Planning your own funeral is a thoughtful act of care for the people you love. It can ease the stress of difficult decisions at an emotional time and can reduce the financial pressure on your family. It can also give you peace of mind now, knowing your wishes are understood and recorded. As with any decision, we recommend seeking independent financial advice.
Pre-plan a funeral
Planning your own funeral is a thoughtful way to care for the people you love. We’re here to guide you whenever you’re ready.
A final kindness
When the time comes, your family will have a lot to manage. Planning your own funeral in advance may help ease the financial burden and reduce the number of decisions they need to make. It can also bring you comfort to know that our funeral specialists will plan a funeral that reflects your values and wishes.
Why you should consider pre-planning a funeral and how it works
1. Share what matters
We start with a conversation – often over the phone, sometimes in person over a cuppa. Planning your own funeral can bring up many emotions, and that’s okay. We’ll listen with empathy and guide you gently through each decision. Our team is highly experienced in talking about death with compassion, creating a safe space where you feel supported and understood.
2. Understand your options
There are many decisions to consider, such as the type of service you’d like, burial or cremation, your preferred resting place and funeral costs. We’ll explain everything in plain language, so you can make choices that feel right for you. We support people of all cultures, religions, ages and stages. Our role is to honour what matters most to you.
3. Put your plan in place
When you’re ready, we’ll help you record your wishes and pre-pay for your selected funeral services with our trusted partner, Guardian Plan. At this stage, you’ll enter into a formal agreement that sets out the details of your plan. With Guardian Plan, your funds are invested in a funeral bond and professionally managed by Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society, which is regulated by APRA, Australia’s financial regulator. These funds are used to provide the funeral services you’ve selected in your plan.
4. Ongoing care and support
Our role doesn’t end once the paperwork is signed. We’ll stay in touch and continue to be a listening ear, whether you have a question about your plan or simply want to talk. If you or your family ever need extra support, we can connect you with grief and wellbeing services.
5. Support for your family
When the time comes, your family will be able to lean on our team for support and guidance. Thanks to your final act of kindness, they won’t face this time alone.
Disclaimer
This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read the PDS to determine if the product is suitable for you. We recommend you obtain appropriate and independent professional advice before making any investment decision.
In trusted hands
Pre-paid funerals with Mareena Purslowe are made possible by Guardian Plan. Guardian Plan is a funeral bond issued by the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society Limited (the Society) ABN 81 087 649 063 AFSL 524353. Proudly part of InvoCare – a leading provider of funeral, cemetery, crematoria and related services in Australia.
It can help to think about the type of service you’d like, any cultural or religious traditions you’d like honoured, and whether you prefer burial or cremation. It’s also important to ask about costs, payment options and how flexible the plan is if your circumstances change. Our role is to guide you through these questions and make sure nothing is overlooked.
No, they work quite differently. A pre-paid funeral allows you to pay for your funeral in advance with the funds invested in a funeral bond until they’re needed. Funeral insurance is an ongoing policy with regular payments. When the time comes, it pays out a lump sum to help cover costs.
The right option depends on your circumstances, which is why it’s important to seek independent financial advice. With Guardian Plan, you can choose to pay in full upfront or spread the cost through instalments.
