Immediate Steps
Pre-planning your funeral
There are many advantages in planning ahead – relieving some of the emotional stress on your family, as well as reducing the financial burden the cost of a funeral will present to your family. Perhaps most importantly, planning ahead gives you the opportunity to create a very personal and meaningful funeral ceremony for yourself – one that reflects who you are and what was significant to you throughout your life.
STEP 1: Arranging your funeral
We will guide you through all options and outline the costs involved so that you can design a funeral service reflecting your wishes.
Some important areas to consider
Location:
- One of our chapels
- Church
- A place of significance
Style of funeral you prefer:
- Celebration of life
- Religious
- Memorial (no coffin)
- Very simple service
- No service
Other considerations:
- Burial or cremation
- Type of coffin or casket
- Flowers on your coffin
- Service sheet handouts
- Photo tribute
- Newspaper notice
- After funeral catering
STEP 2: Payment options
Paying for your funeral guarantees we will carry out your funeral to your wishes, it also locks in the price at the time of signing the contract and all items will be honoured regardless if funeral costs increase (with the exception of burial costs).
Two options are available.
Option 1: Up front
Payment can be made in one full amount at the time of signing the contract.
Option 2: Instalments
After an initial deposit, regular monthly instalments can be made over 1, 2 or 3 years. A surcharge applies for this payment option.
STEP 3: My Personal Wishes
We have a wonderful booklet available titled "My Personal Wishes" that will guide you through the additional options for your funeral that are not covered in the basic pre-paid, such as music selection, special poems, readings or how you would like to be remembered.
Taking home this booklet gives you the chance to take your time filling in your preferences for your own funeral service. Once completed, place it with your other important personal papers so when the time comes your family will be able to carry out your wishes.
Please ask us for a complimentary copy of our "My Personal Wishes" booklet.
Frequently asked questions
Will my family need to pay more money?
No, once you have paid in full for your funeral at today’s prices, there is no more to pay. The only exception would be if the funeral service as detailed on your contract is changed.
For example, you may have requested for a single rose to adorn the coffin but your family may choose a larger floral tribute, therefore they would pay the difference; or if any out of area or after hour’s expenses have been incurred.
Can I transfer or cancel my contract?
Current legislation prevents the withdrawal of pre-paid monies deposited into funeral funds until the time of death. However, your arrangements may be transferred to another funeral director should you move away from the Newcastle area. A surcharge will apply.
Is my money safe?
Our pre-paid plans complies with the NSW Funeral Funds Act 1979. The money you pay for your pre-paid funeral plan is held independently, invested and safe-guarded until it is required.
It is not available to Pettigrew Family Funerals until the funeral service is completed.
Where will my money go?
Your pre-paid funeral plan monies are held in a capital guaranteed funeral fund managed by Foresters Friendly Society (‘Foresters’) a Victorian based Friendly Society.
Foresters is one of the largest national operators in the pre-paid funeral fund market and has a history dating back over 160 years serving the financial needs of Australians.
Pettigrew Family Funerals place their trust in Foresters Friendly Society to help our families we serve during their time of need.