Funeral Plan
 

I'm at the point now where I am thinking about the impact of my death upon my wife and in this regard I am considering a pre-paid funeral plan.
I envisage having sufficient funds to enable my wife to pay for my funeral here in Spain, but I wish to remove as much hassle for her from the process as is possible.
With this in mind, I am looking at a Golden Leaves funeral plan which seems to comprehensively take care of most if not all my concerns.
So, I'd appreciate some advice/opinions please on this and would also welcome any personal experiences you may have of such plans.
Thanks.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

There was another thread earlier this year that discussed the issues of what the funeral plan would pay for after they had returned to the UK. In other words, it no longer paid for "everything".

While I understand the convenience angle, and that "everything is taken care of", I consider that sort of pre-paid package deal to be a racket - not objectively good value (discounting any value you place on convenience), and sold knowing full well that a certain number of the packages sold are never claimed.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

FWIW, my late British neighbour paid into such a plan for years, until her daughter realised that she had already paid much more than what her future funeral would cost. She terminated the Contract and was reimbursed, less an appreciable percentage as a "penalty".
Far better to open a joint savings account and put enough money into it to cover the cost of TWO funerals. Don't forget, either of you can go first, not necessarily the husband!
If you do decide on a plan, ensure that it wil pay your funeral expenses, wherever you die. My neighbour returned to the IK and died there, and it's doubtful that the French Funeral Plan would have been valid, and all that money would have been lost...

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks to those who have responded. Have found the old thread and will read it through.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

We went through this process a couple of years ago and compared all the different schemes on offer, the Spanish ones being cheaper than Golden leaves, and came to the conclusion that if you put 3000€ aside in a savings account that would cover it for the next few years. Obviously prices will go up but having even visited our local Funeral Directors we decided to keep the money in an account which either of us can access and put all the necessary paperwork needed in a file so at such time the money is there and the documents. We have made what will be a difficult time as easy as is humanly possible.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks Chris, appreciated.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Totally personal choice of course, but the adage that you may pay in more than the funeral costs will mean nothing unless you are totally happy that in the sad event of one of you dying,you can 'take it from there' as an ex pat. Remember, it will not be like shopping or ordering a meal and your command of Spanish better be up to it all to get it right.... All at the same time as coming to terms with the loss. Also remember, this is NOT the UK and losing a loved one on a Monday could mean a funeral on a Wednesday the same week. We took out a plan locally,because we don't want the one left to have all the stress as above and SOD any notion of money saving on this one. Also, as it is local, the Agent can request delays etc on a 'who you know' local basis to allow time for family to get here. Its NOT always about the money when as an ex Pat you are trying to manage really important and sometimes unpleasant things in somebody elses Country, culture and mindset. Think about it.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks very much for that. Much to think about. I agree, don’t think money, though important of course, is the total picture. Peace of mind is a factor also I think.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

On this one, yes it is! Also bear in mind that funeral directors here are also NOT like the UK type. Much more informal, maybe not as caring as well. Expect the worse, plan for the best as its a totally different way here!Good luck to you.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks again for that.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Would putting a monthly amount away in a bank account to cover funeral costs either in Spain or the UK affect your tax liability if you are resident in Spain for tax purposes?

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Any interest that it accrued would be taxable.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Dealing with the funeral director is straightforward if you are well prepared. My husband and I wrote out all of the details that they would need in English and in Spanish so when I was organising his funeral all I had to do was hand over this paperwork so that the gentleman could fill out the forms that he had. You have to pay for the funeral before it happens so having sufficient funds in your account is a good way to handle this.

In the UK my MIL had paid in advance for her funeral, not a funeral plan but direct to the undertakers which she thought was a wonderful idea and that we would not have any financial problems. She was wrong, this only covered certain aspects so in effect she had only paid for half of her funeral, so sad that she was duped in this manner. This experience made us very wary and that is why we covered ourselves by having the money in our account.

Rosemary

Re: Funeral Plan
 

I have a plan taken out in 2004 with Golden Leaves which I liked.Since then I have constantly been sought out(must have found I'm a wrinkly)by Avalon,even when I was a few months back in Exeter.I am quite sure it has gone up in price meantime,but I was pleased with the personal attention & the quote I received.However,I am not going for the "hearse pulled by black horses type final farewell".

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Like I said, "a racket". .... Your idea is much better for most people. :nod:

Re: Funeral Plan
 

We took out an insurance that states exactly what is covered (and what's not)
Suits us and can be cancelled after a year should options/things change, we started with a Mapfre policy but have now changed to a more competitive policy from elsewhere.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

It depends on what your income is.
My neighbour was just about surviving on a tiny UK Widow's Pension and what she paid into her Plan could have provided better nourishment and home comforts over the years. But she wanted to save her children from having to fork out.... Her reimbursed lump sum afforded her a better life before her children whisked her back to the UK.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks for that.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

A friend used Golden Leaves for her mother's funeral a few years ago and it was just what she wanted. They also helped her out recently when her cousin was over from the UK on a visit and unexpectedly died without a plan which I thought was very good. Avalon and Golden Leaves are a pre-paid funeral not an insurance policy. We were with a local Spanish company paying insurance premiums each year which were going up and up and would have to continue to be paid each year no matter how long we live. It was also not transferable if we went back to the UK later in life so we thought this was a waste of money. After hearing about Golden Leaves we looked into pre-paid. We eventually went with Avalon as they arranged for them to be available in both the UK and Spain as though we spend time in each country (we did have to give a UK address for the UK end so used my sister-in-law's one). Apparently this would save on admin costs if we did move back. We are paying over a couple of years so the cost is a little higher (as we expected it would be) but once it is paid for all we have to do is produce the card for the relevant funeral place when one of us dies and it is all taken care of.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks for that very comprehensive and useful response. I must admit I thought Avalon had ceased and merged or been taken over by Golden Leaves. Avalon still have a website so this appears not to be the case. Perhaps I’m confusing this with something else.
Anyway, thanks again. Mulch appreciated.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Buy shares instead - and might i suggest a company called dignity - they own most of the ‘independant’ undertakers and as a company are profitable.... of just put 1k each into diageo, bat, unilever and fullers smith and turner, beer booze fags and crisps!

Re: Funeral Plan
 

From finance point of view no doubt correct but I think many are more concerned in the fact that all gets sorted and arranged when they are gone and not left to family left behind to sort out. Horses for courses as always.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

By the way if you are the deceased you are hardly going to profit from the income you made as there are no pockets in shrouds and no need for money where you are heading!

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Not a useful response may I suggest except perhaps for the suggestion regarding dignity although the I cannot find a Spanish link for them. However correct you may be in financial terms, my concern is to leave my wife with the least possible worry and trauma concerning my funeral arrangements, bearing in mind the loss she will be feeling.
I doubt the existence of successful share dividends will be of much emotional comfort to her and much reassurance to me.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

And that is exactly what you need to focus on. Your choice of course, and a personal choice at that. Can you manage enough Spanish to get things done properly? Some on this forum are really good speakers, so not a consideration / impact factor to them, but maybe for you. Do you have the 'wedge' to deposit large sums? Ask yourself, if the worse happened TOMORROW whilst in Spain, whats the best option for YOU and YOURS. This is not as aspect to speculate or corner cut, although I get the feeling from you that is not your outlook anyway. Sounds old fashioned but I have a duty to my wife and family to take the strain off when I peg it, no 'ifs or buts'. My plan (Meridiano) also incorporates Accidental death cover at 18000 euros and we both are covered for 22 euros per month total, all included, even flowers. In other words, two menu del dias. I am 60 now and will be 'out of pocket' contributions to costs wise by the time I am too old to give a cr*p anyway! Hey, if I peg it this week, we are in profit! :sarcasm:


Expect the worse, plan for the best outcome that suits you and your circumstances. Whatever happens, do it soonest, finish it so you are both happy and then get on with your lives and living. :thumbsup:

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks for that, useful as have been your previous responses. Just one point, it’s not a question of whether I have enough Spanish to get things done properly. In our household I arrange everything and am responsible for most things including our online banking and other online matters. In addition, she does not drive, so if we or she has to go somewhere I have to drive us/her. Bearing all things in mind, I want to make the immediate necessary arrangements following my demise as easy for my wife to cope with as is possible.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

We made up a pack with loads of information in it which I used when my husband died. Every possible thing was looked into, including where we would be cremated which was due to the fact that we had looked up possibilities and selected the one nearest to our town. However, in the mean time another crematorium had been built near to the hospital where my husband died and that was the only change that occurred.

It is so sensible to sort out all of the things that you possibly can whilst you are calm and collected about it rather than when there is an issue because you can be logical and not emotional. Too many people will not talk to each other about the emotive subject of death, funeral and life without the other half but it is so important. A list of who to contact, their contact details, when to do it, who needs a death certificate, who simply needs to be informed etc etc.

As a bereavement counsellor I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be prepared because the vast majority of my clients have said that they did not know what to do, where to turn and that this had affected their grieving process in a very negative way.

Rosemary

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks so much Rosemary. I know you have sadly been through this experience, so I value your comments greatly.
Thanks again.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Hola

One point I will make is that a friend, fluent in Spanish, lost her mother aged 70+ but was very happy not to have to speak Spanish and think about things that needed to be done.

She said that her mind just could not think of the right words due to the stress of her mother dying.

Davexf

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Thanks for that.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

I understand your situation, as a couple we are the same. With due respect to my wife, I do all the 'official' things. We all have a 'safe place' for important docs etc. We therefore have a 'Dead folder' in our file box (excuse my black humour) which is a complete guide / set of documents / will copies and Policies to not only my wife, but our kids in case we both die at the same time. Our kids know thats where to go,they have been shown it on visits. Obviously, no pin numbers etc., keep those separate. Peace of mind.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Totally agree, I could not tell the funeral director my name, just sat there looking at him as though he had asked me a really difficult question.

Rosemary

Re: Funeral Plan
 

In the process of (slowly) putting together this type of list myself. In the depths of the night two things happen:-
1. I think of something to add
2. The need seems to become more urgent as thoughts of my mortality come into my mind during this period.
Am I alone in this or weird or what? Wonder sometimes.
Thanks again.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Without going into detail, I dealt with many deaths during my working life including on a personal level the death of my first wife some 17 years ago. Although it wasn't unexpected I know what I had to go through and I am a cool, disciplined organised type. Or at least I used to be!

Re: Funeral Plan
 

That aspect of your make up will recede if you are settled out here. I am glad it has for me to be honest, and I know what you mean, I was a Police Accident Investigator for several years (too many I now appreciate).
You will still 'kick into gear' in a crisis, but it will be in a different way. That was sad about your wife, I am sorry.

Like I said, do it, tick all the boxes,lodge it and get on with living.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

I think we have quite a bit in common. BTW At a station where I used to work many years ago there was a radio operator we nicknamed Lurch or, coincidentally, Lurchio!
Not you is it Dave?
:eek:

Also, thanks for your condolences.

Re: Funeral Plan
 

No, luckily I have never been 'inside' working and would have lacked the patience to be a Radio Operator! I was given 'Lurch' on my first day (6'6"), and it stuck for 30 years. Could have been worse, as you probably know........:huh:..... Only got softened to Lurchio after 'Up Pompeii' with Frankie Howard!!!!!

Re: Funeral Plan
 

Someone posted earlier that they picked Avalon because the plan covers UK also.Just had to look at my Golden Leaves plan.That states Spain & UK(or I think you can pick a 2nd.alternative country)plus they plant a sapling.So either company seem much the same unless like myself,you like the idea of a new tree!