Most people attain a sense of relief knowing that "everything" is taken care of.
At the time of death, most decision-making will have been done thus leaving your family the essential and less complicated time to grieve together by focusing on memories rather than business.

PRACTICAL

Planning helps to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled.
Unlike arrangements made once a death has occurred, with pre-planning you have the option of making future changes or adjustments if a decision is reconsidered.
For those with little or no family, family who do not live locally, or family who travel, a pre-planned funeral can eliminate unnecessary delays at the time of death. For those who travel, pre-planning could once again save unnecessary delays at the point of death as well as unnecessary expenses.

FINANCIAL

Make decisions with a clear mind and without emotional stress and pressure.
Exercising the option of prepayment can result in substantial saving as you receive inflation-proof protection. It is estimated that the cost of funerals is doubling approximately every 10 years. If prepaid at today's cost, neither your family nor your estate will be affected when our prices change.
Your cost is locked in.

Can't I just include my funeral preferences in my Will?

No. Although an up-to-date Will is a vital part of estate planning, it is important to have your funeral preferences recorded separately with a funeral home. Often a Will is not even opened until after the funeral services have taken place.

Who Should Prearrange?

Any one who:

• Wishes to save others that responsibility later.
• Wishes to minimize family conflict and confusion at an emotionally stressful time.
• Is responsible for the care of someone else.
• Wants to make his/her own wishes known.
• Is a senior citizen entering a residential or nursing home.
• Has no one capable or perhaps willing to make funeral arrangements at time of death.
• Travels or whose family travels.
• Wishes to pay the least amount of money for his/her services.

Every one should at least consider a prearranged funeral, regardless of age or background.

What do I include in my pre-arrangement?

Any funeral, regardless of how simple or elaborate, can be pre-arranged. The plan will fit the needs of your family as well as your own wishes and customs. In addition to your vital statistics, you can include preferences relating to any or all of the following:

• Type of services to be provided.
• Cremation, burial, entombment.
• Casket/vault/urn selection (s)
• Clothing/jewelry to be worn.
• Length of visitation.
• Funeral service or memorial.
• Location and style of service and reception.
• Service content (music, scripture, poetry, other readings, officiant, eulogy).
• Names of pallbearers.
• Newspaper notice content, specified memorial donations.
• Personal touches (photographs, memorabilia for table of remembrance, flowers, favorite food or colors, how I want to be remembered).

What "Vital Statistics" are needed and why?

In Ontario every death, like every birth or marriage, must be registered. In order for the funeral director to complete the required documentation we record the following:

• Name, address, birth date, and birth place.
• Social Insurance Number.
• Full name of spouse (including maiden name of wife).
• Most recent occupation.
• Mother's and father's names and birth places.
• Name and address of executor(rix) and next of kin.

How much does a funeral cost?

There are many variables involved. Depending on the services and merchandise selected costs may range greatly - from $1200 to $12000!

The Mundell funeral Home offers a full range of services from immediate cremation or burial to traditional services involving visitation, funeral, reception services and facilities. Our price list is itemized. Every arrangement is unique. Your choices will determine the overall expense.

Pre-planning is your opportunity to gather the relevant facts and make informed decisions with a clear mind..

(pre-planning cont'd)