[queasy27]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I just don't see any reason to prepay for a cremation. When someone dies, any funeral home will sell you a cremation and do the job properly, and they are required to have a published price list. What is the advantage to paying for it before you die? What happens if the company is out of business? What happens if you are out of town when you die? What happens if you lose the paperwork or the person arranging the cremation doesn't know about the prepaid cremation? I don't get it. It just seems like a ripoff.

What about people who know they don't have long to live?

For me, it was that and wanting to remove one more chore from my representative's shoulders. I don't have kids and it's going to be enough of a hassle for him to wade through all the other necessities. I gave him a copy of the cremation contract and have discussed it with him.

It was also a financial decision since the bulk of my estate is going to charity and I don't want him to be out of pocket for anything.

I'm still around but I used Baldwin Brothers and it couldn't have been easier. I completed everything online iin 10 minutes and didn't need to speak to anyone. $750.00

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by Tom C

My experience: We needed to have my fathers ashes shipped from California to Alaska. The crematorium would only ship via USPS as we were informed they are the only authorized shipper of human remains. I can tell you, not only were the USPS people SNARKY (morbid humor that was very much NOT appreciated) when I went to the PO to retrieve Dad, but the cost was also greater than 5 X what it would have cost to use almost any other carrier.

Use your own judgment when shipping, just wanted to add my experience to this discussion.

Another experience: Both my parents pre-arranged (prepaid) their wants and desires. Please do this for your family, as we will do the same. At that time leaving the burden to your children or siblings, leaves them apt to make the wrong and maybe very costly decisions “in your memory”.

...very sobering discussion, but also very valuable to our loved ones who survive us.

thanks for your heartfelt post. I’m so sorry you had to deal with such lack of respect at what was already a difficult time.

[Avista]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboViper

Some very interesting comments and yes we have been to a couple of seminars and yes we like Baldwin Brothers vs the others as more information and better pricing.

I guess the fact of just having a number to call in case of a sudden death of myself or a loved one vs the fact that at the last minute you have to "look up" different crematories as well as the fact that if you happen to be out of the country or on a cruise then that too is "taken care of" without the last minute details of finding someone.

As I have told my wife I worry more "now" about "having things in order" and less about dying, therefore, I want things for her...or myself to be uncomplicated as possible ...at the worst time.

I appreciate your comments as I consider each and every one. After attending my last High school reunion and realizing so many around me are leaving I decided and have gotten all my financials in order, downsized all my "toys" and have my trust set up and wills made out and even executors selected to carry out my wishes in order to "uncomplicate" things for my wife

This burial policy will help in knowing all my wife will have to do is "call a number" instead of confusion of knowing what to do next.

Appreciation to everyone. May we all live a healthy long life

We have same plan. Do a lot of traveling. Should we die even on a cruise or in Europe etc. all taken care of with one phone call.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by Avista

We have same plan. Do a lot of traveling. Should we die even on a cruise or in Europe etc. all taken care of with one phone call.

I fully agree. It’s a great plan to have and a true gift to your loved ones. One phone call. I know it works.

But does anyone have an answer to the question asked upthread? What if Baldwin goes out of business before you pass?

Not trying to be argumentative but I think it’s a legitimate question.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Villageswimmer

We came very close to doing this. Baldwin Brothers has an excellent reputation.

At the last minute, we asked the rep what would happen if they went out of business before we passed. She was unable to answer the question and just repeated that the family has been in business x number of years. Yes, they’re reputable and have been in business a long time, but so was Lehman Brothers.

Lehman Brothers didn't have a plan, they buried themselves!

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Lehman Brothers didn't have a plan, they buried themselves!

Fair enough. What is Baldwin’s plan? As I said, their rep didn’t know.