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Planning Ahead
Alternatives is pleased to offer assistance and guidance for pre-planning your final arrangements.
Why is planning ahead so important?
Pre-planning for one's funeral or final care is very important because loss is hard enough on its own without having to deal with the overwhelming aftermath of dozens of time-sensitive decisions, the involved finances and endless paperwork.
Equally important, it allows you to take control of your final wishes rather than leaving it up to your survivors.
How it works
Planning ahead is pre-need insurance which effectively and efficiently relieves survivors of both the financial and emotional stress following a loss.
The opportunity to lock in current rates for funeral home service fees and merchandise is just one of many reasons to pre-plan. In doing so, you're protected from inflation and funeral related fees are contractually honoured. Most importantly, your family isn't faced with the burden of having to pay out-of-pocket.
Funds from pension payouts, death benefits or insurance policies can take weeks to months to access. Pre-planning insures your money and holds it securely outside of your estate, tax-free. As opposed to trust accounts, funds are available almost immediately upon a passing.
Final Documents Service
Making a simple phone call or getting through to an actual or the right person these days is increasingly challenging. But having to make repeat attempts all while being in a state of grief only amplifies frustrations.
With the Final Documents Service (FDS) option, spending what can end up being hours if not days of being on the phone, waiting on hold, endless emailing or waiting in long lines isn't necessary. The FDS professionals do the legwork for you, so you have time and space to grieve.
Everything from Service Canada applications, OAS, dealing with insurance companies and payouts, cancelling credit cards and other bills, passports, drivers licence, SIN and health card numbers, memberships and even social media accounts – all taken care of for you.
Considering that many people only get a small handful of paid bereavement days off and that regular day to day responsibilities continue – being relieved of these hassles and time consuming tasks is invaluable.
What happens if I pass away while travelling?
The hardship of an unexpected death quickly intensifies when a passing takes place away from home. Interacting with funeral homes in an unfamiliar setting or dealing with airports, foreign embassies or language barriers amid the shock of a sudden death can be mentally agonizing.
The Journey Home travel protection and repatriation service available through TruStage Life of Canada simplifies these steps beginning with one phone call. Once alerted, the involved professionals are the ones who coordinate with the funeral homes, arrange all the necessary legal forms and organize both the travel details for the next of kin as well the repatriation of your loved one.
What's more, unlike other travel insurance, pre-existing conditions or death as caused by risky activities doesn't affect coverage.
Common Misconceptions
“Planning ahead is only something that the elderly or those who are ill need to think about.”
Not at all! Construction workers, police officers, truck drivers and plenty of other people whose occupations involve more risk than others frequently plan ahead. Regardless of what you do for a living, knowing your affairs are in order when going about daily life is peace of mind for everyone.
“Only high earners or people with a lot of savings can afford to pre-plan.”
False. Payment options include lump sum format as well as monthly time pay plans between 1–20 year periods. Depending on your health and age, a monthly premium can cover you for less than what many people spend every month on coffee runs.
We're here to answer any questions.
We would be pleased to meet with you to discuss the variety of options and services we offer, and provide you with detailed information and prices with no cost or obligation.