Planning ahead gives us the opportunity to prepare for future events of importance to us and those we love. It provides a gift of love to those left to finalize our estate, it takes into consideration the possibility of unforeseen incidents such as sickness and auto accidents even though these events may never take place. It makes sense to prepare for the inevitable.

Planning ahead means putting our desires in writing. It is our written expression of our feelings as to the type of service and final disposition we want for ourselves. It allows us to prioritize details in the order of importance to us.

Pre-planning forms a partnership between you and those who will carry out your wishes by providing them with the all of the necessary information they will need at the time. It also provides for authenticity of the legal records because you provide vital statistics about yourself.

When you plan in advance, you are making choices based on your wishes as to how your funeral and cemetery arrangements will be carried out. Thus, it is the process by which you can eliminate confusion, uncertainty, and unnecessary expense on the part of the person making your burial and funeral arrangements, because you've already taken care of them.

ISN'T FUNERAL PLANNING JUST FOR OLDER PEOPLE?

No, funeral planning and the purchase of coverage is a smart decision for anyone. In fact, more and more people in their 50's and 60's are prearranging their funerals as part of their financial planning.
Younger people often carry ordinary life and health insurance to protect their families in the event something happens, and that's wise. It is equally wise for them to take the next steps to arrange and fund their own funerals. By doing so, they relieve their loved ones of emotional and financial burdens when the need arises and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all their affairs in order.

WHAT WILL MY FAMILY THINK IF I MAKE MY OWN FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?

Naturally, attitudes vary from one family to another, but most people who have taken this step feel making their funeral arrangements is a responsible, loving thing to do. In fact, people tell us one of the primary reasons they pr-plan is the peace of mind they have in knowing their children or other loved ones will be relieved of emotional and financial burdens associated with making arrangements for them when the need arises.

SHOULD I DISCUSS THIS WITH MY FAMILY BEFORE DECIDING?

Many people find that a family discussion helps to ensure everyone involved is comfortable with the arrangements being made. Certainly, family members can form a closer bond through discussions of this type. And, often people are better able to determine what their real feelings and personal preferences are after they've shared this information with loved ones.

WOULD I BE BETTER OFF TO INVEST THE MONEY MYSELF?

Invested money earns dividends or interest upon which income taxes may be paid. And there's no guarantee the investment would keep pace with increasing funeral costs.

With Homesteaders, you have the benefit of knowing all your plans are made; your loved ones need make only one phone call to fulfill your funeral arrangements. With a Homesteaders funeral plan, you have the assurance that the plan has kept pace with the rising cost of funerals and no income tax liability.

IF I ALREADY HAVE LIFE INSURANCE, WHY SHOULD I BUY MORE?

Homesteaders, which pays a death benefit very much like standard life insurance, keeps pace with the rising cost of funerals, regardless of how long you live. That's an important difference.

WON'T MY VETERAN'S BENEFITS TAKE CARE OF MY FUNERAL COSTS?

Most likely, no. As with many government programs, veteran's funeral benefits can fluctuate based on the availability of government funds. And, even if the benefits remained the same, they wouldn't keep pace with rising funeral costs. Most veterans who enroll in our program stipulate that the government funeral allowance be sent directly to their survivors to do with as they wish. The important thing to remember is the survivors must apply to the Veteran's Administration for the funeral allowance. It will not be sent automatically to the survivors.