Preparedness for when

siegemode

The talk of funeral plans has compelled me to post prior to catching up (RL got in the way again)

Everytime I see or hear of over 50 plans and funeral plans my blood pressure rises. Each time Parky or some yesteryear celeb comes on the box reassuringly telling people how they can make it so easy for their loved ones when the time comes and how little it costs etc. Not forgetting of course the free pen and M and S voucher. My :mad::mad::mad::mad: increases and I find myself yelling at the tv.

My FIL has 3 of these policies because he fell for the familiar face and wise words of the clever marketing and was thinking of his family and trying to prepare. He is from a generation that paid the insurance man who came round weekly and who trusts his bank to look after his money etc.
I knew little of these plans until I had to sort out his admin and affairs and have now educated him. I've now tried to ensure no other insurances and policys are taken out. He has already passed the point of paying in more than he is going to recieve back on two policies and getting close on the third. When I explained this he was a bit upset and had already signed two over to a funeral plan thinking it was the right thing to do. This however is a nice earner for the company concerned who it appears have inflated prices and are more profit than client focussed.

There are ways to ensure others are not burdened with funeral costs, but I don't believe in these insurance schemes and plans.

FIL is still paying out £52 total a month on these plans as to stop would mean £1000s paid for nowt and to continue paying would at least ensure something is recieved, but as you can imagine it leaves a bitter taste. I urge anyone who knows of someone close who may fall for these ads and junk mail invites to advise of the pitfalls of such policies.

For some they may be appropriate, but I struggle to see how.

Mojoworking

Broomstick wrote: »

Dawn, do you have camping kettles (this kind of thing http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gelert-Stainless-Whistling-Kettle-2lt/dp/B0010AFES2 ) or proper cast-iron ones meant for stoves and agas? Mojo, is your kettle like this Gelert one as well? I'm wanting to experiment with a kettle on top of our woodburner for the same reason as you both and don't want to waste money on something that is wrong for the job. It would be ideal if a camping kettle like this would do because that would work on our table top gas stove as well and be cheaper. I've had one of these kettles in the past and they've worked fine on a camping stove.

B x

Hi broomstick. Mine was given to me by a friend as I started camping and shes mobed on to spa days. It looks similar but is a deep green like when we were kids. Hope its a but helpful x

Mojisola

siegemode wrote: »

There are ways to ensure others are not burdened with funeral costs, but I don't believe in these insurance schemes and plans..

It depends what you're calling a funeral plan. My parents had a set price, paid for them monthly until they were paid up and nothing more happened until they died when the plans paid for their funerals.

daz378

off to dads soon and then my mates ... ive found some june 14 tins of salmon giving him about 12 tins.....having consulted the website ...still tasty ....should last 3...5 years from date on tin.... if not dented or pierced....and i reckon thats being quite conservative

take care

siegemode

Mojisola wrote: »

It depends what you're calling a funeral plan. My parents had a set price, paid for them monthly until they were paid up and nothing more happened until they died when the plans paid for their funerals.

That sounds fair and acceptable and must give them piece of mind. What worries me and what I find unacceptable are the insurance policies that aren't as fair or transparent and easy to understand.

I am aware of a few of my friends parents who still trust the banks and insurance companies along with the nice man/lady on tv. If more people are able to warn/help/advise their elderly relatives then my post and experiences have worth. I'm a practical minded person and have no trouble broaching the funeral plan subject and thankfully all our parents are now organised and know their wishes will be met along with the costs.
Although this was straight forward for me I acknowledge it's a delicate subject and not so easy for everyone.

Doveling

Just caught up again and noted discussions about powers of attorney. It is usually best (not always) to get a Lasting Power of attorney not an Enduring Power of attorney to deal with financial matters. Also, people need to consider whether to get a Personal Welfare power of attorney for their relative.
The Age Concern website has a really useful leaflet covering these issues. I have no connection to Age Concern but have accessed their services for my father to use. HTH x

GQ- no offence meant to call centre workers, I just think you should be doing standup no matter what your job!

siegemode

Doveling thanks for mentioning Lasting Power of attorney it's a while since we sorted stuff like that with FIL and I need to check which we have before we are in a position where we need it. Fortunately FIL understands the importance and is grateful that we have both his financial and welfare needs in hand. After the summer we've had and the experiences of friends recently I need to make sure it's all in order.

GreyQueen

Ooof, Doveling, after a day like I've had today, the saltmines would seem preferable to the call centre, never mind going on the stage. Mondays are always broodal, but this one was worse than most. Total headbanger.

After w*rk, went to hang out at my pal's shop and found it closed, went to my fave chazzer and found it closed and then went to SuperGran's flat and she fed me gossip, tea and chocolates, what a star that woman is.

I think it's rotten how celebs hoor their cuddly reputations to con the old and trusting out of their money in return for dubious peace of mind policies. Perhaps people who are currently very elderly were raised in an era of greater trustworthiness, but it's all too often the case that people are being gulled. My lovely Nan seemed to be on every fundraising charities sucker list and got armloads of this stuff every week until, after discussion with Nan, I registered her with the mailing preference service. The flow is starting to dwindle now, but it's taken some time.

I think it's wise to consider how many intermediaries are going to be taking a cut of your monetary action before whatever it is you're insuring against or pre-paying for is paid for. Those cuddly celebs don't come cheap, y'know.

If the family are trustworthy, might it be possible for a close relative to hold a sum in a dedicated bank account to pay for the relative's funeral expenses, even if it was a fund they contributed to, in whole or in part? For peace of mind and removing the percentage merchants from the deal.

One thing I have noticed in life is that the more you are sold on the idea of buying peace of mind, extended warranties, insurances etc etc, the less cash you have to hand and the less able you are to whether any storms. And, somehow, whatever sooper-dooper gold-plated all bells and whistles insurance cover you thought you'd paid for doesn't quite cover what you thought.

I have friends working in the insurance industry. You'd be horrified at what goes on even in the biggest companies. Nowt better than shysters and barrowboys, the lot of them. Always quibble if the loss adjuster knocks you down - always. Many of them will roll over at a challenge as a matter of policy.

calicocat

Slightly off topic for the recent chat....

But just to post that have more preps done in case of job loss. New cat tree bought today (last one was 14yrs old so owed me nothing), and new cat toilet.

This means no more expense on that front for years...also have various stuff in loft that she 'doesn't like', so will do future kittys. Also have cat litter in loft to last a few months.


So much for not using the loft in this house when I moved in...lol.

[Deleted User]

Broomstick wrote: »

It would be ideal if a camping kettle like this would do because that would work on our table top gas stove as well and be cheaper.

Back in the 70s, during the power cuts, we boiled water on a coal fire, in a standard stove top kettle, so I don't see why it wouldn't work in your setup.