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Funeral Pre-Planning

Most of us want to plan ahead but when it comes to end-of-life planning, many have a difficult time starting the funeral pre-planning process.

We're here to help. In this section, you can learn why it's important, how it works, and exactly what's involved in pre-need funeral planning. Call us at (412) 793-3000 with any questions you may have.

 

 

Why People Choose to Plan Ahead

We've had the privilege of assisting many families with their funeral pre-planning. During the time we've spent with them, we've learned more about the reasons behind their decision to take funeral pre-planning seriously.

Why Pre-Plan?

Relieve the emotional burden from surviving family

By making funeral and disposition decisions in advance, you free your loved ones from this responsibility. This gives them the time to build a foundation for healing and support one another. The funeral service will be a time of reflection and a celebration of your life.

Express your own wishes

Often a family agonizes over what the deceased would have wanted: “Did I do the right thing.? “Did I forget anything?” “Did I include everyone?” “How will I pay for the funeral?”

These are all questions that can be answered in a documented and funded advanced funeral plan. It is also our experience that many people don’t realize all of the options available in funeral and memorial care. Now is the best time to discover what’s available for you and your family.

Relieve the financial responsibility from surviving family

Choosing a funding option completes your advanced funeral plan. We offer a variety of payment options that will meet your needs.

Let Us Help

If you're ready to begin funeral pre-planning, the first step can be takenby giving call us at (412) 793-3000.

 

 

Funeral Pre-Planning Checklist

We've put together this funeral pre-planning checklist to help you.

Taking Care of Funeral-Related Details

We suggest the following:

  • Make note of all the details you want mentioned in your obituary. You could even take this one step further and write your own obituary.
  • State, in writing, your preferences for burial or cremation.
  • If burial is preferred, provide the details of the cemetery arrangements. If you have not purchased a burial plot, this may be the time to do so.
  • If you have chosen burial, what type of casket would you like? Should it be made of wood or metal?
  • If you choose cremation, what do you want done with the cremated remains?
  • Would you like a traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration-of-life, or combination of ceremonies ?
  • What music or special readings would you prefer?
  • What type and colors of flowers would you prefer?
  • Would you like to select a charitable organization to receive donations in your name?
  • If you're a veteran, would you like to receive full military honors as part of your service? Would you like to be buried in the grounds of a veterans' cemetery?

Other Considerations:

Taking Care of Finances and Property

  • Create a contact list of everyone who should be notified in a medical emergency or death including the name of your funeral home.
  • Give your executor(s) a copy of your will and the contact list.
  • Give your executor(s) a list of bank and investment accounts, creditors, mortgage or lien information, insurance policies, retirement plans, safe deposit boxes, real and personal properties of value and all related telephone numbers.
  • If you are receiving benefits from Social Security or the Veterans' Administration, your Next of Kin or executor needs that information to suspend benefit payments.
  • Select someone you trust to deal with your online accounts: email, online memberships, and social media. Include all relevant information and whether or not they should delete, close, or keep any of the accounts.

Taking Care of Your Pets

If you share your life with animal companions, you should think about who you would like to take care of your pets. Consult with the person to see if this is something they are interested in doing for you and then write down your intentions and include all contact information. This should be signed and witnessed, and then given to your executor.

Final Tasks in Funeral Pre-Planning

In addition to your will, the contact list, and the list of all your online account login details and related documents should be provided to your executor.

Finally, you may want to consider paying ahead of time for your funeral choices. Speak to us about how your pre-fund your services.

 



Soxman Funeral Home
Phone: (412) 793-3000
Fax: (412) 798-9897
Email: staff@soxmanfuneralhomes.com
7450 Saltsburg Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

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