www.thesenior.com.

au Monday August 05, 2024 THE SENIOR - VIC 25

&
ADVERTISING FEATURE

PERSONAL

DETAILS
FUNERAL PLANNER

FOR..................................................... DATE............................................

This is an important document.

It should be completed and kept
in a safe place known to your family.
26 THE SENIOR - VIC Monday August 05, 2024 www.thesenior.com.au

PERSONAL
INFORMATION
PERSONAL DETAILS: PRIMARY NEXT OF KIN:
Surname: ......................................... Given names: ............................................ Surname: ........................................... Given name: ............................................
Address: ............................................................................................................... Address: ...............................................................................................................
Suburb: ........................................State: ................... Postcode:........................
Suburb: ........................................... State: ................... Postcode: ...................
Telephone: ............................... Mobile: ..............................................................
Email: .................................................................................................................... Telephone: ........................................ Mobile:......................................................
Relationship: .........................................................................................................
Date of birth:.........................................................................................................
Place of birth: ............................. State: .................... Country: .........................
FAMILY DOCTOR:
Australian resident since: .....................................................................................
Name: ................................................. Telephone: .............................................
Religion:................................................................................................................
Primary occupation: ............................................................................................. Address: ...............................................................................................................

Suburb: ....................................... State: ......................... Postcode: .................

FAMILY DETAILS:
Parent/carer one surname: ........................... Given names: ...............................
Date of birth: ................................................. Birthplace: ...................................
Usual occupation: ................................................................................................
Parent/carer two surname: ........................... Given names: ...............................
Date of birth: ................................................. Birthplace: ...................................
Usual occupation: ................................................................................................
Spouse/partner surname: ............................. Given names: ...............................
Date of birth: ................................................. Birthplace: ...................................
Usual occupation: ................................................................................................
MARRIAGE DETAILS:
❏ Married ❏ Single ❏ Widowed ❏ Divorced
❏ Separated ❏ De facto
Date of first marriage: ........................ Age: ........... Where:................................
Name of spouse: ..................................................................................................
Separated/Widowed/Divorced: .............................. Date: ..................................
Date of second marriage: .................. Age: ........... Where:................................
Name of spouse: ..................................................................................................
Separated/Widowed/Divorced: .............................. Date: ..................................
De facto: ...............................................................................................................
Name: ...................................................................................................................
Date: .....................................................................................................................
CHILDREN’S DETAILS:
List of children including legally adopted, deceased, or if no children.
Number of children:
Date of birth: ........................................ Name: ....................................................
Date of birth: ........................................ Name: ....................................................
Date of birth: ........................................ Name: ....................................................
Date of birth: ........................................ Name: ....................................................
Date of birth: ........................................ Name: ....................................................
MEDICAL HISTORY:
Dates and details of major illnesses, chronic health conditions
(such as diabetes or heart disease), and hospitalisations.
Date: .....................................................................................................................
Details:..................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Date: .....................................................................................................................
Details:..................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Date: .....................................................................................................................
Details:..................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Date: .....................................................................................................................
Details:..................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
Other:....................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION:
Birth certificate: ......................................... Location: .........................................
Marriage certificate: ................................... Location:..........................................
Spouse death certificate (if applicable): .................... Location:.............................
Passport: ..............................................................................................................
Name on passport: .....................................Location:..........................................
Number on passport: .................................... Expiry:..........................................
Driver licence: .......................................................................................................
Name on licence: ........................................Location:..........................................
Licence number: ............................................ Expiry:..........................................
Medicare card: .....................................................................................................
Name on card: ............................................Location:..........................................
Number: ......................................................... Expiry:..........................................

2 PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024

A gift in your Will can help

change a child’s future.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful way to ensure that
Australian children living in poverty get the learning support
they need, so they can learn today and change tomorrow.
For more information contact the Gift in Wills team on
02 9085 7118 or email gifts-in-wills@thesmithfamily.com.au

For further details visit: www.thesmithfamily.com.au/gifts-in-wills

www.thesenior.com.au Monday August 05, 2024 THE SENIOR - VIC 27

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TAX INFORMATION:
Income tax records:.......................................................................................................
Tax file number: .............................................................................................................
CREDIT CARD DETAILS:
Name of credit card: ................................ Name of bank: ............................................
Account number: ................................................ Expiry: .............................................

Location of records: ...................................................................................................... Name of credit card: ................................ Name of bank: ............................................
Account number: ................................................ Expiry: .............................................

PENSIONS:
Centrelink pension:
Number: ................................................... Type of pension: .........................................
Veterans’ affairs:
Number: ................................................... Type of pension: .........................................
Superannuation pensions:
Number: ................................................... Type of pension: .........................................
LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES:
Name of company: .................................. Policy Number/s: ........................................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
CAR DETAILS:
Type of car: ....................................................... Registration number: .........................
Ownership details: .........................................................................................................
Location of records/insurance/lender details/registration details: ................................
STOCKS AND SHARES:
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS:

Name of bank: ..................................................... Location: ........................................
BSB number: ........................................... Account number: ........................................
Location of books/statements:......................................................................................
Name of bank: ..................................................... Location: ........................................
BSB number: ........................................... Account number: ........................................
Location of books/statements:......................................................................................
Name of bank: ..................................................... Location: ........................................
BSB number: ........................................... Account number: ........................................
Location of books/statements:......................................................................................
Name of bank: ..................................................... Location: ........................................
BSB number: ........................................... Account number: ........................................
Location of books/statements:......................................................................................
PROPERTY DETAILS:
SUPERANNUATION:
Name of company: ................................................ Account number: .........................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Name of company: ................................................ Account number: .........................
Location of records: ......................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
MORTGAGE DETAILS:
Lender: ............................................................................. Telephone: .........................
Address: ........................................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Suburb: .........................................................................................................................
State: ................................................................................. Postcode: .........................

Address/es: ................................................................................................................... Reference number: ........................................................................................................

............................................................................ Location of records: ......................... Location of records: ......................................................................................................

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Date: ................................................................................... Location: ......................... Date: ................................................................................... Location: .........................
Details:........................................................................................................................... Details:...........................................................................................................................

Date: ................................................................................... Location: ......................... Date: ................................................................................... Location: .........................

Details:........................................................................................................................... Details:...........................................................................................................................

Date: ................................................................................... Location: ......................... Date: ................................................................................... Location: .........................

Details:........................................................................................................................... Details:...........................................................................................................................

PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024 3

YOUR LEGACY
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At Wildlife Health Australia, we’re Scan for
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Leaving a bequest is a powerful
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the future of our wildlife.
Your generosity will help us to
safeguard Australia’s unique
natural heritage for generations
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to come. www.wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au
28 THE SENIOR - VIC Monday August 05, 2024 www.thesenior.com.au

FUNERAL PLANNING
PERSON I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS:
Surname: ......................................................... Given name: ......................................
Address: ........................................................................................................................
Suburb: ..................................................State: ........................... Postcode: ...............
Telephone: ................................................................ Mobile: ......................................
Relationship: ..................................................................................................................
FUNERAL DIRECTOR:
Name: ................................................................. Telephone: ......................................
Address: ........................................................................................................................
Suburb: ..................................................State: ........................... Postcode: ...............
PREPAID FUNERAL:
Favourite poem: ..........................................................................................
Details:.........................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
........
Favourite reading:..........................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
Donations in lieu of flowers to: ......................................................................................
Any special requests: ....................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
Photos and plaques: .....................................................................................................
Preferred photo for display:...........................................................................................
Favourite photo for order of service: .............................................................................

Company: ......................................................................... Telephone: ......................... Other requests: ..............................................................................................................

Details:...........................................................................................................................
FUNERAL INSURANCE:
Company: ........................................................... Telephone: ......................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
IT IS MY WISH TO BE:
Buried Cremated
FOLLOWING A SERVICE HELD AT:
Chapel Crematorium Funeral Directors Other
Details:...........................................................................................................................
I WOULD LIKE THE SERVICE TO BE LED BY A:
Clergy: .................................................................... Religion: ......................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Celebrant: ......................................................................................................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
I WOULD LIKE A SPECIAL SERVICE: Military Veteran Other Services
Details:...........................................................................................................................
APPEARANCE:
Coffin: ...................................................................... Casket: ......................................
Details:...........................................................................................................................
Jewellery: ................................................................ Glasses: ......................................
Clothes: .........................................................................................................................
Special items: ................................................................................................................
FLORAL PREFERENCE:
1:....................................................................................................................................
2:....................................................................................................................................
3:....................................................................................................................................
MUSIC:
Entry: .............................................................................................................................
Reflection: .....................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................
THINK OF THOSE LEFT BEHIND
Standard industry funerals can be expensive, costing from $4000 for a basic cremation to
around $15,000 for a more elaborate burial.
Costs typically involve:
• funeral director fees • transport • coffin • death certificate
• permits (for example, for a burial at sea or on private land) • burial or cremation • cemetery plot
• other expenses include a celebrant or clergy, flowers, newspaper notices and the wake.
The financial burden of funeral expenses can often add another level of grief to what is typically
a troubled time.
If you want to protect your family from your funeral costs, there are ways to prepare in advance.
SAVINGS
Set up a term deposit or savings account separate from your everyday bank account. Remember
to tell your family and beneficiaries about it so they can use your savings to pay for your funeral.
PREPAID FUNERAL PLANS
Prepaid funerals let you choose and pay for your funeral in advance through your local funeral
director.
The cost of the funeral is calculated at today’s prices and doesn’t increase over time.
You can pay in full or make a deposit and pay the rest off with regular payments.
Different funeral directors offer different packages, so shop around.
Get a breakdown of all costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Funeral directors must put your money into a registered funeral fund to protect you if they go
out of business.
Funeral fund rules vary per state.
Check whether you can transfer your plan to another funeral director if you move to another state.
FUNERAL BONDS
You pay a deposit, then make regular payments over time, and your money grows in value with interest.
The money can only be used for your funeral. You can’t take it out earlier.
Many funeral bonds let you choose a funeral director. Or, you can let your family choose one at
the time of your death.
You can buy a funeral bond from a funeral director, a friendly society or a life insurer.
Read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and understand the costs before you sign up.
FUNERAL INSURANCE
With funeral insurance, you’re not saving for funeral costs but buying insurance to meet those
costs in the future.
You have to keep paying your premiums until you die, or you will no longer be covered.
In the end, the premiums may cost more than the funeral itself.
For this reason, consider other options before taking out this type of insurance.
SUPER
If you have superannuation, your family may be able to pay for your funeral with it.
But it can take time to get the money.
Your family may have to pay upfront and claim it back once your will is finalised.
In some circumstances (for example, if you have a terminal illness), you may be able to get your
super early.

Farewell: ........................................................................................................................ GOVERNMENT BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS

If you get a Department of Veterans Affairs pension, your family may be eligible for
(Check requirements and ensure you have copies of music) bereavement assistance following your death.

4 PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024

Plan Ahead Today, Peace of Mind Tomorrow

We know the ‘planning ahead’ With space in Melbourne’s www.boroondaracemetery.com.au
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conversation can be a difficult
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one, but our dedicated team the conversation sooner rather 430 High Street, Kew VIC 3101
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here to help. Reach out today to secure your
lasting legacy in Kew’s historic
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30 THE SENIOR - VIC Monday August 05, 2024 www.thesenior.com.au

THINGS TO INCLUDE IN A EULOGY

• When and where your loved one was born Details of grandchildren/great grandchildren
• Nicknames and/or names known to others Stories to treasure from family
• Childhood: • Career highlights
Parents names – where they met and married • Details of any club memberships, position held
Brothers and sisters • Details of sporting achievements
Early childhood – localities, interests and stories • Personal stories:
Schools attended, awards gained Details of historical significance
Some interesting stories about childhood days Details of any hobbies or interests, travel
• Academic or trade qualifications and achievements Details of activities; music, theatre, fishing, golf
• Details of any war or military service Preferences, likes and dislikes
• Family: • Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant
Details of marriages, divorces, children, to others
significant relationships • Special readings, music or poetry to be included

WRITE YOUR EULOGY DETAILS HERE

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6 PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024

1800 352 352

hollows.org/gift-in-wills
www.thesenior.com.au Monday August 05, 2024 THE SENIOR - VIC 31

NOTIFICATION
OF DEATH
Following is a guide of some organisations and businesses that will require Local government for rates and car registration.
notification of a death of a customer. In many cases they will ask to cite a copy of a
Chemist / dentist
death certificate and will.
Utilities
Department of Social Security
Electoral office
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Superannuation company Medicare

Solicitor and/or public trustee Health benefits fund

Financial institutions and loan companies Ambulance service

Employer/former employer Clubs, organisations and associations

Professional associations Church or religious organisation
Australian Tax Office Household help and associated services
Insurance companies Home delivery services - e.g. newspapers and milk
Doctor, specialist or hospital Post office for mail delivery

OBTAINING
A DEATH CERTIFICATE
When someone dies in Australia, essential legal administration must be completed.
A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be issued by the attending
medical professional, usually within 48 hours of the death.
The MCCD provides the basis for registering a death.
“The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages issues a death certificate
as the official record of a person’s death.
“It can be used as proof of death for transferring or cancelling services or for
administering a will.

Registering a death is legally required in all Australian states and territories under the
Births, Deaths and Marriages Act.
A death certificate can be issued once a death is registered with the relevant state
or territory registry.
A death certificate is an essential legal document required to administer an estate.
“All states and territories have different legislative requirements relating to
registering a person’s death,” a spokesperson for the NSW Registry of Births,
Deaths and Marriages said.
“In NSW, a funeral director will normally register a death and apply for a death
certificate on the family’s behalf within seven days of burial or cremation.
“Most death registrations are processed within a week from when a complete
application is received.”
If a funeral director is not being used, next of kin and individuals can attend to these
administrative issues subject to the state or territory’s rules and guidelines.
Information about registering a death and applying for a death certificate is available
online at all state and territory Births, Deaths and Marriages websites.

LEAVING A BEQUEST
Many Australians leave a gift to charity in their will.
Also known as a bequest, the gift is your donation when you include a portion of
your estate to a not-for-profit organisation or charity. It could be a museum, a health,
children’s or other charity, medical or research institute, animal welfare organisation …
something you believe in.
Your bequest helps support the causes you care about beyond your lifetime and can
be a powerful way of leaving a legacy.
The two main types of bequests are residuary and specified.
A residuary bequest is the amount that remains after all other gifts and estate
expenses have been satisfied.
A specific bequest is a specified sum of money or asset.
Before leaving a gift or bequest in your will, make sure your estate plans are in order.
It is important to speak to the charity or organisation first if you are planning on
making a bequest. Many can assist with the wording of a bequest or a solicitor can
formulate wording for you.
While many people already donate to causes in some form or another, it may not have
occurred to you that a charitable legacy can continue beyond death.
Deciding to leave a bequest is a great way to acknowledge your favourite charity or
organisation. It is also a way of being remembered as someone who provided funding
for a cause or to effect change.

Additional copies of this planner can be printed from The Senior’s website - www.thesenior.com.au

PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024 7

Write your Will online for free

Leave a gift to Lifeline to help
save lives in future generations.

lifeline.org.au/thesenior 1800 800 768

32 THE SENIOR - VIC Monday August 05, 2024 www.thesenior.com.au
www.thesenior.com.au Monday August 05, 2024 THE SENIOR - VIC 29

WILL DETAILS
EXECUTOR OF MY WILL:
Name: ..................................................................................................... Telephone:...............................................................................................................................................
.................

Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Suburb: ............................................................................................................ State: ........................................................... Postcode:.................................................................

EXECUTOR OF MY WILL (JOINT):

Name: ..................................................................................................... Telephone:...............................................................................................................................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Suburb: ............................................................................................................ State: ........................................................... Postcode:.................................................................

COPY OF MY WILL:
Date of will: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Deposited with: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Name: ..................................................................................................... Telephone:...............................................................................................................................................
Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Suburb: ............................................................................................................ State: ........................................................... Postcode:.................................................................
Location of documents: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

SOLICITOR:
Name: ..................................................................................................... Telephone:...............................................................................................................................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Suburb: ............................................................................................................ State: ........................................................... Postcode:.................................................................

GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER

It is a little known fact that nearly half of all Australians will die without a will.
This means your assets end up being distributed by legal means and, sometimes, to
relatives you are no longer in contact with.
It is vital that everyone make a will so your friends and relatives can attend to your
last wishes as you had intended.
Using professional services can be a costly affair but, if you would prefer to make a
simple will, here are few useful steps to get the process moving.
THE INTERNET IS YOUR FRIEND
The internet can be an extremely useful resource for first timers. You can also find
checklists and questions to consider before drafting your will with a professional.
CHOOSE WISELY
The executor and witnesses should be chosen wisely – your executor will arrange
your funeral and has to ensure your wishes are carried out in regards to your will.
Witnesses must not be beneficiaries under your will.
START TALKING
Your friends and family need to know what your last wishes are, so don’t be shy in
seeking their input and talking to them about what you want. It’s also a good idea to
let them know who the executor of your will is so they can contact them easily. Tell a
close friend or family member where a copy of your will is in the event it needs to be
accessed.
CHILDREN
If your children are under 18, think about who you would appoint as their guardian.
STATE LAW
Some state laws surrounding inheritance vary so it’s best to understand where you
sit in the grand scheme of things. Each state government provides a section on their
webpage specifically around ‘Wills and power of attorney’ so it’s best to jump on to
see what you’re able to achieve in your will.
DISINHERITING
If you do not want any of your assets to be given to certain people, it is best to leave
a detailed statement of wishes for your executor.
SECOND OPTIONS
It’s a good idea to list a secondary or third beneficiary in case the first is unable or
unwilling to claim the inheritance or have died before you.
BE SPECIFIC
Don’t be scared to include as much detail as possible about the people set to inherit
from your will. Include their full name, date of birth, address and their relationship to you.
CHANGE IT UP
Writing your will does not cement it in stone. You are free to change it as much or as
little as you like. It’s best to keep it regularly updated with the details of your wishes.

PERSONAL DETAILS & FUNERAL PLANNER 2024 5

By including a gift in your Will to The Kids' Cancer Project, you can create a powerful
legacy and ensure your values live on by helping create more effective and less toxic
cancer treatments for kids.

1800 651 158

AW7398149