Questions and Answers

about Advanced Planning of a Funeral 
and Advanced Payment

What do you mean by "Advanced Planning?"

Advanced Planning simply means that you sit down with one of our experienced Funeral Directors and plan your funeral details in advance.

Is that as unsettling an experience as it sounds?

Not at all. In fact, most people find that Advanced Planning gives them peace of mind because they have taken the initiative to spare their families this duty at some future time when it would, indeed, be a disturbing task.

How does it work?

Our Funeral Director takes down your personal instructions as to the type of service you want, the type of casket you select, the amount to be spent this and other details. He then puts information on file until it is needed.

Why should I consider Advanced Planning of a funeral ?

In some cases, surviving family members make emotional decisions in their time of bereavement that result in spending more on a funeral than the deceased would consider wise. By arranging the details of the funeral service in advance, you can prevent such emotional overspending. And if you pay for the service in you can 'freeze" the cost at today's prices.

What do you mean "freeze the cost?"

Inflation is pushing funeral costs upward just like everything else. But with Advanced Planning you pay for your funeral service in advance, you are guaranteed that the services, the type of casket and all other components you have selected will be supplied at the prices prevailing today ... not at inflated future prices. 

How do I do that?

When you decide upon how much you wish to spend, a T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home trust account is established in your name. Then you put money into the account either in a lump sum or installments extending over a period to suit your needs. Your money remains in trust in a Florida bank. If necessary, you can withdraw all of the funds in your trust account at any time.

What if I die before the total amount is paid?

Your family has the option of either withdrawing the money you've paid in from the account or using it toward the previously established cost of the funeral.

Is this plan regulated by any governmental agency?

Copies of all T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home Advanced Planning trust instruments and Advanced Planning funeral service contracts and Advanced Planning burial supply and/or services contracts have been filed with the Office of the Department of Insurance as a public record. It's good to be sure of details such as this whenever your money is involved.

The plan sounds solid enough, but I have life insurance. 
Why should I have this trust account too?

Because your family will primarily use your life insurance benefits for living expenses and perhaps for your final medical and other expenses.  The trust account means that funeral costs won't have to be taken from their income. It's really a matter of thoughtfulness.

Can I set up this trust for anyone in my family?

Yes. There's no limit as to the number of family members who can join the trust. A separate account will be set up for each member who enrolls.

Where can I get more specific information about this plan?

You can telephone us or you can fill in the online form. One of our funeral directors will call you to arrange an appointment in our offices or your home.  Use our easy to fill out form to get started.