Should I Prepay My Funeral?

Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s not the most cheerful topic — but it might be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave behind.

If you’re living in the Northern Rivers, including Byron Bay, Ballina, or Lismore, you might be considering your future plans. Prepaying your funeral gives you peace of mind and takes pressure off your loved ones when the time comes.

Here’s what’s involved — and why so many locals are choosing to plan ahead.

What is a prepaid funeral?

A prepaid funeral is where you work with a funeral director to plan and pay for your funeral service in advance. Your money is securely held by a third-party financial provider — in my case, Funeral Plan Management — and only released when it’s needed.

You’ll receive a contract detailing everything that’s included, and you’ll have the option to pay in full or in instalments.

Why consider it?

✅ It relieves your family from emotional and financial stress

✅ You lock in today’s prices (no surprises later)

✅ You get to choose the type of farewell that feels right for you

✅ It gives you time to have open, thoughtful conversations with your people

What should I be aware of?

Prepaid funerals are not the same as funeral insurance. You’re not paying for ongoing premiums — you’re paying for the actual service you want, in advance.

You’ll want to:

• Choose a reputable provider (tick!)

• Let your next of kin know where the documents are kept

• Update the plan if your wishes change over time

If you’re based in the Northern Rivers and would like to explore prepaid funeral options, I’m here to walk you through it gently and clearly. Let’s make it simple.

Need to speak with a Funeral Director immediately? Please call 0410 478 713 or 1300 242 490