Pre-arranged and prepaid funerals can easily be organised and people view this as an investment in the future to hedge against inflation and achieve maximum tax advantages. If the pre-arrangement is for yourself, it is simply the process of considering what funeral arrangements you would like to take place at the time of your death.

The pre-arrangement may be for another person - a near relative or someone for whom you have the Power of Attorney. If that person is capable of making their own decisions, their wishes need to be sought and recorded.

The advantages can be summarised with the phrase "peace of mind". It gives you and your family members the peace of mind that...

	your personal wishes are carefully recorded
	your family are relieved of some of the emotional burden
	you may amend your personal instructions at any time
	if you choose to prepay, your money is secure
	the funeral director of your choice has been nominated

Increasingly people are also recognising the benefits of pre-paying a funeral - that is, making some payment towards the cost of a funeral some time before the event.

There are three different options that you may consider:

You are able to pre-arrange your funeral details and leave all payments until a later date.

Your individual funeral pre-arrangement is itemised and priced according to today's cost. Full payment of the quoted funeral will cover those itemised services at any time in the future, and is your protection against inflation. If there are any changes to the pre-arranged details, extra payment may be required as the cost of the total service will be re-priced at current costs.

All funds are deposited in a Trust Account under the Trustees Act 1956, with independent Trustees, making you a Secured Creditor. Your money are funds reserved specifically in your name, and Shone & Shirley Funeral Services guarantees the interest earned in the trust account will cover future inflation. You can feel secure that your money is fully insured and protected.

Most of us, at some stage in our lives, are faced with the emotional task of choosing an appropriate memorial for a departed loved one. A memorial is the traditional way of paying tribute to a relative or friend who has died and is a permanent symbol of remembrance, so it is important that it's design and material should be carefully chosen.

We keep many different memorials in stock to help you in your choice using standard designs or produce designs and drawings you may require. We always produce an estimated cost prior to commencement of your memorial.

Our service deals with additional inscriptions and renovation work. We deal with all cemetery and church authorities on your behalf.

You may record as much or as little detail as you wish. Your pre-arrangement may be partial or full:

If you would like to pre-arrange a funeral, we suggest that you begin by considering some of the issues raised above.

We will gladly advise you in whatever way you require. When you feel ready, make an appointment with one of our Funeral Directors to assist you or complete our online Confidential Funeral Arrangements Form. Once we have a record of your pre-arrangement, it is a good idea to inform your family members, doctor and solicitor that Shone & Shirley holds a record of your wishes.

Naturally, many people are curious to know how much a funeral will cost. The cost of a funeral varies considerably, dependent upon the style of the service which is chosen. We encourage families to tailor a funeral which is unique and personal, and which is true to the person who has died, reflecting their life, personality, beliefs and culture. Every person is a unique individual and therefore, no two funerals are identical. Contact us now for a Schedule of Fees and Disbursements.

To give you a broad guide to the possible cost of a funeral, we have found that an "average" burial or cremation service costs approximately between $4,500-$5,500. A burial plot, if required, would be additional.

A number of benefits are available to assist in payment of funeral expenses, including:

	Work & Income NZ Funeral Grants
	Returned Services Grants
	Accident Compensation Grants

Further information is available on request, and wherever possible, we will assist you with the completion of the necessary forms.

It is our normal practice to forward the funeral account 7 days following the funeral service. The account is due for payment approximately 30 days after the funeral service. We offer varying payment options including credit card. Please contact us for details.

Each year Shone and Shirley hold a Remembrance Service for those families and friends who have lost a loved one throughout the year.