Planning an Extraordinary Good‑bye
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Planning your funeral may not be an everyday conversation, but it’s one of the most thoughtful ways to shape an extraordinary final experience—for yourself and for the people you love. This guide explains Candour’s simple, sustainable process for arranging a prepaid funeral plan in Melbourne (and beyond). Whether you’re locking in costs, protecting Centrelink benefits or curating personal touches, we make it calm, clear and deeply personal.
Why Plan Ahead?
Planning now lets you:
• Lock in today’s prices for key funeral services
• Protect Age Pension entitlements—pre‑paid contracts & funeral bonds sit outside Centrelink’s assets test
• Give family space to focus on grief rather than logistics
• Ensure your sustainability values—eco‑friendly coffins, biodegradable urns—are honoured
Step 1 — Call Candour Funerals for an Initial Prepaid Funeral Estimate
A quick phone call (1300 788 881) or email (ourteam@candourfunerals.com.au) starts the journey. Tell us if you prefer burial, cremation or sea burial, and we’ll prepare a free, itemised estimate.
Step 2 — Meet Wherever Suits You
We can visit your family home, welcome you at our Mornington office, or arrange a video/phone meeting. During this relaxed chat we:
• Listen to your story and the personal touches you’d like
• Note cultural, religious or environmental wishes
• Collect information Births, Deaths & Marriages will need (full legal names, parents’ details, etc.). Storing these details securely now spares your family hours of paperwork later.
Step 3 — Choose How You’d Like to Fund the Plan
Flexible Two‑Year Payment Plans
Prefer not to pay upfront? Start with an initial payment (covers GST, admin & cremation fees if applicable + first bond contribution), then spread the balance across up to 24 monthly instalments. We’ll calculate a schedule that fits your budget.
Option A — Funeral Bond
• Capital‑guaranteed investment held with Foresters Financial
• Funds grow with interest and are released only for funeral costs
• Centrelink‑friendly when assigned to Candour & kept below $15,750 (1 July 2025 limit)
• Flexibility—family can finalise flowers, catering, venue later
Option B — Pre‑Paid Funeral Contract
• Lock in professional service fees, coffin/casket, transfers into care & logistics at today’s prices
• GST is paid upfront; every dollar goes into a registered funeral fund
• Clear separation from disbursements (cremation/burial fees) that external providers set
Blended Approach for Complete Peace of Mind
Most families pair a Pre‑Paid Funeral Contract with a funeral bond to cover flexible extras—venue hire, catering, flowers, live musicians—without dipping into savings.
Why Foresters Financial?
Founded in 1849, member‑owned Foresters Financial manages $387 million in funds under APRA & ASIC regulation. Their capital‑guaranteed structure protects your money, supports community grants and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals—mirroring Candour’s focus on people and planet.
Step 4 — Secure Your Place of Rest
Cremation
Purchase a cremation deed now to lock in today’s price and shield against annual cost rises. Candour finalises paperwork so everything is ready when needed.
Burial
We guide you on booking a one‑on‑one cemetery appointment. Most cemeteries allocate a dedicated advisor to show plot options and package pricing (plot + interment). Buying now secures today’s rates.
Step 5 — Sign Everything Digitally
No printing or scanning—save time. We send secure e‑signature documents and guide you through each click, so you feel confident every step. Once signed, we lodge paperwork and provide digital copies to you—and, if you wish, your nominated next‑of‑kin.
Step 6 — Invest & Protect the Funds
Secure Foresters Financial folder on a desk beside a budget sheet, calculator and coffee, symbolising safe investment of funeral funds
• All funds—bond or contract—are invested with Foresters Financial; capital‑guaranteed & funeral‑only use
• Your money stays yours. Unused balance returns to your estate; extra services (e.g. extended catering) are invoiced separately if chosen
Travel (Away From Home) Cover
For a one‑off $120, add Foresters’ Away From Home Cover. It pays up to $3,000 to bring you home if death occurs 100 km+ away within Australia. Ideal for travellers; unnecessary for permanent nursing‑home residents. Overseas travel requires separate repatriation insurance.
Step 7 — Ongoing Peace of Mind
Call any time to:
• Update music, readings or venues
• Add/remove items (e.g. livestreaming, scatter tubes, biodegradable urns)
• Change contact people
Step 8 — When the Time Comes
One phone call activates your plan. We already have death‑certificate details, funds ready, and a roadmap that still lets family add personal touches—home‑grown flowers, a custom slideshow, or a favourite sweet treat.
Ready to Begin?
Call 1300 788 881 or email ourteam@candourfunerals.com.au for your obligation‑free estimate. With Candour, prepaid funeral planning is simple, secure and uniquely yours.
Candour Funerals — Honouring every life with transparency, warmth & extraordinary care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pass away while still paying off my plan?
Your estate or family can pay the remaining balance, and Candour will honour the contracted funeral in full.
Can I change my mind after I’ve prepaid?
Yes. We can amend your plan anytime (some external costs may be non‑refundable).
Can my plan move with me if I relocate?
Yes. Just complete Foresters’ Change of Nominated Beneficiary Form. A small admin fee may apply for Candour to arrange the transfer. Your bond remains fully protected.
Are funds safe and Centrelink‑friendly?
Funds are capital‑guaranteed, regulated by APRA/ASIC, and—under the threshold—exempt from Centrelink assets tests.
What if there are leftover funds?
Unused bond money is returned to your estate.
What if my family adds extras later?
Any additional services are invoiced separately.
Does the bond cover transport if I die away from home?
Yes—if you have the optional Away From Home Cover (up to $3,000 within Australia).
