As a genealogy buff, I was
browsing through old newspapers one day and decided – just for fun – to take a
break and look up the newspaper headline from exactly 100 years ago. The headline wasn’t that interesting so I
began to look through the entire paper.
That’s when something caught my eye.
On page 5 was an article titled “Firemen Find Caskets, Aged Pair Are
Saving”. Wow; one hundred years ago an
elderly couple pre-purchased caskets for themselves with the idea of not having
to pay more later.
Was this the first “pre-paid”
funeral arrangement?! Maybe, maybe not,
but this would have been rare. The
concept of paying ahead for a funeral (in Indiana) probably didn’t go
mainstream until the 1980’s. Today, it’s
as common as drafting a will, naming a power-of-attorney, or stating healthcare
directives.
A lot has changed in
pre-paying for funerals over the years but one thing is the same: just like the
elderly couple did in 1920, caskets can be pre-paid so that you’ll never have
to pay more later. The big difference
today is that the caskets don’t have to sit in your living room like theirs
did! Nor does the entire balance have to
be paid up front; payments can be made over time with a preplanned funeral
contract.
Don’t have a need for caskets? Perhaps you plan on a cremation; that can be
paid ahead as well. Meacham Funeral
Service is fortunate to have Andrea Thornburg, an experienced licensed funeral
director, as our Family Service Advisor.
Call for a free consultation to learn what options are available to you.
When my dear grandmother passed away, one of her wishes was for her grandchildren, including the girls, to be pallbearers. What an honor that was! I realized that I played a huge part in honoring the life she once lived. When there is no ceremony our loved ones do not get to experience that crucial element of ceremony – which can be a significant part of the healing process. When I meet with families to pre-plan, I always ask if there is a preference as to who the pallbearers should be. Although this question can be answered when a death occurs, having your wishes in place and met when they are needed can be a wonderful thing for those who participate. There are three important things to know when choosing pallbearers: 1) knowing when pallbearers are appropriate, 2) knowing who can be a pallbearer, and 3) knowing what an honorary pallbearer is. Pallbearers are necessary when casketed remains are transported from the place of the funeral to the cemetery. Usually, close friends or family members serve as pallbearers; although, I have seen colleagues, veteran personnel, and emergency professionals (police, fire, etc.) participate. Traditionally there are 6 to 8 pallbearers who carry the casket. If someone is too emotionally upset to carry the casket or is not physically capable, there is a way for them to still be involved by serving as an honorary pallbearer. An honorary pallbearer can walk along the side, behind, or in front of the casket. So if you ever wondered if women, someone with a disability, or young children are able to participate as a pallbearer, the answer is yes! If you want to be the one to decide who takes an active part in how you will be remembered, call me soon and I will help you get your plans in place.
I was on my way to an appointment a couple of weeks ago when I noticed the Love Song channel in my car changed over to the Holly Channel (satellite radio). They were playing Christmas music! It was confirmation that the holiday season was here. This made me think about gift giving. How many times have you pondered what to get for those special people in your lives? Before you run out and buy a dancing Santa, Billy bass, or a Chia pet, why not consider a gift that will make a significant difference? Many people are not aware that you can gift your children their own final arrangement plan and the amount is NOT counted towards the annual tax-free gift limit ($14,000) per child or grandchild. We already know how difficult it is to think about making final arrangements but even tougher to think we could put a financial burden on the people we love the most. Take advantage of avoiding the tax liability this year while providing a gift that is meaningful. Unusual? Maybe, but I guarantee this is one gift that won’t wear out, get thrown out, re-gifted, or end up at Goodwill. Call me today, your educated, licensed funeral director, to help you prepare for the future!
