morgan Funeral Home is not part of a large corporation, it has been a family-owned business in Niagara-on-the-Lake for more than 3 generations since 1959. Over the years, pre-planning has become more common. Morgan says, “Prior to 1960, people generally did not pre-plan their funeral, but pre-planning has evolved because individuals want to ensure their wishes are carried out and pre-planning is a way for funeral homes to ensure their client’s needs are taken care of.”
Pre-planning a funeral
Pre-planning a funeral is much simpler and more personal than many people realize. Morgan says, “It’s like having a heartfelt conversation with clients about how they’d like to be remembered. The process begins with a meeting with the funeral director to discuss your wishes in detail. You can be as specific or as general as you’d like. Do you want a particular song played or a favourite flower arrangement? You can plan every detail, from the type of service—whether traditional, religious or a celebration of life to what you’d like to wear.” The funeral director will meet with the client and the many questions can include,
- Do you have a cemetery plot?
- If cremated, what kind of funeral services do you wish?
- Will the body be present in a casket at the funeral, with cremation taking place afterwards?
- Who do you envision taking part in the funeral service?
- Will the service be denominational or non-denominational or non-religious?
- Will family members be doing readings?
- Do they want a slide show and music?
Ernie Morgan points out that over 75% of their clientele in Niagara-on-the-Lake now select cremation over burial.
A roadmap for your loved ones
Anyone can pre-plan a funeral. Morgan says, “By pre-planning, you’re leaving a roadmap for your loved ones or an executor to follow. They would still have to write an obituary and notify family and friends, but key decisions are made ahead of time.”
For those who wish, pre-planning may also include paying for the funeral arrangements in advance.
Pre-paying is a hedge against inflation
Pre-paying for a funeral ensures that your loved ones aren’t scrambling to cover unexpected costs. In Ontario, a pre-payment is outlined in a written contract and funds are placed in trust in a secured investment like a GIC, usually with Guaranteed Funeral Deposits of Canada.
When the time comes, the funeral home is paid from that account. Morgan says, “The interest earned acts as a hedge against inflation and in Ontario, pre-paid funeral arrangements must be guaranteed.”
Another form of pre-payment may be through an insurance annuity policy and the funeral home is paid their current costs by the insurance company through the face value with accrued dividends.
Allowing loved ones to grieve
Pre-planning reduces stress and conflict among family members when your wishes are clearly outlined. It creates space for their emotions and memories instead of being overwhelmed by decisions. It also removes any uncertainly for your family members who won’t have to guess what you would have wanted when emotions are already running high. Ernie Morgan has seen firsthand the difference pre-planning makes for families. “When arrangements are pre-arranged, families can simply come together and focus on honouring their loved one. The weight of decision-making is lifted and there is no need to rush through difficult choices while grieving.”
Pre-planning may be most common among people in their retirement years but it’s not unusual for those in their 40s or 50s to pre-plan a funeral if there are special circumstances about their life or health.
Pre-planning is not about expecting the worst; it is about being prepared, so your loved ones can focus on grieving and healing without the added stress of organizing a funeral.
Pre-planning is an act of kindness
Pre-planning your funeral might seem like a difficult conversation to have, but it’s one of the most thoughtful and compassionate gifts you can offer your loved ones because it gives them space to honour your memory and support one another. Pre-planning a funeral becomes a reflection of your life, and a source of comfort for those who care about you.
The reality is that life is unpredictable and having a plan in place, no matter your age, can be a true gift to your family. Ernie Morgan says, “Pre-planning ensures there are no uncertainties for your family during a difficult time. Your loved ones can focus on celebrating your life, rather than stressing over details during a time of grief.”
Contact Morgan Funeral Home at (905) 468-3255 or (877) 356-3550 or their website.
