Funeral pre planning and funeral plans explained
Funeral pre planning and funeral plans in Australia. Record your wishes, understand prepaid funeral options and plan ahead with clarity.
Ease the burden on your loved ones
Funeral pre planning helps you record your wishes in advance, so your family has clear guidance when the time comes. A few simple steps can spare your loved ones added grief, stress and financial burden by reducing uncertainty around funeral arrangements.
We will guide you every step of the way to ensure your wishes are accurately captured, including cremation or burial preferences, funeral arrangements and memorialisation services customised for you.
Funeral pre planning is the process of recording your funeral wishes in advance, without any financial commitment, so your family knows what to do when the time comes.
Pre‑Planning vs Pre‑Paid Funerals:
What’s the Difference?
Planning ahead gives you the time and space to make thoughtful decisions and can be one of the most considerate gifts you give your family. While pre planned funerals and pre paid funerals are often spoken about together, they serve different purposes within funeral plans in Australia.
At H Parsons, we offer both options, allowing you to choose what feels right for you.
Pre‑paid funeral
combines planning with setting funds aside in advance through an approved financial product
Which option is right for you?
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Many people begin with pre planning a funeral, simply to put their wishes in writing. Others take additional comfort in pre paying a funeral, knowing both the emotional and financial aspects are considered. You may also choose to plan now and look at pre paid funeral plan options later.
At H Parsons, our role is to guide you without pressure, so you can make informed decisions at your own pace.
PRE‑PLANNED FUNERALS
What is a pre planned funeral?
- Burial or cremation preferences
- Coffin or casket choice
- The style, tone and location of the service
- Music, readings or personal touches that reflect your life
Your preferences are documented and kept on record by H Parsons, ensuring your family has clear guidance when the time comes and reducing uncertainty during an emotional period.
There is no payment required, and your funeral arrangements can be updated at any time as your wishes or circumstances change.
Pre planning a funeral is about clarity, not cost.
Why pre‑plan a funeral
Five reasons to pre‑plan your funeral:
Reduce stress on your family
Personal details required by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) are organised and ready.
Reflect your personal values
Ensures the service reflects your life, beliefs and preferences.
Avoid family conflict
Clearly outlined wishes minimise confusion and disagreement.
Provide peace of mind
Removes pressure from loved ones during their time of grief.
Capture important information
Secures details that may be unknown to younger family members.
Pre‑planned funeral frequently asked questions
A pre planned funeral records your wishes for your future funeral without requiring any payment.
Anyone who wants clarity and peace of mind without financial commitment, while retaining flexibility.
No. It involves no upfront payment.
Yes. Arrangements can be updated at any time.
Pre planned funerals record wishes only. Pre paid funerals include setting money aside through an approved financial product.
No. Planning does not obligate you to pre pay.
Download the pre‑planning guide or book a pre planning meeting.
PRE‑PAID Funerals
What is a pre paid funeral?
A pre paid funeral combines funeral planning with financial provision.
At H Parsons, pre paid funerals are facilitated through Foresters Financial, a regulated Australian provider. Two options are available, depending on how much certainty and flexibility you would like.
PrepaidPlus Funeral Plan (Foresters Financial)
The PrepaidPlus Funeral Plan allows you to plan your funeral arrangements in advance and set funds aside to cover those arrangements.
PrepaidPlus is a structured, three‑way arrangement between you, your funeral director and Foresters Financial. Your funeral wishes are clearly recorded, and funds are securely held until they are needed for the funeral you have planned.
With PrepaidPlus, you can:
- Finalise your funeral arrangements in advance
- Pay for those arrangements ahead of time, either upfront or by instalments
- Lock in today’s prices for the funeral you have selected
This option suits people who want clarity around both funeral arrangements and future costs.
Funeral Bonds (Foresters Financial)
Alternatively, a funeral bond allows you to set funds aside for future funeral expenses while retaining flexibility over how those funds are used.
A funeral bond:
- Is held in your name
- Can be started from as little as $500
- Allows additional contributions at any time
- Does not require ongoing payments
- Accumulates over time and can be applied toward funeral costs when needed
- Keeps your legacy simple and tax‑smart
This option suits people who want financial preparation without locking into a fully prepaid funeral arrangement.
Why pre‑pay a funeral
Five reasons to pre pay a funeral:
Reduce assessable assets for means testing
Reduce the need to access funds later
Ensure funds are used for their intended purpose
Flexible contributions over time
Retain ownership and choice
(Independent financial advice should be considered.)
Planning with confidence
Prepaying a funeral is about preparation rather than pressure. It allows you to plan thoughtfully, set money aside in a structured way and provide reassurance for those close to you.
At H Parsons, prepaid funerals are facilitated through Foresters Financial, giving access to regulated products designed specifically for future funeral expenses.
Pre‑paid funeral frequently asked questions
A pre‑planning meeting is a conversation with our pre-planning specialist where you can discuss your wishes, ask questions and understand your options. There is no obligation to make decisions or commit to payment. The focus is on providing clarity and helping you consider what feels right.
Funeral insurance involves ongoing premium payments, which may increase over time. A prepaid funeral, by contrast, allows you to pay for your funeral in advance, either upfront or over time, with funds set aside specifically for your arrangements.
If a death is expected in the near future, arrangements can be made in advance with the support of a funeral director. This allows practical decisions to be discussed ahead of time, without any financial obligation.
Pre arranging a funeral involves making arrangements for someone who is expected to pass soon. A funeral director works with you to plan the service details, coordinate logistics and ensure everything is ready when needed. There is no requirement to prepay as part of this process.
Take the next step
when you are ready
If you need help now, our team is here to guide you through the first steps clearly.