Whether it is planning for college, a wedding or other significant life event, making arrangements ahead of time reduces stress and provides peace of mind. The same idea applies to funeral pre-planning. While people may hesitate to discuss it, conversations about the inevitable make some of the hardest times for many families a little bit easier. Affordable Funeral Networks, a web-based association of family-owned funeral homes across the country, is partnering with Global Atlantic Financial Group and Evins, Larry and Perry Family Funeral Home to ease the burden and help families plan ahead. According to research, making funeral arrangements ahead of time can lower the cost by 30 to 40 percent and help prevent families from paying for services they don’t actually need.
The groups are teaming up to host an informative and free Pre-need Funeral Planning Expo in Jennings and Oakdale, La. The public is invited to attend the event and enjoy a free lunch or dinner on Friday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at The Grand Marais (919 N Lake Arthur Ave in Jennings) or on Saturday, May 19, at 12:30 p.m. at Cafe on 10th (132 S 10th St. in Oakdale). Attendees will learn about pre-need insurance, financial planning, life insurance, VA benefits, wills, trusts and more. In addition, guests will have the chance to receive a free casket worth hundreds of dollars when they sign up for immediate or pre-need funeral services. Because seating is limited, those who plan to attend must RSVP by May 11 on (844) 200-4526.
“During this seminar, we will provide guests with information that will help them make an informed and intelligent decision about funeral arrangements,” said Ashley Jackson, COO of Affordable Funerals Network. “Funerals are incredibly difficult for a family to go through, as they are faced with making hard decisions during a time that’s already fraught with difficulties. We are happy to provide the local community with helpful information that can prevent the kind of financial burden that often accompanies an unplanned funeral.”
One of the topics that will be discussed during the expo is pre-need insurance, which is best described as an insurance policy that covers certain prearranged expenses of funeral services. Guests will leave with a better understanding of financial planning and why it’s so important that children and spouses avoid making last-minute arrangements. Additional benefits of making funeral arrangements ahead of time include locking in the cost of funeral services and having a complete control over the decision-making process. Although many people delay discussions about this topic, planning a funeral can also provide tremendous relief because families better understand the wishes of their loved ones.
“Many families have expressed interest in learning more about pre-planning, and we decided this informative seminar could be very beneficial for the local community. There are a number of options when it comes to funeral arrangements, and pre-planning can make the process significantly easier. Prices of funerals are constantly rising, and pre-need insurance ensures the price remains the same,” said Jackson. “We will provide many useful tips, and we will also discuss senior living communities and nursing home options in the area, as well as durable power of attorney and medical directives.”