Plan ahead for peace of mind

Planning for a funeral may not be something people like to think about, but making arrangements now could save loved ones the financial and emotional burden of making plans later on someone else’s behalf.

There are a number of local funeral directors who can offer help and advice, so be sure to get in touch if you have any questions.

The main benefits of planning for peace of mind and recording the wishes of your loved ones is that doing so will put them in control, enabling them to leave clear intentions and desires.

This eases the stress of having to decide what they would have wanted and will also take a weight off their shoulders.

Another advantage of planning ahead is that funds can be set aside in order to relieve financial burdens. Plans can be simple or elaborate and taking one out is very easy.

There are many payment options available and most plans can be transferred if you move to a new area.

Amendments can also be made as needs or wishes change. By contacting your preferred funeral director in the first instance, you can be sure you are using the people best placed to offer sound and honest advice and answer any questions you may have.

Many people don’t realise that some funeral plan providers won’t allow customers to use local funeral directors as they have a listed of preferred service providers, so make sure you check before

committing to anything. Ensuring your plans are written down can mean your funeral wishes are always adhered to and could help spare grieving relations even more heartache.

Remember that November is also Will Aid month – a special partnership between the legal profession and nine of the UK’s best-loved charities. Every November, participating solicitors waive their fee for writing a basic will.

Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid – suggested £95 for a single basic will and £150 for a pair of basic “mirror” wills.

With Will Aid, everyone benefits. You get a professionally drawn-up will and peace of mind, while the charities receive much-needed donations.

To find out if solicitors are participating in your area, visit willaid.org.uk

Making arrangements now, which will leave clear intentions and desires, can save loved ones the financial and emotional burden of making plans later on your behalf.