The Benefits of Pre-planning

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:53:31 GMT

Why Advance Planning Makes Sense

When someone does advance planning there are many benefits

Control The Cost: When someone prefunds their funeral plan they are able to protect themselves and their families from inflation. Many funeral homes will lock in the cost of their services and merchandise. Without funding a pre-arranged funeral plan many families can may have to make quick financial decisions which may cause them to overspend.
Be Remembered the way you want
There are many decisions that go into planning a funeral. Planning your funeral gives you the chance to decide what kind of service you prefer to have.
Ease the Burden
When someone dies without a funeral plan there can be financial and emotional stress placed on the survivors. The gift of pre-planning helps remove any guess work, financial and emotional strain on your loved ones.
Protect against government intrusion
When applying for government assistance from Medicaid, or SSI benefits or nursing home care applicants must spend down their assets. In most cases a pre-paid funeral plan is a non-countable (exempt) asset and can help someone qualify.

Honoring Lives in East Idaho

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:57:56 GMT

What to bring to the Arrangement Conference

People often ask us, “What information should I bring to the Mortuary when we come to meet with you?’

Some things that you should bring include the following:

1. A copy of the Advance Directives: If the deceased left any written advance directives concerning the disposition of his or her remains (Burial, or Cremation) and memorialization you will need to bring these with you. Advance Directives can be a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or can be found in a will.

2. A copy of their Military Discharge papers (DD 214) if they served in the United States Military.

3. Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased, or the family.

4. A recent photograph of the deceased, to be used for the obituary, and possibly service programs.

5. Specific information on the deceased such as legal name, residence, marital status, and Social Security Number for the death certificate. For more information please visit us online at www.coltrinmortuary.com/frequent-questions , or call us at (208) 524-1000.