A unique funeral plan with fixed monthly payments from the outset, full cover after just six months and our overpayment rebate promise!

Transcription

1 In partnership with A unique funeral plan with fixed monthly payments from the outset, full cover after just six months and our overpayment rebate promise!

2 The first funeral plan of its kind... This is your chance to put your affairs in order and protect those closest to you from the stress and expense of arranging your funeral. It may not be a cheery thought, but it is certainly very comforting to know your funeral is taken care of and you won t be a burden to your family or friends at an upsetting and difficult time. The Golden Leaves FROM50 Funeral Plan is a straightforward, cost-effective way to pay for the funeral you want. It could be the right choice for you if you want the reassurance of fixed payments, protection against inflation, full cover after six months and entitlement to a rebate if any overpayment has been made. Pre-planning and paying for your funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do to help those close to you cope with bereavement. Why not do it today and get on with living your life? Why choose the FROM50 Funeral Plan? Lower monthly payments than many other plans Monthly payments are fixed and will not increase Full cover starts after just 6 months Immediate cover for accidental death Protection against inflation and rising funeral costs Guaranteed acceptance no medical or health checks Provided in partnership with CUNA Mutual Life Assurance (Europe) Limited A rebate promise on overpayment at time of death Every plan provides a donation to the British Heart Foundation* If you need any help completing your application talk to our Customer Advisers for free on and ask us to explain anything you re not sure about. Barry Floyd, Operations and Marketing Director Proud to be supporting For every FROM50 policy sold Golden Leaves will donate 15 to the British Heart Foundation.* The British Heart Foundation is grateful for partners like Golden Leaves, without whom we could not continue investing in pioneering research. Amit Aggarwal, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the British Heart Foundation * Between 3rd June 2013 and 31st May Registered Charity in England & Wales (225971) and Scotland (SC039426) In partnership with I 2

3 A unique plan and big worry solved The only funeral plan to offer full cover after just six months, fixed payments and a rebate promise. No other plan offers you the combined value of these three benefits*: (See Terms & Conditions for full details) You re fully covered after only 6 months Many plans expect you to pay fixed monthly payments for at least 12 months, or even 2 years, before you are entitled to be fully covered. With our FROM50 Funeral Plan, you are fully covered after just 6 months, and immediately covered for accidental death from the outset *. Your monthly payments are fixed from the outset You can relax knowing your monthly payments will never go up and neither will your funeral directors costs which are guaranteed **. Receive a rebate if you ve overpaid with our Overpayment Rebate Benefit With some funeral plans people can end up paying more in than is actually paid out for the funeral when they die. Our FROM50 Plan is different. Due to our plans new Overpayment Rebate Benefit feature, if your fixed monthly payments paid in, total more than the sum Golden Leaves receives from CUNA Mutual Life Assurance (Europe) Limited (to provide the funeral service on death) your estate will be eligible for a rebate from Golden Leaves. The rebate of up to 100%* of the overpaid fixed monthly payments, depends on the type of plan, and age of the plan holder at time the policy is taken out and the date of death. * Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details. ** Unless a change in legislation of taxation materially affect your whole of life policy. This worry was always at the back of my mind and I can t believe how simple it s been to arrange!

4 Pay now - save money Building Society Investment Golden Leaves Funeral Plan 1, Shortfall Mintel September 2012 *Survey Of Funeral Costs In Britain 2000 commissioned by The Oddfellows. **Building Societies Association, average savings rates Jan Jul Past performance is not necessarily a guide for the future. How this Plan protects you against rising costs You don t need us to tell you that everything seems to go up in price every year. Unfortunately it s just the same with funeral costs. Recent research puts the average cost of a UK funeral at 3,284 - an increase of 71% in eight years - far higher than the general rate of inflation If this trend continues, the average cost of a funeral in 2020 will be over 5,600 But because this Plan pre-pays your agreed funeral services at today s costs you are unaffected by any future price rises. As long as your monthly instalments are paid up to date, we can guarantee that there will be nothing extra to pay for the funeral director s services stipulated in your plan when the time comes, no matter how much prices have continued to rise. A real alternative to saving for your funeral A plan like this can offer a better financial option than putting money in a savings account to pay for future funeral costs. Since 2000, funeral costs have soared but interest paid on savings accounts has remained very low. The amount of money, which would have paid for a funeral back then, plus the small amount of interest earned over the years, would not cover the cost of an average funeral today. Your family would be left with a substantial extra amount to find, quite apart from having to access your savings account to pay for the funeral. I 4 w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m

5 A sound financial decision We re proud to say that the FROM50 Plan offers much better all-round value than other plans currently available offering the same services. With us, your fixed monthly payments are not just fixed; they are also lower than many other plans. Also, you won t have to make any more payments after the age of 90, although you will still be covered for the rest of your life. Don t forget too that unlike some funeral plans where you may have to wait for up to two years before you are fully covered, with our FROM50 Plan you will be fully covered after just 6 months. In partnership with CUNA Mutual To provide the benefits of your FROM50 Plan, your fixed monthly payments are paid to CUNA Mutual Life Assurance (Europe) Limited, to secure a whole of life policy which funds your policy. Since it s establishment in 1935, The Cuna Mutual Group * has strived to provide trusted and highly rated financial products globally and has a reputation for excellence and reliability. * USA Parent Company However, there are some costs we cannot control. These are third party expenses known as disbursements, which include fees for the cemetery, crematorium, doctors certificates or clergy, for instance. Your Plan will include a sum of money to be used towards these costs. This contribution is paid out when you die, and although it grows in line with the indexation of the plan, to keep pace with inflation, it is possible that there may be a little more to pay at the time of the funeral. I m not getting any younger and to be covered quicker than anywhere else is a massive benefit

6 Choose a plan to suit you The FROM50 Funeral Plan offers four different options so you can choose the funeral arrangements you would prefer and can afford, whether it s something simple or more elaborate. The FROM50 Bronze Plan This straightforward plan provides the professional services of your funeral director, a hearse to meet the mourners and a plain coffin. It doesn t cover any contribution towards other funeral expenses or disbursements such as cremation, cemetery or clergy fees. The FROM50 Silver Plan This plan provides the professional services of your funeral director, a hearse to meet the mourners and a basic coffin. It also includes a contribution towards disbursements such as cremation, cemetery or clergy fees. The FROM50 Gold Plan This plan provides all the elements specified in the Silver plan plus an upgrade to a standard coffin. It also allows for one limousine to transport the mourners and family to and from the service and a contribution towards disbursements such as cremation, cemetery or clergy fees. The FROM50 Platinum Plan The plan includes all the elements specified within the Gold plan plus an upgrade to a high quality coffin. It also allows for two limousines to transport the mourners and family to and from the service. Special details If you would like additional services not included in the plan, such as the purchase of a new grave or a service at a local church, please let us know. We will be happy to discuss these with you and incorporate the costs into your plan. Once you ve decided on your plan that best suits your needs, just talk to us and we can arrange the fixed monthly instalments that you are comfortable with. Contact us if you would like a more detailed chat about all your options. Call In these difficult financial times, we have found it far more affordable to pay a low monthly sum and the fact the fixed monthly payments never increase is fantastic! I 6

7 Choose from the following FROM50 plans Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Funeral Director s professional services Advice on funeral registration, documentation and certification Removal from place of death to Funeral Director s premises within 25 miles in normal working hours 24 Hours 24 Hours Care of deceased prior to funeral Chapel of Rest available for family and friends to visit Basic coffin Standard coffin High quality coffin Attendance of conductor and four pallbearers on day of funeral Provision of hearse for service at Crematorium / Cemetery Provision of one limousine Provision of two limousines Full listing of floral tributes Thank you cards Bereavement counselling (where available) Disbursements - see below Disbursements A contribution towards Ministers & Doctors fees, Crematorium or Cemetery fees. The amount contributed towards these costs may still require additional payment from estate / executors at the time of funeral. Cost of the Funeral Director s services are guaranteed to be met in full. (See Terms & Conditions) w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m I 7

8 Making it easier for those left behind Making funeral arrangements can be especially difficult for those who are grieving the loss of someone special. By planning your final send-off you will spare your family and friends the burden and confusion of organising the funeral themselves. Planning your own funeral will also ensure your preferences are respected and followed as closely as possible. Make your wishes known Have you thought about any special details you d like for your funeral? Your Golden Leaves FROM50 Plan lets you record your funeral wishes, such as the poems, readings, hymns or music you want to be played. In fact, any aspect of your own funeral that matters to you and is close to your heart. There s no charge for changing or adding to these at any time. Should any of your requests incur extra costs, which aren t included in your plan, of course we will let you know. What if you wish to purchase with a single lump sum payment? The FROM50 Funeral Plan can only be purchased by fixed monthly instalments. However our traditional Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, which covers the same stipulated funeral services, can be bought with a single payment. Please ask your sales agent for details or call our Customer Service Advisors free on Taking out your Plan is simple and straightforward 1. Select the Plan you want from our range shown on pages 6 and 7 2. Complete the Application and Payment Form enclosed with this brochure and post back to us using the FREEPOST envelope provided, OR 3. Go to to buy your plan online If you need any help completing your application call us free on What you will receive from us in return We ll send you your Certificate of Entitlement to funeral services and your Membership Card. Please keep them in a safe place. There will also be a spare copy of the certificate to give to your next of kin so they know you hold this plan and they know how to proceed when the time comes. If you change address, please notify us as soon as possible so we can update our records. Call our Customer Service Advisors free on: Lines open 9am pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can take out your plan online at: I 8 w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m

9 You can put your trust in us We want you to feel completely confident that by trusting us to ensure your funeral arrangements, you are in the safest hands possible. Recognised for innovation, Golden Leaves was one of the first funeral planning companies to launch the product in the UK in Golden Leaves is a founder member of the National Association for Pre-paid Funeral Plans - NAPFP and helped establish the FPA which regulates funeral plans within the UK. Golden Leaves were the first to launch international repatriation funeral plans. Golden Leaves were the first to launch and provide the only nationwide green funeral plan. Golden Leaves were also the first to introduce a funeral plan which provides full cover after just 6 months and which provides a refund of up to 100% of overpaid fixed monthly payments. All Funeral Directors that we appoint, have to satisfy a number of stringent service requirements before they can provide services for a Golden Leaves Funeral Plan. I really didn t want to pass on the worry of all this to my family I m so glad I ve settled it all in advance w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m I 9

10 What would you like to know? Suppose I m not in good health at the moment? We promise to accept your application regardless of your current state of health. I 6 Am I the right age for this plan? Our plan is suitable for anyone between the ages of 50 and 75 years of age. If you are perhaps suffering from medical conditions, there are no medical questions asked and you will be fully covered after just 6 months. Can I take out this Plan for someone else? Yes, just fill in the applying for a third party box on the application form with your details. We ll then make sure all the correspondence is sent to you and complete confidentiality is assured. Suppose I die on holiday? If death occurs away from your place of residence, somewhere else on the British Mainland, the cost of the collection will be charged to your estate or next of kin at the time of the funeral. If you intend to travel overseas, perhaps remaining there for some time, we recommend that your travel or medical insurance policy include full cover for repatriation costs to your funeral directors premises. If you not eligible for travel insurance because of ill health, don t forget that with the FROM50plan provides full benefit payout within the first 6 months on accidental death. The proceeds of which can be used to fund any repatriation costs incurred. What if I live to be 100? No matter how old you are, no matter how much funeral directors fees may rise, neither you nor your family will ever be asked for a penny more for the services guaranteed by your funeral plan. Remember there are no fixed monthly payments to pay after age 90 either unlike other plans that could well keep charging you until you are 100! Suppose I die before I have paid 6 months of instalments? During the first 6 months, the full benefit will only be paid in the event of accidental death (terms & conditions apply), otherwise all of the fixed monthly payments you have paid will be paid to Golden Leaves to provide you funeral and will be paid to the appointed funeral director to be used as a contribution to the funeral costs. Alternatively, the sum can be paid directly to the estate of the plan holder by Golden leaves. What rebate will I get if the instalments I ve paid total more than my funeral benefit pays out? Our plan is the only one to offer a rebate should the benefit selected, plus indexation, be less than the total amount you have paid. This could range from a minimum rebate of 10% up to a 100% rebate, dependent upon the plan selected, your age at inception and the total amount you have paid. (See Terms & Conditions) Call our Customer Advisers for free on and ask us anything that you want explaining I 10 w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m

11 A word from our partners CUNA Mutual CUNA Mutual is part of the CUNA Mutual Group* a leading global provider of financial solutions. For more than 75 years, CUNA Mutual Group has been dedicated to delivering products which deliver protection, security and value and has been recognized as one of the 2013 World s most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, and has consistently achieved an A Excellent rating from A.M. Best (latest Feb 2013). CUNA Mutual Europe launched in the UK in 1976 has extensive experience in underwriting and administering financial solutions for Building Societies and other mutual organisations and pride themselves on their approach to relationships and service delivery. With global resources, strong reserves and a talented and motivated team, they are committed to maintaining the highest standards in relationships, products and services. * Our parent company CUNA Mutual Group. British Heart Foundation For over 50 years we ve tirelessly pioneered research that has helped to transform the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are helping change the face of the UK s fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to teenagers growing up with congenital heart conditions. From athletes with undiscovered heart problems to expectant mothers afflicted with heart complications during pregnancy. And the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack but must endure the daily battles of living with heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised will help make a difference to people s lives. Thank you Proud to be supporting In partnership with By partnering with Golden Leaves who share our ethical values and levels of service, we are ensuring that peace of mind and financial security is easily available to a greater number of families. Paul Walsh CEO of CUNA Mutual Group (Europe) The British Heart Foundation is grateful for partners like Golden Leaves, without whom we could not continue investing in pioneering research. Amit Aggarwal Head of Corporate Partnerships at the British Heart Foundation w w w. f r o m 5 0 f u n e r a l p l a n s. c o m I 11

12 As families have been financially squeezed in recent years, it has become even more apparent that millions of UK consumers do not have adequate financial provision to protect themselves against life events, such as a loved one s funeral. By partnering with Golden Leaves, one of the oldest established operators in the funeral planning sector, we are ensuring that peace of mind and financial security is easily available to a greater number of families. Paul Walsh CEO of CUNA Mutual Group (Europe) Golden Leaves Limited 16th Floor, No.1 Croydon, Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 0XT Freefone info@goldenleaves.com Complaints Procedure If our services have not met your expectations please contact us in the first instance. Should we be unable to resolve the problem between us then please refer the matter to: The Funeral Planning Authority, Telephone: Proud to be supporting In partnership with All information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press National Association N. A. P. F. P For Pre-Paid Funeral Plans FPA F U N E R A L PLANNING AUTHORITY REGISTERED GL-7.13 PC