Pre-Arranged & Pre-Paid Funeral Options
There are many reasons people come in to the funeral home to pre-arrange their funerals. Some are out of curiosity, with lots of questions and even myths surrounding their current knowledge. Others because they have received a limited life expectancy (due to illness) for themselves or a loved one and many people are just very organised!
A common theme, however, is that these arrangements will ease the burden of all the decision making their families will inevitably face, in the actual event of their death. If you would like to complete a funeral pre-arrangement without the assistance of a funeral director, please feel free to fill out our On-line Pre-Arrangement Form and submit to us. If you would like assistance with the form, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will keep a copy of your wishes on file with us and can email a copy to you if you require one.
Pre-payment, like the pre-arrangement process, is another way to gain peace of mind for all who take the time to prepare. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd are proud to align ourselves with the FDANZ Funeral Trust. Our funeral directors can advise you fully on this but in brief they are an independent organisation who will:
- Invest your funeral amount. Note: Up to $10,000 in a prepaid funeral plan is exempted from asset testing (under current government policy) when assessing eligibility for a subsidy for long term residential care for the elderly
- Show interest earnings on your investment
- Promptly pays your funeral account directly to Taupo Funeral Services Ltd, avoiding late payment penalties
- If any money remains after the cost of the funeral has been met, this will be returned to the family.
- Less a fee of $100 administration charge
Some of the benefits of a pre-arranged/Pre-Paid funeral Plan:
Peace of mind
A prearranged funeral through the FDANZ Funeral Trust will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your wishes are understood, your funeral details are in good hands, and the financial situation has been addressed.
Security of funds
The money that you pay now for your pre-arranged funeral is held in trust for you in the FDANZ Funeral Trust. The FDANZ Funeral Trust was established by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.
You Decide
Your arrangements are personal to you - in conjunction with your FDANZ Funeral Directors, you decide what you want.
Protect Your Family
Your family and loved ones are relieved of the responsibility of making difficult decisions in very emotional circumstances
Financial Benefit
Up to $10,000 in a prepaid funeral plan is exempted from asset testing (under current government policy) when assessing eligibility for a subsidy for long term residential care for the elderly.
The FDANZ Funeral Trust
The FDANZ Funeral Trust was set up by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ). Established in 1937, FDANZ is a group of caring professionals who are committed to ensuring that the families they serve are receiving high quality service. Its members arrange and direct over 80% of all funerals in New Zealand.
The FDANZ Funeral Trust is not an insurance policy. No health checks or personal questions are needed. Anyone can pre-arrange their funeral with their FDANZ Funeral Director through the FDANZ Funeral Trust.
Who can join?
Anyone can join regardless of their age or state of health.
Can I arrange a plan for somebody else?
Yes, it is common to pre-arrange a funeral for a family member or loved one. Confidentiality is assured - all correspondence is sent to the person arranging the plan.
How much money will I have to pay?
That is entirely up to you. Every funeral is different and the cost of your funeral will depend on what you pre-arrange. Your FDANZ Funeral Director will help you to tailor a funeral to suit your budget.
Do I pay for this in one payment?
Most people do pre-pay their funeral in a single payment, but you do not have to. You are able to make payments in instalments if that suits you better.
What happens if I die before I have made all of my instalments?
The pre-arrangements that you have made with your FDANZ Funeral Director will remain in place. If any further payment is required to meet the cost of your arrangements, your FDANZ Funeral Director will make arrangements with your family or estate for payment.