Planning for the end of life is a difficult topic, but it is an important one that requires careful consideration. One option that many people consider is a prepaid funeral plan. While this may seem like a good idea at first, there are many drawbacks to this. In this blog post, we will explore why a prepaid funeral plan may not be the best option and why choosing a direct cremation from Go Direct Cremations could be a better alternative.
What is a prepaid funeral plan?
A prepaid funeral plan is an arrangement in which you pay in advance for your funeral. This involves paying for the services of a funeral director, the coffin or urn, and any other expenses associated with a funeral. The idea is that by paying in advance, you can ensure that your funeral expences are taken care of and your loved ones are not burdened with the cost.
Why a prepaid funeral plan may not be the best option
There are several reasons why a prepaid funeral plan may not be the best option.
1. Limited flexibility
One of the biggest drawbacks of a prepaid funeral plan is the lack of flexibility. Once you have paid for the plan, you are locked into using the services of the funeral director or company that you have chosen. This means that if your circumstances change, you may not be able to make changes to your plan.
2. Hidden costs
Another issue with prepaid funeral plans is that there can be hidden costs. Funeral directors may charge additional fees for services that are not included in the plan, or the cost of the plan may not cover all of the expenses associated with a funeral. This can lead to unexpected costs for your loved ones. In addition, such plans are quite rightly strictly regulated and the costs of the regulation are included in the cost of the plan.
3. Inflation
The cost of a funeral is likely to increase over time, and a prepaid funeral plan may not keep up with these increases. This means that your loved ones may still have to pay additional costs when the time comes for your funeral.
4. Risks
Funeral plan providers must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) which will protect you if your provider fails. However, most of the time, the prepaid funeral plan is nonrefundable as per the funeral home policy. That means if you require funds for emergency medical treatment or other essential needs, you won’t get the money back from the funeral director. In addition, we receive a number of calls from family members who are positive that there is a plan in place but can’t find it or it is out of date or there are other problems. Because we do not take your money in advance, it remains under your control.
5. Expensive
It may not make financial sense to pay for an expensive insurance plan for end-of-life arrangements when you can choose a more flexible option.
Our direct cremation service starts at just £895, which is significantly less than many insurance plans. By choosing our affordable and transparent service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will not be burdened with the high cost of a traditional funeral or an expensive insurance plan.
Why a direct cremation from Go Direct Cremations covered by a savings account may be a better option.
Direct cremation is a simple and affordable alternative to a traditional funeral. It involves the cremation of the deceased without a funeral service. The ashes can then be returned to the family and scattered in a location of their choice or scattered in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance.
Here are some reasons why a direct cremation from Go Direct Cremations may be a better option than a prepaid funeral plan.
1. Affordability
Direct cremation is a more affordable option than a traditional funeral or a prepaid funeral plan. At Go Direct Cremations, our direct cremation service starts at just £895, making it an accessible option for those who want to keep costs down. If you want to make sure your funeral expenses do not fall on your loved ones we recommend opening a joint savings account with the person who will be organising your funeral. You can pay in a lump sum and top it up when necessary to keep in line with inflation. The main benefit is that you control the money and your family have all their options available when the time comes.
2. Flexibility
With a direct cremation, there is more flexibility than with a prepaid funeral plan. You can choose when and where to hold a memorial service or scatter the ashes, and you are not locked into using the services of a particular funeral director.
3. Planning ahead.
You can register your interest with us and we will send you our End of Life Planning package completely free of charge and without any obligation. We will keep you informed of any changes in our policy or pricing
4. Transparency
At Go Direct Cremations, we pride ourselves on our transparency. Our prices are clear and upfront, and there are no hidden costs. We believe that it is important to be open and honest with our customers.
5. We care
At Go Direct Cremations, we are a family run business who care about our customers. We understand that planning for the end of life can be difficult, which is why we are here to guide you through the process. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and respectful service and advice to you and your loved ones. We believe that by choosing a direct cremation from us, you will receive the personalized attention and care that you deserve.
6. Environmentally friendly
Direct cremation is also an environmentally friendly option. It uses less energy and produces fewer emissions than a traditional funeral, which involves embalming and burying a body in a casket.
7. Ease for loved ones
Direct cremation can also be easier for your loved ones. They do not have to worry about arranging a funeral service or making difficult decisions about the type of service to have. Instead, they can focus on grieving and remembering you in their own way.
In conclusion, while a prepaid funeral plan may seem like a good idea, there are many drawbacks. A direct cremation from Go Direct Cremations is a simple and affordable alternative that offers more flexibility, transparency, and regulatory protection. By choosing a direct cremation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will not be burdened with the cost of a traditional funeral, and you can reduce the environmental impact of your end-of-life arrangements.
