Probably the single most difficult aspect of deciding to arrange for a pre-arranged funeral is initially, just talking about it. In reality, pre-arranged funerals began when Abraham purchased a burial plot for his wife, Sara.

Too often when a death occurs, the individual's personal funeral requests are unspoken, leading the survivors to make decisions at a time of emotional stress. In today's society, families are spread throughout the country. A pre-arranged funeral agreement is intended to provide clarity, reduce stress and bring comfort to the survivors at a difficult need. A pre-arranged funeral arrangement is a practical and emotionally intelligent decision whether you are in the prime of your career or settling into retirement.

When you decide to make the necessary arrangements, we'll discuss and then make a permanent record of:

• Basic personal statistical information that would be necessary such as social security number, parents' names, birthdates, list of family members.
• Funeral preferences such as choice of Chapel, Graveside or Cemetery Chapel Service
• Clergy
• Special requests from the family
• Items such as casket, vault, limousines and monuments can also be listed

The Ira Kaufman Chapel Pre-Payment Program

Once your decisions have been made, pre-paying a guaranteed pre-arranged funeral agreement is a financially intelligent option that should be considered. When you choose an appropriate plan, then pre-pay, your money is held in a government approved interest-accruing escrow account. The interest covers inflationary costs at the time of the actual funeral whether 10, 20 or 30 years from now (or longer).

Most importantly, each selection that is pre-paid is guaranteed to be provided and you will never pay additional costs for that selection even if the cost would double or triple at the time of need. Furthermore, if funeral costs are lower than the amount held in your escrow account, we return the difference to the estate.

Unlike other pre-arranged funeral programs, we do not add commission, set-up fee or other charges to the cost of your plan. Our aim is to assist you in choosing a pre-arranged funeral program that will provide you with peace of mind and financial assurance.

Protection against Inflationary Costs

Your money held in the funeral escrow account is a guarantee from unpredictable inflationary costs. Pre-Arranged payment will cover expenses for the selected items at the actual time of need.

Standard life insurance policies may not defray inflationary costs. Instead, it may leave you, your family, or estate vulnerable to pay the difference between today's costs and tomorrow's prices.

Social Services Assistance

Pre-paid funeral funds are deemed non-countable assets for individuals who live in nursing homes. Pre-paid funeral expenses reduce assets which allow individuals applying for Social Services assistance to become eligible sooner.

Cancellation Of Agreement

Unless a pre-paid funeral plan has been made irrevocable by the State of Michigan (for financial assistance reasons), a pre-paid funeral plan can be cancelled at any time by the buyer before the death of the beneficiary. If cancelled, the buyer is entitled to one hundred percent of the principal and income in the escrow account that is calculated as of the last day of the month preceding the effective date of the cancellation.

Whenever You Want to Talk, We're Here to Listen

Whether you need additional information, want to discuss the various pre-arranged funeral plans, or simply have a question, we have answers. At your own pace and comfort level, we are available at your convenience to meet you at our chapel or in the comfort of your own home.