Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Need Planning Basics

Find transparent answers to common questions about funding, New Jersey compliance, and the entire planning process.

Pre-need funeral planning means making your funeral arrangements in advance of need. Instead of leaving all decisions to your family at a difficult time, you plan ahead for services, merchandise, and funding. People choose pre-need planning to ensure their wishes are known and honored, to relieve the emotional and financial burden on loved ones, and to lock in a sensible plan for the future. It’s a thoughtful step that brings peace of mind – Christy Ann Saracino, a licensed New Jersey funeral director, will guide you with compassion and expertise through every detail of this advance planning.

Pre-need arrangements are made before death, often years in advance. You have time to compare options, document your preferences, and even pre-fund the funeral. At-need arrangements happen immediately after a death, when the family must plan the funeral under time and emotional stress. With pre-need planning, much of the decision-making is done ahead of time, sparing your family from guesswork. Christy Ann Saracino emphasizes that pre-need is proactive – it secures your plans and funding early – whereas at-need is reactive, addressing urgent needs when a loss has just occurred.

A pre-need plan can be as comprehensive as you wish. You can specify the type of service (burial, cremation, memorial ceremony, etc.), choose a casket or urn, select music or readings, and even note personal touches like pallbearers or flowers. The plan also includes logistical details (e.g. cemetery plot or columbarium, if applicable) and financial arrangements to cover the costs. Essentially, you make all the key decisions in advance. Christy Ann Saracino will record your choices in a formal pre-need agreement, ensuring nothing is overlooked and your wishes are documented clearly for the future.

 Pre-planning can protect you against future cost increases for funeral services. In many cases, when you pre-fund through an approved trust or insurance plan, the funeral home can guarantee today’s prices for its services and merchandise. This means your family likely won’t pay more for those items later, even if prices go up. Additionally, money set aside in a proper pre-need fund earns interest or growth over time, helping to offset inflationweb.njsfda.orgweb.njsfda.org. By planning ahead, you also avoid last-minute expenses or overspending under emotional distress. Christy makes sure your plan is cost-effective, and she’ll explain which items are price-guaranteed and how your funds will grow to keep pace with costs. The result is potentially significant savings and no financial surprises for your loved ones.

Pre-Need Plan Flexibility and Funding Options

Find transparent answers to common questions about funding, New Jersey compliance, and the entire planning process.

Yes, absolutely. New Jersey regulations allow you to transfer your pre-paid funeral arrangements to any funeral home of your choice at any time web.njsfda.orgweb.njsfda.org. Whether you move to a new area or simply change your mind about the funeral home, your plan is completely portable. Christy Ann Saracino will handle all the paperwork to seamlessly transfer your pre-need plan. As a licensed funeral director, she reassures families that your funds and arrangements remain secure through the transfer process. There are no penalties for switching – your money stays in your name and goes with you to the new funeral provider. (For details, see our full FAQ page discussion on plan portability.)

Yes. New Jersey law has strong protections to keep your pre-need funds safe. All prepaid funeral monies must be placed in a trust account or insurance policy in your name, not in the funeral home’s general fundsweb.njsfda.org. For example, if you prefund with a trust, the money is held in an FDIC-insured account that the funeral home cannot access while you’re aliveweb.njsfda.org. If you use a funeral insurance policy, it’s a contract regulated by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance. Christy Ann Saracino ensures every pre-need plan she arranges complies fully with NJ law – she only uses approved funding methods that safeguard your money. Your funds remain your assets until the time of need, giving you complete protection. In short, the money will only be used for your funeral and nothing else, and if you cancel a revocable plan, you get a full refund (with interest, in many cases).

In most cases, yes. If your pre-need agreement is revocable (not tied to Medicaid assistance), you can cancel it at any time for a full refund of all funds paid (usually with any interest earned)web.njsfda.org. New Jersey law guarantees that revocable pre-paid agreements are 100% refundable and even adjustable without penaltyweb.njsfda.org. However, if your agreement is irrevocable (used for Medicaid/SSI spend-down purposes), it cannot be canceled for a refund by lawweb.njsfda.org. Irrevocable plans are required to remain in place, though they can still be transferred to a different funeral home if needed. Christy will clearly explain which type of contract you have. She always uses revocable agreements for clients unless an irrevocable plan is needed for Medicaid eligibility. If you do choose an irrevocable Medicaid plan, Christy ensures you understand that those funds must be used for your funeral and won’t be refundable – but even then, you retain the ability to change funeral homes if desired. (See our full FAQ for more on revocable vs. irrevocable plans.)

The difference lies in whether you can cancel the plan and why you would choose one over the other. A revocable pre-need plan can be canceled or changed by you at any time – you’d get back all your money if you end the plan web.njsfda.org. Most people use revocable plans for flexibility. An irrevocable pre-need plan means the funds cannot be refunded or withdrawn once deposited web.njsfda.org. In New Jersey, irrevocable plans are only allowed if you are applying for or receiving SSI/Medicaid benefits web.njsfda.org. This is because Medicaid requires those funds be set aside strictly for funeral expenses and not counted as personal assets.

If you establish an irrevocable plan (for Medicaid purposes), you can’t cash it out – but you can still transfer it to a different funeral home if you wish web.njsfda.org. Christy Ann Saracino will help determine which plan type suits your situation. Unless you’re doing Medicaid planning, she’ll set up a revocable plan so you maintain full control. If an irrevocable plan is needed, she ensures it meets all legal requirements and that you understand the no-refund rule, as well as how any excess funds would revert to the state of NJ after funeral expenses web.njsfda.org.

You have a few flexible funding options for pre-need plans in New Jerseyweb.njsfda.org:

  • Prepaid Funeral Trust Account:You can place your funds in a trust account managed on your behalf (often through Funeral Planning CHOICES or a similar program). The money stays in your name, earning interest, and is held securely until it’s needed for your funeralnjsfda.org. Trust accounts in NJ are fully refundable if revocable, or non-refundable if set up irrevocably for Medicaidweb.njsfda.org.
  • Existing Life Insurance Assignment:If you already have a life insurance policy, you can assign some or all of its benefits to fund your funeral. This can be done revocably or irrevocably. In a revocable assignment, your family remains beneficiary for any excess funds after funeral costs. In an irrevocable assignment (for Medicaid cases), the State of NJ is named as beneficiary for any leftover fundsnjsfda.org. Christy can help arrange these assignments with the insurance company and funeral home.
  • New Pre-Need Insurance Policy or Annuity:Many families choose a funeral insurance policy specifically designed for pre-need. Christy Ann Saracino is licensed to offer insurance-funded pre-need plans, where you either pay a single premium or make affordable monthly payments over a few years. The policy’s benefit is earmarked to cover your funeral costs and is paid directly to the funeral provider at the time of needcomhomesteaderslife.com. This option often allows you to lock in costs and can be tailored to your budget (with payment plans ranging from 1 to 10 years, depending on your age and preferences).

Christy will review these options with you to find the best fit. Every method is regulated for your protection, and as your funeral planning professional, she ensures all funds are handled in compliance with NJ state laws.

Pre-need funeral insurance is a specialized life insurance designed solely to cover funeral expenses, whereas a regular life insurance policy can be used for any purpose by your beneficiarieshomesteaderslife.com. With pre-need insurance (also called prepaid funeral insurance), the benefit is typically paid directly to the funeral home to cover your predetermined arrangements, and it’s often structured to match the cost of those services. Regular life insurance pays out a sum to your beneficiaries, who may or may not use it for funeral costs. Another key difference in New Jersey: A preneed insurance policy must be sold by a professional who is both a licensed funeral director and a licensed insurance producerweb.njsfda.org. This ensures you’re working with someone knowledgeable about funerals and insurance. Christy Ann Saracino meets these qualifications, meaning she can help you set up a proper funeral insurance plan that complies with NJ law. In short, pre-need insurance gives you a dedicated, secure way to fund your funeral in advance, often with price guarantees on services, whereas standard life insurance is more general coverage for your family’s financial needs.

At-Need Assistance

Find transparent answers to common questions about funding, New Jersey compliance, and the entire planning process.

“At-need” assistance refers to support and guidance provided immediately when a death occurs (in contrast to pre-need planning done ahead of time). Christy Ann Saracino offers at-need funeral assistance, meaning she can step in right away to help your family navigate all the urgent arrangements after losing a loved one. This includes coordinating with a funeral home, handling transportation of the deceased, helping with paperwork (like death certificates), and organizing the funeral or memorial service according to your family’s wishes. Essentially, Christy serves as an experienced guide during the emotional time of loss – managing details and providing compassionate support so your family can focus on healing.

Christy becomes your personal funeral director at the time of need. As soon as you notify her that a loved one has passed, she will take charge of the next steps with kindness and professionalism. This includes helping you choose a funeral home (if you don’t already have one in mind), or working directly with the funeral home you prefer. She’ll arrange for the transfer of your loved one from the place of death to the funeral facility, even in the middle of the night or on a weekend. Christy will then guide your family through all decisions that need to be made quickly – scheduling services, preparing obituaries, selecting caskets or urns if not pre-decided, and coordinating clergy or celebrants. She also ensures all legal requirements are met (filing death certificates, permits, etc.). In short, Christy handles the complete funeral arrangement process on your behalf, providing steady guidance so you’re not alone in figuring out what to do. Families often say her at-need assistance feels like having a knowledgeable, caring friend by their side during one of life’s hardest moments.

Yes. Christy Ann Saracino can help no matter where a death occurs. She has a professional network of funeral service providers and can coordinate arrangements across state lines (or even internationally, if needed). For example, if your loved one passes away while traveling or living in another state, Christy will work with a local funeral director there to handle the initial care. She can arrange for your loved one to be safely transported back to New Jersey for services or burial if that’s your wish. Conversely, if the plan is to have the funeral out of state, Christy can still assist by liaising with that area’s funeral home and ensuring your plans are carried out properly. With her experience, she knows how to manage the logistics, transportation, and regulatory requirements for out-of-state situations. You can rely on Christy to make a difficult situation much easier, handling the extra coordination so your family doesn’t have to.

You are not tied to any single funeral home when you work with Christy. One of the advantages of her services is flexibility and choice. If you already have a preferred funeral home, Christy will gladly work with them to carry out the arrangements – she frequently collaborates with funeral homes across New Jersey. If you don’t have a funeral home chosen, Christy will help you find one that fits your family’s needs, location, and faith/cultural preferences. Because she’s a licensed funeral director registered with multiple facilities, she can serve you wherever you are. Christy will present you with options (for example, funeral homes known for certain religious traditions or those close to your community) and help you make an informed decision. You’re never obligated to use a funeral home you’re not comfortable with. Christy’s goal is to ensure you have the right provider; she’ll then coordinate with that funeral home seamlessly. In every case, your family’s wishes come first.

Yes. Christy Ann Saracino is available 24/7 for emergencies and immediate needs. Deaths often occur outside of business hours, and Christy understands that prompt assistance is critical. You can call her day or night, on weekends or holidays, and she (or a trusted associate) will respond quickly. Funeral service is a round-the-clock profession – Christy will ensure that transportation of your loved one and other urgent arrangements are handled without delay, regardless of when you call. This availability gives families peace of mind that they’ll have professional support whenever a loss happens.

Working with Christy Ann Saracino

Find transparent answers to common questions about funding, New Jersey compliance, and the entire planning process.

Christy brings a unique blend of expertise, credentials, and heartfelt care to funeral planning. She is a fully licensed New Jersey Funeral Director and a licensed Insurance Producer, which means she can handle every aspect of your funeral plan – from the ceremonial details to the financial funding – all under one roof. Families choose Christy because of her personalized approach: she takes the time to listen to your wishes and concerns, and then tailors a plan that feels right for you. With over a decade of experience serving hundreds of families, Christy is highly knowledgeable about New Jersey funeral laws, options, and customs. Just as importantly, she is known for her warmth and compassion. Planning a funeral or dealing with one at-need can be emotional, and Christy’s guidance is patient, reassuring, and never pressured. You’ll get the peace of mind of working with an expert who truly cares. In short, Christy Ann Saracino has the professional qualifications to do the job right and the personal dedication to support you every step of the way.

Christy holds dual licensure in New Jersey as a State Licensed Funeral Director and as a Licensed Insurance Producer. This dual qualification is somewhat special – in fact, New Jersey law requires that anyone selling a pre-need funeral insurance policy must have both of these licensesweb.njsfda.org. Christy earned her Funeral Director’s license after extensive education and apprenticeship, and she maintains it in good standing with the NJ State Board of Mortuary Science. She also is appointed with Homesteaders Life Company (a leading pre-need insurance provider) as an insurance agent, which involves regular training and compliance with NJ Department of Banking and Insurance regulations. Beyond licenses, Christy has years of hands-on experience at respected New Jersey funeral homes, arranging everything from simple cremations to full traditional funerals. She stays current with industry best practices and laws through continuing education. When you work with Christy, you’re working with someone who is fully credentialed and recognized by the state to provide both funeral services and insurance-funded pre-arrangements – a one-stop resource for your planning needs.

 No. Christy Ann Saracino is an independent funeral director and pre-need specialist, which means your choices are wide open. When planning ahead, you can designate any funeral home you prefer, and Christy will coordinate your pre-need plan with that establishment. If you’re not sure which funeral home to choose, she can recommend one that fits your preferences – but the decision is always yours. Even after you’ve set up a plan, remember that pre-need agreements in NJ are transferable without penaltyweb.njsfda.org. So if you change your mind about the funeral home later on, Christy can help move your plan to a different provider with ease. The same goes for at-need situations: Christy works with many funeral homes and will connect you with the right one for your family’s situation. Her goal is to give you flexibility and control. You are never locked into one facility or limited in your memorial options. Christy’s role is to facilitate your wishes, wherever they may be carried out.

 There is no extra cost to your family for using Christy’s planning services. Christy’s guidance and assistance are provided as part of the funeral or pre-need arrangements you choose. She is compensated in standard industry ways: for pre-need policies, she receives a commission from the insurance company, and for at-need cases, she may receive a referral or service fee from the funeral home (as permitted by NJ law for licensed funeral directors). These commissions or fees do not add anything to the price you pay – they are built into the normal cost of the funeral arrangements. In other words, if you were to go directly to a funeral home or insurance company, you’d be charged the same for the plan; by going through Christy, you get personalized expert help at no additional charge. She believes in full transparency and will happily explain how the finances work. Rest assured, her compensation is handled through professional channels, and you will never be billed separately for her time or advice.