GCU Fraternal Announces Pre-Need Funeral Planning, Great Option For Boomers

Online, February 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - BEAVER, PA - As aging boomers leave the workforce and settle into retirement, they may fear the inevitable; their final passing and how this natural event may be a burden to their loved ones, both emotionally and financially. Fraternal benefits society GCU, specialists in life insurance and annuities, has announced a new department geared to help Baby Boomers pre-plan their final wishes in an affordable manner. The new Pre-Need Division is headed by Rick Poholsky, a veteran in pre-need funeral planning with over 8 years working with funeral directors. "Funeral planning is emotional and stressful on the family of the departed," states Poholsky; "too often the family is unaware of their loved ones final wishes, overspend or don't have the necessary funds to cover costs." Poholsky also stated that while many people may feel they had planned ahead properly with a life insurance plan, they may not have taken inflation or other factors into account when determining their death benefits. Pre-planning and funding alleviates those worries and allows a person to maintain control of their finances. Poholsky reiterated the sentiments from one Funeral Director; "pre-arranging a funeral is the greatest thing I can do for someone while they are living. It gives them piece of mind to discuss their wishes."

Pre-planned funeral arrangements also offer a good way for a retiree to 'spend down' some of their assets before entering a nursing care facility, a requirement to obtain Medicaid benefits. While Poholsky feels there are many financial advantages to pre-need planning, he also warns that consumers can be taken advantage of in a variety of ways by not consulting a professional about their funeral needs; "I cannot stress enough that someone interested in information on pre-need planning should only talk to a licensed funeral director before any final decisions or purchases have been made." For a list of funeral homes in Pennsylvania offering GCU Pre-Need funding packages, please contact the GCU office at 1-800-722-4428.