"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Understanding pre-paid funeral arrangements In the past two decades, the every day consumer has moved towards a more planned lifestyle than ever before. People plan tasks as simple as grocery shopping and as complex as retirement investing. As time passes on, aging people want security not uncertainty when entering the golden years of their life. With this in mind, all aging people must consider their own death. Planning a funeral in advance is a thoughtful decision that shows consideration and most of all, removes the indecisiveness accompanying one's death. Some people not only prearrange their funerals but prepay them removing probably the biggest burden of all, the financial one. Planning ahead allows the purchaser to review all possible options in regards to services and merchandise available. This allows the purchaser to make an informed, meaningful funeral arrangement that reflects the beliefs of the beneficiary. Understanding prepaid funeral arrangements is a most important issue for the beneficiary. This has to be the time to ask questions, raise issues such as: costs, funeral times, visiting, preparation of the body, interment of the body and the list goes on. Getting to know and trust the funeral director is vital in maintaining a fiduciary relationship throughout the course of the funeralization period. With prepaid funeral contracts, the purchaser 1s protected with the funds invested under the Funeral Directors and Establishments Act (1989, Bill 30). This states that there is an agreement whereby a person contracts to provide or make provision for funeral services. This requires the funeral director to deposit the prepaid funds in a trust account with a bank, trust company, credit union or a fraternal Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. able Service tothe ~~ TT ~ommunity Since 1846 same for us. want to be treated. MARK K FLETCHER Funeral Director 985-2171 There are times when we just want to do something nice for someone else. Not to be rewarded, but out of the goodness of our heart. Because we hope they would do the At Wage Funeral Home, we believe funeral preplanning is a way to do something nice for those you care about. Your loved ones won't be faced with difficult emotional and financial decisions. Preplanning is another example of treating others the way we would WAGG FUNERAL HOME LTD. Ma Dexmott-Panabaken Chapel MYLES G O RIORDAN Funeral Director Owner Pre Arrangement Counsellor Res (003) ORS.OGAR = 216 Queen St. Port Perry, fn ob A RULE organization approved under legislation. At the time of need, the funds are rendered when the services and merchandise are provided. Today with many investments, the purchaser may not be able to cancel their investment without tremendous costs 'such as: legal transactions, administrative fees and out of pocket expenses. This could very well cause the purchaser to end up with less principal than previously invested, hence, making the investment a loss instead of a gain. A prepaid funeral investment contract on the other hand, can be cancelled or transferred at the purchaser's request. Finally, all prepaid funds are sheltered by a Compensation Fund and every operator of a funeral establishment must participate in this fund. This fund in essence was created to protect the purchaser from any professional misconduct on behalf of the funeral establishment. The purchaser's investment is there ALWAYS guaranteed. There are two types of prepaid funeral contracts. They are guaranteed and non- guaranteed. Non- guaranteed funeral arrangement contract are contracts that are LOW &: [L{od]] FUNERAL [Lodi] 1763 Reach Road, Box 698, Port Perry LOL 1NO ~ opposite the fairgrounds * Complimentary rooms for after service reception * Bright large, modern building * Parking on premises for 80 cars * Over 100 years of community service by the same family e Cremation information * Prearrangements may be made at our office or in your home (905) 985-7331 Or (905) 852-3073 'the only partially prepaid, not signed by the licensed funeral director and purchaser and no person unlicensed can offer any contract period. A guaranteed contract is a prepaid contract that funeral home establishment must provide whether the time of need arises five years or 15 years in the future. Any monies remaining in trust are returned to the estate of the deceased. Today, with the constant rise in merchandise, taxes and services prepaying your funeral only makes sense. Courtesy of Low & Low Ltd. sina TT TT ER RE Ty TET nT Tm