Well, sad to say, we have just had the experience of arranging my husband's mother's funeral. It has come in under $5K (but add the price of ashes plot which she had paid for - just under $500 years ago). We are having a church service only. No crematorium service. A tip we found out - if they take coffin to crematorium the day AFTER the funeral it is cheaper. They are not having florist arrangement on coffin - she wanted just a 'spray of flowers' - so that was a saving. And while it's not the bottom of the coffins, it's craftwood covered in rosewood veneer and is $850. There are fixed costs of course - like registering the death and removal costs - but it all depends on the funeral home you choose as to how the 'sale' is arranged. Hope this is helpful to some.
Duh said
06:22 AM Oct 7, 2013
Sorry to hear of you loss Crackles and Neil'n'Ruth, mine cost $4,000 which includes everything (without a service) except collecting the ashes, one of my kids will do that and if is free in WA to collect them from the crematorium office, they even provide a plastic jar with a screw lid. They did charge once but don't anymore. If you get a funeral director in WA to collect them for you the funeral director charge you for it.
My coffin (can't be cremated in WA without an approved one) is stained chipboard which at the moment is actually cheaper than a cardboard coffin, nobody will see mine so it doesn't really matter what it is, still cost me though (in my prepaid funeral amount).
Thanks for sharing that poem Crackles, it was appreciated.
Big Gorilla said
03:49 AM Oct 9, 2013
Duh wrote:
Checking out different types of funerals, am thinking simple body pick up, cremation, no service of any kind, pick up ashes and that's it. Get together somewhere for a few drinks and scattering of ashes at favourite place etc.
Has anyone done this or had friends etc do something similar?
You can do what I have suggested cheaper by NOK filling in permission to cremate and a couple of other forms, but I would not want anyone to have to do that, so looking at having that done by a funeral director, but as per my first paragraph.
Looking at the cemetery board site for WA, they will not cremate a body (ie; allow it on site) without it being in a coffin, so lets say cheapest (cardboard?) coffin.....
Any feedback appreciated, apologies if my thread upsets anyone, just need to know for planning purposes.....
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 8th of June 2013 05:44:02 PM
I'm with you Duh... If the University doesn't want my beautiful body, what you have described is my next choice...
Duh said
04:33 AM Oct 9, 2013
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way BG, mine is now fully prepaid with a chipboard coffin (cheaper than cardboard at the moment) but a requirement of the cremation authorities, I would just have a waterproof (that is leakproof) paper body bag if they would let me as long as it was cheaper, but no go.
Left a bit of money for a booze up later, just hope one of my religious and qualified minister sons doesn't start splashing holy water around or saying prayers, me being an atheist....
johnq said
05:43 AM Oct 9, 2013
Another +1 for your approach, Duh.
I would prefer no service either, but that is only because it is an unnecessary expense for mourners and from the estate.
I would much prefer that those who want to get together do so and informally.
Nonetheless I am becoming convinced that surviving family and friend may need some place to remember. I would be happy if someone could quietly dump my ashes onto my father's or mother's grave.
Duh said
07:03 AM Oct 9, 2013
My ashes are being collected by one of my kids John and they will be scattered in the Swan River at a favourite park and spot there on the river, a boat not needed to do so. They and any friends can meet there if they wish while this is being done, however I have told them to make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction, I don't want them to get a mouthful of my ashes.
They can choose the day they do this, also the venue and time for a wake either at one of their places or a pub etc. The river at this spot would be a good place for any future contemplation if needed by them. Yours is a good idea too.
I feel better now I have put things in place and nobody has to worry about my funeral when the time comes and I can get on with life in the meantime and forget about it.
Interesting article. I asked about a cardboard casket for my cremation pre-paid, but was told that at that particular time wood chip coffins were cheaper that the cardboard ones for some reason, so went for wood chip.
Spactakells said
01:01 PM May 11, 2015
Government legislation devoid of commonsense methinks !
My preference: cremation in a shroud / sheet / nightdress......after all.........
I have a sneaking suspicion the coffin isn't cremated.....after all, why would you?
Weevil said
06:38 PM May 11, 2015
Spactakells wrote:
Government legislation devoid of commonsense methinks ! My preference: cremation in a shroud / sheet / nightdress......after all......... I have a sneaking suspicion the coffin isn't cremated.....after all, why would you?
Yep.........environmentally friendly (flammable) body bag would be fine with me if cheapest option.
Spactakells said
04:35 AM May 12, 2015
Nothing will change while government reaping $$$
Finding a loophole in the legislation or,
A groundswell of discontent will revolutionize the industry and accompanying legislation
For many people ignorance is bliss...until it effects them.
As a sole parent I saved every $5 .... amazing how quickly they accumulated and amazingly, never missed them on a day to day basis ..... and a godsend for desperate times.
[ Wondering how long it will take me to save for my funeral, by putting aside every $5 that comes through my wallet ]
Spactakells said
04:45 AM May 22, 2015
Since this brilliant posting discussing our "final wishes" to use the TV euphemism about death & dying, Yesterday phoned the local funeral director:
I knew what I wanted:
1. collect my body [local pick up..I will NOT be going to a Melbourne hospital, whatever the diagnosis
2. deliver body to crem
3. deal with official legal paperwork
There was no pressure to have more than I asked for, just a couple of Qs to clarify that I knew what I was asking for.
Advised cost would be $3300.
Suspect that will be about the best I will do.
Will now arrange a PrePaid funeral
Q Are there any pitfalls re Prepaying my funeral....??? Would appreciate any comments....
What is the company goes bust.....or.......
PeterD said
10:10 AM May 22, 2015
A couple in our village simply prepaid for a basic barbecue without service. They even got a small refund after the job was done. I was talking to several others in the village after the first one of these friends died. There is a sizable number of our residents who wish to go that way.
There is a cheaper way to go. Simply sign up with a medical school to donate your body. After the students have finished with you the university takes care of the remains.
Spactakells said
12:19 PM May 22, 2015
Thanks for your post
I understand universities are now inundated by people wanting to leave their bodies for research... and only the chosen few are selected.....
However, I will investigate....
Weevil said
02:35 PM May 22, 2015
Spactakells wrote:
Since this brilliant posting discussing our "final wishes" to use the TV euphemism about death & dying, Yesterday phoned the local funeral director: I knew what I wanted: 1. collect my body [local pick up..I will NOT be going to a Melbourne hospital, whatever the diagnosis 2. deliver body to crem 3. deal with official legal paperwork There was no pressure to have more than I asked for, just a couple of Qs to clarify that I knew what I was asking for. Advised cost would be $3300. Suspect that will be about the best I will do. Will now arrange a PrePaid funeral
Q Are there any pitfalls re Prepaying my funeral....??? Would appreciate any comments.... What is the company goes bust.....or.......
I've prepaid mine, no extra to pay when the time comes (bearing in mind they are reaping the interest, so I suppose that compensates them for any price rises in service (cremation) and materials (box etc). I think they may have some sort of government reserve fund for if they go broke, I can't recall (all the paperwork is with my daughter). I used Simplicity Funerals as they have branches in most states and any one can be used, so for the traveller it could come in handy. See;
ASIC did a paper on "Paying for funerals, how consumers decide to meet the costs" and it deals with all options with pro's and cons. As it's a Government report it is not biased I hope.
Good article Denis, thank you, seems to give a good overall picture, reminded me of why I went for pre-paid (still would).
Spactakells said
03:33 PM May 23, 2015
Thanks hako
Very much appreciate the link to that asic article... have just skimmed it ....will now ask local funeral director more Qs re PrePaid !
It is Funeral Firm Closing and Insolvency which of concern.
Spydermann said
03:52 PM May 23, 2015
I'm planning to spend all my money and let my kids sort it all out. Dad just said he wanted a cheap cremation which he got. We sold his car (5 year old Focus), got 7 weeks of pension, a few dollars from Medibank Private, had a decent wake and still had a few dollars left. Mum's going the same way. Her car is already sold and the money is in the bank ready for a send off. Her wake will be small as she's outlived almost everyone who was at dad's wake. I think I had to put up about $5,000 until the car was sold and the pension was paid.
Not really into pre-paid. Let the kids worry about that. Costs enough looking after the kids before death, so I figure death is a time for them to spend some money on me.
And the hardest thing to handle for a deceased person? Cancel their mobile phone.
Spactakells said
06:20 AM May 25, 2015
Funeral...your suggestion does not fit with my circumstances ....but thanks
Cancelling mobile phone after death?
Surely, just show death certificate ?
Send certified letter cancelling with a stat dec
Remove funds or close bank account....
Combine mobile phone with internet.....cancelling internet, cancels mobile.
Spydermann said
04:53 PM May 25, 2015
Spactakells wrote:
Funeral...your suggestion does not fit with my circumstances ....but thanks
Cancelling mobile phone after death? Surely, just show death certificate ? Send certified letter cancelling with a stat dec Remove funds or close bank account....
Combine mobile phone with internet.....cancelling internet, cancels mobile.
Mobile cancelling didn't quite work that way. Dad had a mobile that mum didn't know about that was in his name only. I cancelled his internet over the phone, had the home phone changed to mum's name over the phone, but had to show death certificate, will showing I was executor, prove who I was and show a power of attorney. I fronted up to a Telstra shop with just the death certificate and my mum, but apparently that was not enough. Total overkill.
-- Edited by Spydermann on Monday 25th of May 2015 04:53:41 PM
Spactakells said
04:29 AM May 27, 2015
Oh......
Spactakells said
06:30 AM Jun 3, 2015
Visited local Funeral Director...intended to 'shop around', however, second bloke did not call back? Too much work?
Anyway, I now have PrePaid funeral arrangements in place: A no frills cremation $3300 + gst.
My payment goes to Forresters Friendly Society where it is kept safe, out of funeral directors hands, and is transferrable should there be a need.
All done, thank you to all the grey nomads who have contributed to this conversation...increased my understanding of details/pitfall....I've done it !
Weevil said
10:22 AM Jun 4, 2015
Good stuff Spactakels,
I find it gives you some peace of mind knowing it is paid and out of the way and nobody else will have to worry about it when the time comes.
Spactakells said
04:35 AM Jun 6, 2015
Yes indeed........too early for singing, however........I'VE DONE IT MYYYYYY WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weevil said
06:16 AM Jun 6, 2015
Spactakells wrote:
Yes indeed........too early for singing, however........I'VE DONE IT MYYYYYY WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO LONG, BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YOU.....comes to mind also
Sorry to hear of you loss Crackles and Neil'n'Ruth, mine cost $4,000 which includes everything (without a service) except collecting the ashes, one of my kids will do that and if is free in WA to collect them from the crematorium office, they even provide a plastic jar with a screw lid. They did charge once but don't anymore. If you get a funeral director in WA to collect them for you the funeral director charge you for it.
My coffin (can't be cremated in WA without an approved one) is stained chipboard which at the moment is actually cheaper than a cardboard coffin, nobody will see mine so it doesn't really matter what it is, still cost me though (in my prepaid funeral amount).
Thanks for sharing that poem Crackles, it was appreciated.
I'm with you Duh... If the University doesn't want my beautiful body, what you have described is my next choice...
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way BG, mine is now fully prepaid with a chipboard coffin (cheaper than cardboard at the moment) but a requirement of the cremation authorities, I would just have a waterproof (that is leakproof) paper body bag if they would let me as long as it was cheaper, but no go.
Left a bit of money for a booze up later, just hope one of my religious and qualified minister sons doesn't start splashing holy water around or saying prayers, me being an atheist....
I would prefer no service either, but that is only because it is an unnecessary expense for mourners and from the estate.
I would much prefer that those who want to get together do so and informally.
Nonetheless I am becoming convinced that surviving family and friend may need some place to remember. I would be happy if someone could quietly dump my ashes onto my father's or mother's grave.
My ashes are being collected by one of my kids John and they will be scattered in the Swan River at a favourite park and spot there on the river, a boat not needed to do so. They and any friends can meet there if they wish while this is being done, however I have told them to make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction, I don't want them to get a mouthful of my ashes.
They can choose the day they do this, also the venue and time for a wake either at one of their places or a pub etc. The river at this spot would be a good place for any future contemplation if needed by them. Yours is a good idea too.
I feel better now I have put things in place and nobody has to worry about my funeral when the time comes and I can get on with life in the meantime and forget about it.
Just a newby
Fantastic conversation
This link may be useful in your planning
https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/over-55s/paying-for-your-funeral
Welcome and thanks for the link Spactakells, I originally posted on this thread as "Duh" (long story
)
Thank you.....
Such an emotive subject
So many aspects of death covered by government legislation...for example, why can't I be cremated in a shroud?
I asked a Q: and this popped up......
http://www.thecitizen.org.au/news/cardboard-coffin-shroud-unmarked-grave-push-more-natural-ending-end-life
Interesting article. I asked about a cardboard casket for my cremation pre-paid, but was told that at that particular time wood chip coffins were cheaper that the cardboard ones for some reason, so went for wood chip.
My preference: cremation in a shroud / sheet / nightdress......after all.........
I have a sneaking suspicion the coffin isn't cremated.....after all, why would you?
Yep.........environmentally friendly (flammable) body bag would be fine with me if cheapest option.
Nothing will change while government reaping $$$
Finding a loophole in the legislation or,
A groundswell of discontent will revolutionize the industry and accompanying legislation
For many people ignorance is bliss...until it effects them.
As a sole parent I saved every $5 .... amazing how quickly they accumulated and amazingly, never missed them on a day to day basis ..... and a godsend for desperate times.
[ Wondering how long it will take me to save for my funeral, by putting aside every $5 that comes through my wallet ]
I knew what I wanted:
1. collect my body [local pick up..I will NOT be going to a Melbourne hospital, whatever the diagnosis
2. deliver body to crem
3. deal with official legal paperwork
There was no pressure to have more than I asked for, just a couple of Qs to clarify that I knew what I was asking for.
Advised cost would be $3300.
Suspect that will be about the best I will do.
Will now arrange a PrePaid funeral
Q Are there any pitfalls re Prepaying my funeral....??? Would appreciate any comments....
What is the company goes bust.....or.......
A couple in our village simply prepaid for a basic barbecue without service. They even got a small refund after the job was done. I was talking to several others in the village after the first one of these friends died. There is a sizable number of our residents who wish to go that way.
There is a cheaper way to go. Simply sign up with a medical school to donate your body. After the students have finished with you the university takes care of the remains.
I understand universities are now inundated by people wanting to leave their bodies for research... and only the chosen few are selected.....
However, I will investigate....
I've prepaid mine, no extra to pay when the time comes (bearing in mind they are reaping the interest, so I suppose that compensates them for any price rises in service (cremation) and materials (box etc). I think they may have some sort of government reserve fund for if they go broke, I can't recall (all the paperwork is with my daughter). I used Simplicity Funerals as they have branches in most states and any one can be used, so for the traveller it could come in handy. See;
http://www.simplicityfunerals.com.au/funeral-home-locations?gclid=CMPOvLrC1MUCFVEGvAodKDoAIQ
ASIC did a paper on "Paying for funerals, how consumers decide to meet the costs" and it deals with all options with pro's and cons. As it's a Government report it is not biased I hope.
http://download.asic.gov.au/media/1343954/rep292-published-19-July-2012.pdf
Good article Denis, thank you, seems to give a good overall picture, reminded me of why I went for pre-paid (still would).
Very much appreciate the link to that asic article... have just skimmed it ....will now ask local funeral director more Qs re PrePaid !
It is Funeral Firm Closing and Insolvency which of concern.
Not really into pre-paid. Let the kids worry about that. Costs enough looking after the kids before death, so I figure death is a time for them to spend some money on me.
And the hardest thing to handle for a deceased person? Cancel their mobile phone.
Cancelling mobile phone after death?
Surely, just show death certificate ?
Send certified letter cancelling with a stat dec
Remove funds or close bank account....
Combine mobile phone with internet.....cancelling internet, cancels mobile.
Mobile cancelling didn't quite work that way. Dad had a mobile that mum didn't know about that was in his name only. I cancelled his internet over the phone, had the home phone changed to mum's name over the phone, but had to show death certificate, will showing I was executor, prove who I was and show a power of attorney. I fronted up to a Telstra shop with just the death certificate and my mum, but apparently that was not enough. Total overkill.
-- Edited by Spydermann on Monday 25th of May 2015 04:53:41 PM
Visited local Funeral Director...intended to 'shop around', however, second bloke did not call back? Too much work?
Anyway, I now have PrePaid funeral arrangements in place: A no frills cremation $3300 + gst.
My payment goes to Forresters Friendly Society where it is kept safe, out of funeral directors hands, and is transferrable should there be a need.
All done, thank you to all the grey nomads who have contributed to this conversation...increased my understanding of details/pitfall....I've done it !
Good stuff Spactakels,
I find it gives you some peace of mind knowing it is paid and out of the way and nobody else will have to worry about it when the time comes.
SO LONG, BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YOU.....comes to mind also