Pre-Planning with You in Mind
Nearly seven million Americans have pre-arranged their funeral with a trusted funeral service provider. More and more people are recognizing that planning a funeral in advance demonstrates love and consideration toward their family members. It is a thoughtful decision that reduces the stress of indecision and uncertainty when a death occurs. It also gives the person making the arrangements peace of mind that they have taken care of their final wishes in advance of their death.
The planning process is something that has been part of our daily lives since birth. We purchase fire insurance for our home to protect our interests in the event of a fire; we purchase auto insurance for the possible event of an accident-- doesn't it make sense to plan for the one event that is certain to happen in our lifetime?
Coming to terms with a decision of this magnitude takes a bit of time and effort. We at McCarthy Funeral Homes encourage you to engage your family members in conversations about your funeral plans. They will be able to support you in your decisions and give you a sounding board for your ideas. Remember that pre-planning doesn't necessarily mean pre-paying. Come in to sit down and discuss your preferences and we will record them for the future. If you desire professional guidance or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (413) 774-4808 . We will be glad to assist you in any way possible.
Why prearrange your funeral?
Prearranging and pre-financing your funeral is a simple and secure way to provide for your final arrangements. It is a valuable and protected investment and is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. By investing in a prearranged and pre-financed funeral, you assure the services you desire, while at the same time, your investment is earning interest for you.
What are the benefits of planning ahead for your funeral?
Economy — Because you are setting money aside, it will be there when you need it. The earnings on your money are reinvested in a trust so you can hedge against inflation. You can also use prearrangements as an asset management tool in “spend downs” for Mecdicare purposes or other methods in preparation for alternative health care needs such as short or long term nursing care.
Personal Choice — You choose the extent, kind and cost of service you want, right down to the smallest detail. You're assured that your funeral and disposition will be consistent with your individual standards and lifestyle. You and your family can share in planning together.
Peace of Mind — By making these decisions in advance, you can bring peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones. You'll know that the arrangements you want are complete and that the costs won't burden your family. You may change the specific components of your service at any time, with the understanding that component costs may change. We encourage all persons, however, to give these decisions a great deal of initial thought and consideration.
Other Questions Commonly Asked
Q : I'm Interested in cremation. Does McCarthy Funeral Home offer cremation services that can be prearranged?
A: Yes, we do. Cremation is a service we provide to many families we serve each year. As cremation becomes more widely accepted, we work to provide innovative and creative options to suit the needs of the families we serve. If cremation is right for you, please discuss your options with one of our professionals.
Q: What will my family think if I make my own funeral arrangements?
A: Attitudes vary but most families we talk with feel that when a loved one makes his or her own funeral arrangements it is a loving and responsible thing to do. It really does bring peace of mind to everyone involved.
Q: Isn't funeral planning just for older people ?
A: It's a smart decision for anyone who wants to relieve their loved ones of emotional and financial burdens later on. Many people carry life and health insurance to protect themselves in the event that something happens. Planning and pre-funding your funeral is just one more assurance you can give your family— no matter what your age.
Q: What if I don't know what type of arrangements I want?
A: Let us help you by giving you the information you need. We'll explain what all your options are and then you can make a decision that's right for you. Many people learn about services and options they never knew existed. Making your decisions is easier when you are thoroughly and comfortably informed. In any event, we encourage you to discuss your choices with family or friends in an effort to ensure others understand your wishes.
