Pre-planning Funerals

Advantages to Pre-planning a Funeral at Phillips Funeral Home

-Takes stress off your family, knowing that funeral plans are in place

-Allows your personal wishes and beliefs to be carried out

-Gives families a chance to discuss funeral arrangements without the emotional stress that accompany a loss

-Allows you to be financially prepared

Pre-planning allows you time to talk, investigate, compare and finally to arrive at those decisions that meet your individual families needs.  There is no cost to pre-planning a funeral.  To set up a time to pre-plan a funeral, or if you have further questions about pre-planning a funeral, contact the office at Phillips Funeral Home at 607-936-9212.

Pre-Funding Funerals

Wouldn't you like to have the peace of mind knowing that there will never be a financial burden or added emotional strain placed on your family in years to come?  Many people complete the pre-arrangement by pre-funding funeral costs.

Pre-funding a funeral places the funeral funds into a Burial Trust Account.  NY State law requires that all preneed funds be placed in an FDIC-insured account.  You are protected in that the principal and interest are owned solely by the individual.  While the individual is still living, the funeral home cannot touch the funds.  The account is set up in the person's name and the funeral home is the beneficiary.  A yearly statement will be given showing the amount in the account including interest.  If the person moves to another geographical area or for any reason decides to select another funeral home, those funds, including interest, can be moved at any time.

There are 2 types of Burial Trust Account Agreements, Revocable and Irrevocable.  Revocable Accounts are owned by the individual and can be moved or withdrawn at anytime.  Irrevocable Accounts are required for anyone who is signing up for Medicaid and/or anyone who is applying for Supplemental Security Benefits under Section 209 of the Social Services Law.  These accounts are owned by the individual and can be moved at any time.  The funds cannot be withdrawn by the individual.  Any monies left over after the funeral expenses are paid will be paid to the county.

For a complete, no obligation Pre-Planning Information Pack, including a free Individual Estate Planning Guide, call the office at Phillips Funeral Home at 607-936-9212 or contact us.

For more financial and funding information, visit Cooperative Funeral Fund at www.cffinc.com/planning

For more information about funeral pre-planning and pre-funding visit the New York State Preplan at www.nysfda.org/preplanning.htm