As funeral costs rise, planning helps cut expense

In tough economic times, with global volatility at an all-time high, Canadians are watching the costs of everyday goods and services increase at an exponential rate. But food, gas and oil aren’t the only commodities to break the bank. The cost of the average funeral is also on the rise.

According to figures compiled by the Board of Funeral Services, the average funeral in Canada costs about $7,500*, making it one of the largest purchases a consumer will ever make.

Which is why Dignity Memorial® providers – a premier network of more than 1,600 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers across North America – have negotiated with CARP to provide members with a simple and affordable way to pre-plan funeral expenses and lock in today’s funeral prices, as well as offer a valuable discount on prepaid end-of-life arrangements.

According to industry experts, planning your own funeral relieves your family and other loved ones of making very difficult, potentially expensive decisions in your absence. Planning also allows consumers to pay for expenses ahead of time, meaning you pay today’s prices rather than potentially inflated prices years from now.

The idea is gaining in popularity among Canadians because of both the emotional and financial benefits. Dignity Memorial representative Chris Marsh says the network hopes to make the practice of planning more common, so families are better prepared when the inevitable comes.

“If you make your own arrangements ahead of time, you make it easier on your loved ones,” Marsh says. “Many people who participate tell us they are relieved because they know they have done the right thing for their families, and now they can enjoy life to the fullest with one less worry!”

In addition to providing peace of mind, the programs offered by Dignity Memorial providers include a variety of payment options, including lump sum payments or partial payment plans – an option popular with consumers to help manage overall funeral expenses.

Though money may be the last thing you want to consider when planning end-of-life arrangements, it’s one of the most important and Dignity Memorial providers make the planning process easy and fast so CARP members know they made the right decisions for loved ones and possibly relieved some of the financial burden.

To make the process even easier, the Dignity Memorial network has partnered with CARP to offer a free planning guide for CARP members with valuable information about making your own arrangements, as well as helpful worksheets to get started in the privacy of your own home.

For your free Personal Planning Guide and for more information on the benefits of preplanning and how CARP members can save $1,000 or more on their funeral and cemetery arrangements, visit the Dignity Memorial website or call 1-866-668-1842.

*$7,500 average funeral cost is based on information provided by the Ontario Board of Funeral Services found at www.funeralboard.com/. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other affinity group offers, discounts, savings certificates or promotional programs. The $1,000 savings is based on a 10% discount on funeral related goods and services that value $10,000 or more. Actual savings may vary. The 10% Savings does not apply to third party cash advance items or already discounted Dignity Memorial Plans, rather you would take the higher of the two discounts. This offer is subject to change and may not be available at certain locations. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial Network. The Dignity Memorial Network is comprised of licensed funeral and cemetery providers such as Cresmount Funeral Home – Fennell Chapel, Hamilton, ON, La Maison Darche Services Funerairest, Lonqueuil, QC, Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, Vancouver, BC, Foster’s Garden Chapel and Crematorium, Calgary, AB, Tubman Funeral Home, Indian Head, SK, Thomson Funeral Home, Winnipeg, MB and includes affiliates of Service Corporation International (CANADA) ULC. To find the Dignity Memorial provider nearest you please visit www.DignityMemorial.ca.

CARP Approved

 

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