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Showing posts from October, 2025

What is a Funeral Bond?

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  When prepaying for your funeral, the most common way to formalise this is by setting up a Funeral Bond . A Funeral Bond is a type of "investment" that allows you to allocate funds specifically for funeral expenses, with the money only being accessible after your passing . You have the option to pay a lump sum or make regular contributions, and the funds accrue interest, but they cannot be withdrawn early for other uses. These bonds provide tax-effective savings and can be excluded from government income and assets tests up to $15,750, offering a way to plan for funeral costs without financially burdening your loved ones.   A regular Funeral Bond is simply money that is set aside and accrues a little interest over time. This money then contributes to covering some of the costs involved in a funeral when the time comes. However a "prepaid Funeral Bond" sets a fixed amount aside which - in conjunction with a fixed-price contract - will cover the costs of the agreed s...

Can I release butterflies at a funeral or memorial?

Want to celebrate someone's life in a really beautiful and unique way? Have you thought about releasing butterflies at your next funeral or memorial service? Butterfly releases can be a helpful and therapeutic way to say farewell to a loved one. There are a number of organisations you can contact to learn more (links will be below). However, here are a few things you need to know about releasing butterflies: Notice required: Most providers need at least two weeks to a month's notice to breed and prepare the butterflies.  Timing: Butterflies should be released during daylight hours, ideally between 10a.m. and an hour before sunset. There are certain months of the year when the availability of butterflies is limited. Temperature: Ensure the temperature is above 20°C for the butterflies to be active and fly properly.  Weather: Avoid releasing in rain, extreme wind, or very cold temperatures, as the butterflies will not fly.  Types of Butterflies: The butterfly specie...