Senior Style

Prior to my mother passing seven years ago, she used to call and remind me all the time where the briefcase was. Mom started this shortly after dad died. I would say , "OK mom you ar e doing fine don't worry." Ten years later that terrible day came when I had to go find the briefcase and take care of her final wishes. In this briefcase was banking information, a list of items that were to be disbursed to different family members, and a funeral pre-planned contract that was completed with the locally owned funeral home in her town. Mom had done all the hard work for me. I didn't have to make any decisions and it was even paid for. This was the worst day of my life and by my mother having the forethought to put this plan into motion prior to her death, it made this horrible day as hard as it was, a bit easier to manage. I didn't have to worry if I was doing the right thing by her because I just followed her plan. She even had a letter in there that I was to read to the family, her final words to her loved ones. After all, this was her life and she had a say in what, where and how she wanted to be remembered. By definition, Pre-Arrangement or Pre-Need is when a person takes care of their funeral and or buri- al arrangements, by meeting with their local funeral home and cemetery, who will be placing their wishes in writing in advance of death occurring. When purchasing a Preplanned Funeral Arrange- ment, you are the decider. You decide whether or not you want cremation, traditional burial or green burial. Even the urn or casket type can even be chosen. You can decide if you would like the service to be held in a church chapel and or graveside. You can set a certain dollar amount aside for death cer- tificates, obituaries, clergy and flowers if you would like. Monies paid in advance will be held in an insur- ance trust under your name until the time of passing. The funeral home guarantees the arrangement that you have selected will be carried out. All of the information such as your birth place, employment carrier, your parent's name and their birth place, authorization forms, and release forms that are required at the time of need can all be completed ahead of time to make it easier for those left behind. Not only can you pay for and preplan your funeral, but you can also make cemetery pre-arrangements as well. This can include a traditional plot, green burial plot, urn plot, crypt, niche, endowment and interment fees. Final arrangements "Mom had done all the hard work for me. I didn't have to make any decisions and it was even paid for. This was the worst day of my life and by my mother having the forethought to put this plan into motion prior to her death, it made this horrible day as hard as it was, a bit easier to manage." – Sherri Jacobs, Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home Jeanie Boro Boro Insurance Agency Your group health, family health and medicare health plans specialist, in and outside the USA. Call for a Free Consultation 415-250-8279 jboro@boroinsagency.com License # 0H47212 Have you heard about the new plans being offered this year? At Boro Insurance Agency, we help make your difficult decisions easier for you. Ready for Open Enrollment? • Medicare Health Plans for those turning 65 or older • Final Expense and Life Insurance Plans • Accident, Critical Illness, & Cancer Plans • International Health Insurance Plans A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com Senior Style October 18, 2020 23

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