When you have a loved one going through the process of dying their day-to-day money matters carry on. For some trying to manage, this can become a burden not only for them but often also for those closest to them. Joint Bank Accounts One way to manage this is to have a joint bank account Read More …
Author: Annouschka Martinsen
Burial or Cremation? What international research tells us
For 72% of New Zealanders (and increasing) the answer is: Cremation. Let’s see how New Zealand compares with international rates and trends. Cremation Rates Internationally Wow – who knew that Japan’s cremation rate was almost 100%. New Zealand is also getting up there at 72% and the general trend is cremation rates are on the Read More …
Why choosing the right funeral venue is important
Many families rush through organising a funeral for their loved one. For some reason New Zealanders have this crazy idea that funerals should be held within 3 days following the death of their loved one. Slow down. Much of the international literature on funerals and grief highlights the need for families to take their Read More …
The best way to say ‘So sorry for your loss’
This week I’ve had to write two condolence cards for people who have lost their partners. I found myself asking “What is the best thing to write in a condolence card?” This blog is all about providing you with a range of options for sympathy cards (and gifts) should you find yourself in Read More …
Things you should know before planning a funeral
Many people ask me ‘where should I start’ when organising a funeral. There are many options available and many businesses within the sector that are more than happy to assist you when you are looking to plan a funeral. The first important thing to consider is the wishes of your loved one. If they had a Read More …
The Grief Perspective – seeing it from all sides
Earlier this week I spoke to two different people who had recently lost a loved one. In this blog I want to cover something that I call the Grief Perspective, as in both these instances I thought about what they must be going through and how grief can very abruptly change one’s perspective and completely Read More …
Top Ten Tips for Funerals
Many people ask me for ideas and tips for funerals. Over the past few months talking to hundreds of people I’ve come across some great tips and ideas. This blog will share some of these with you so you can better plan a funeral. They can be very simple, but can have a huge impact. Read More …
What happens if I don’t have a will?
This week’s blog is an important one. It’s about the consequences of not having a Will. I’ve talked to a few people now that don’t have one in place and I wanted to outline what your family is likely to go through if you die and don’t have a Will in place. What many people Read More …
Do I need to have a funeral?
I have spent the last few weeks reading through literature regarding funerals and the traditions related to funerals both within New Zealand and internationally. The short answer to ‘Do I need to have a funeral’ is No. But this blog is all about the importance of taking time to say goodbye to your loved one and why I believe Read More …
Remember them in your own special way
When you lose someone, whether it be unexpectedly or slowly there can be such a huge sense of loss, which can be so overwhelming. Through a whirlwind of grief and anguish you go about sorting out your loved ones funeral to try and make it ‘just how they would have wanted it’ fulfilling their wishes Read More …
