Sorry to hear of you loss Crackles and Neil'n'Ruth, mine cost $4,000 which includes everything (without a service) except collecting the ashes, one of my kids will do that and if is free in WA to collect them from the crematorium office, they even provide a plastic jar with a screw lid.  They did charge once but don't anymore.   If you get a funeral director in WA to collect them for you the funeral director charge you for it.

My coffin (can't be cremated in WA without an approved one) is stained chipboard which at the moment is actually cheaper than a cardboard coffin, nobody will see mine so it doesn't really matter what it is, still cost me though (in my prepaid funeral amount).  

Thanks for sharing that poem Crackles, it was appreciated.

Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way BG, mine is now fully prepaid with a chipboard coffin (cheaper than cardboard at the moment) but a requirement of the cremation authorities, I would just have a waterproof (that is leakproof) paper body bag if they would let me as long as it was cheaper, but no go. 

Left a bit of money for a booze up later, just hope one of my religious and qualified minister sons doesn't start splashing holy water around or saying prayers, me being an atheist.... 

My ashes are being collected by one of my kids John and they will be scattered in the Swan River at a favourite park and spot there on the river, a boat not needed to do so.   They and any friends can meet there if they wish while this is being done, however I have told them to make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction, I don't want them to get a mouthful of my ashes.

They can choose the day they do this, also the venue and time for a wake either at one of their places or a pub etc.   The river at this spot would be a good place for any future contemplation if needed by them.  Yours is a good idea too.

I feel better now I have put things in place and nobody has to worry about my funeral when the time comes and I can get on with life in the meantime and forget about it.  

Welcome and thanks for the link Spactakells, I originally posted on this thread as "Duh" (long story )

 

I asked a Q: and this popped up......

http://www.thecitizen.org.au/news/cardboard-coffin-shroud-unmarked-grave-push-more-natural-ending-end-life

Government legislation devoid of commonsense methinks !
My preference: cremation in a shroud / sheet / nightdress......after all.........
I have a sneaking suspicion the coffin isn't cremated.....after all, why would you?

Nothing will change while government reaping $$$
Finding a loophole in the legislation or,
A groundswell of discontent will revolutionize the industry and accompanying legislation
For many people ignorance is bliss...until it effects them.

As a sole parent I saved every $5 .... amazing how quickly they accumulated and amazingly, never missed them on a day to day basis ..... and a godsend for desperate times.

[ Wondering how long it will take me to save for my funeral, by putting aside every $5 that comes through my wallet ]

A couple in our village simply prepaid for a basic barbecue without service. They even got a small refund after the job was done. I was talking to several others in the village after the first one of these friends died. There is a sizable number of our residents who wish to go that way.

There is a cheaper way to go. Simply sign up with a medical school to donate your body. After the students have finished with you the university takes care of the remains.

Spactakells wrote:

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Since this brilliant posting discussing our "final wishes" to use the TV euphemism about death & dying, Yesterday phoned the local funeral director:
I knew what I wanted:
1. collect my body [local pick up..I will NOT be going to a Melbourne hospital, whatever the diagnosis
2. deliver body to crem
3. deal with official legal paperwork
There was no pressure to have more than I asked for, just a couple of Qs to clarify that I knew what I was asking for.
Advised cost would be $3300.
Suspect that will be about the best I will do.
Will now arrange a PrePaid funeral

Q Are there any pitfalls re Prepaying my funeral....??? Would appreciate any comments....
What is the company goes bust.....or.......

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I've prepaid mine, no extra to pay when the time comes (bearing in mind they are reaping the interest, so I suppose that compensates them for any price rises in service (cremation) and materials (box etc).   I think they may have some sort of government reserve fund for if they go broke, I can't recall (all the paperwork is with my daughter).   I used Simplicity Funerals as they have branches in most states and any one can be used, so for the traveller it could come in handy.  See;

http://www.simplicityfunerals.com.au/funeral-home-locations?gclid=CMPOvLrC1MUCFVEGvAodKDoAIQ  

Good article Denis, thank you, seems to give a good overall picture, reminded me of why I went for pre-paid (still would).

I'm planning to spend all my money and let my kids sort it all out. Dad just said he wanted a cheap cremation which he got. We sold his car (5 year old Focus), got 7 weeks of pension, a few dollars from Medibank Private, had a decent wake and still had a few dollars left. Mum's going the same way. Her car is already sold and the money is in the bank ready for a send off. Her wake will be small as she's outlived almost everyone who was at dad's wake. I think I had to put up about $5,000 until the car was sold and the pension was paid.

Not really into pre-paid. Let the kids worry about that. Costs enough looking after the kids before death, so I figure death is a time for them to spend some money on me.

And the hardest thing to handle for a deceased person? Cancel their mobile phone.

Spactakells wrote:

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Funeral...your suggestion does not fit with my circumstances ....but thanks

Cancelling mobile phone after death?
Surely, just show death certificate ?
Send certified letter cancelling with a stat dec
Remove funds or close bank account....

Combine mobile phone with internet.....cancelling internet, cancels mobile.

---

Mobile cancelling didn't quite work that way. Dad had a mobile that mum didn't know about that was in his name only. I cancelled his internet over the phone, had the home phone changed to mum's name over the phone, but had to show death certificate, will showing I was executor, prove who I was and show a power of attorney. I fronted up to a Telstra shop with just the death certificate and my mum, but apparently that was not enough. Total overkill.

-- Edited by Spydermann on Monday 25th of May 2015 04:53:41 PM

Visited local Funeral Director...intended to 'shop around', however, second bloke did not call back?  Too much work?

Anyway, I now have PrePaid funeral arrangements in place:  A no frills cremation $3300 + gst.

My payment goes to Forresters Friendly Society where it is kept safe, out of funeral directors hands, and is transferrable should there be a need.

All done, thank you to all the grey nomads who have contributed to this conversation...increased my understanding of details/pitfall....I've done it !

Yes indeed........too early for singing, however........I'VE DONE IT MYYYYYY WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!