Yes, many people are discovering the peace of mind that pre-arranging provides. At Gearty-Delmore, we are meeting with families daily for pre-arrangement.

Yes, provided that all principle remains and all interest is allowed to accumulate to the account. With proper planning the account should cover inflationary increases.

Yes, Minnesota law states that you are entitled to your original deposit and all interest. The only penalty you may incur would be from the bank if the trust is in a certificate of deposit redeemed before maturity. Pre-arrangements are transferable between funeral homes with no penalty.

Bank trust accounts will generate a 1099 under the social security number of the person covered.  The interest is taxable.  There are no taxes involved when the trust is an insurance product.

A funeral service is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead, celebrate the significance of a life, and to help survivors begin the grief and healing process.

Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death.

No. The funeral service begins the process of grief resolution. It is possible to achieve the full benefit of that process regardless of the amount spent. Many people believe that the funeral should reflect the lifestyle of the deceased in terms of content and extravagance.

Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body.

Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Yes, Cremation is a form of disposition, an alternative to earth burial.  Cremation is not necessarily a replacement for funeral services.  Many funeral services with viewing end with cremation.

Generally yes, however, it really depends on the services arranged.  Cemetery expenses to bury ashes will normally be lower than burial of a casket.  It is possible to spend more for a cremation than earth burial.  The final balance depends on the options chosen by the arranging party.