How to pre-plan your own cremation or funeral

Did you know you can plan ahead?

Planning ahead gives you the time and space to think about what matters most to you, without feeling rushed or pressured.

You may have specific wishes for a cremation, burial or service, or you may simply want to understand what’s available and what to expect. There’s no one right way to approach it, and you don’t need to have all the answers before starting the conversation.

Taking the time to plan now allows you to make informed decisions about your final arrangements and document what’s important to you.

Wherever you are in the process, Alternatives can help you understand your choices and decide what feels right for you.

Grandmother and grandson potting yellow flowers together

Why pre-plan?

When a death occurs, families are often faced with many decisions in a very short period of time. Planning ahead allows you to document your wishes in advance, so your family has fewer decisions to make during an already difficult time.

It also means that when the time comes, your loved ones will know who to turn to. The Alternatives team will be here to guide them through the next steps, answer their questions and help make the process as straightforward as possible.

Getting started doesn’t have to mean coming into a funeral home, either. An Alternatives Advance Planning Advisor can come to you, so you can have the conversation in the comfort and privacy of your own home. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to meet with us at one of our locations.

There’s no pressure and no obligation—only clear information, transparent pricing and the time you need to decide what feels right for you.

Your costs are guaranteed

Setting aside funds for your final arrangements offers financial certainty today while helping reduce the financial responsibility for your family in the future.

When you pre-pay with Alternatives, you can lock in today’s pricing for the funeral goods, services and merchandise included in your plan. This protects those covered costs against future inflation, so the arrangements you’ve selected won’t be affected by rising prices over time.

Having funds set aside in advance also means the cost of your planned arrangements has already been taken care of when those services are needed.

Flexible payment options are available to fit your needs. You can pay for your arrangements in a one-time lump sum or spread payments over a period of 1 to 15 years.

Your money is safe and secure

When you pre-pay your arrangements, it’s important to know that the money you’ve set aside is secure.

Your pre-arranged funds are held through a Canadian-owned mutual life insurance company that has been serving Canadians for more than 100 years, providing a regulated and secure way to safeguard your funds until they’re needed.

With Alternatives, you’ll receive clear, upfront information about your plan and where your funds are held, so you can feel comfortable and informed about the decisions you’re making.

It’s another way planning ahead can bring reassurance, knowing the financial details have been taken care of for the future.

Free Guide

Not sure where to start?

Download our free Wishes & Memories Guide—a simple, step-by-step workbook designed to help you reflect on your life and what matters most to you, record your wishes and keep important information in one place, all from the comfort of home.

It’s also an opportunity to look back on meaningful memories, people and experiences, and capture the stories and details you’d like to hold onto or share with those you love.

Enter your email to receive your free Wishes & Memories Guide. We'll never share your information.

Contact us to receive a printed guide, at no charge.

We’re here to answer your questions

Have questions about planning ahead? Our Advance Planning Advisors are here to talk through your options, answer your questions and provide the information you need.

There’s no cost, no pressure and no obligation to make any decisions or take any next steps after the conversation.

Start planning ahead today.

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