Planning funerals in advance makes decisions easier
Americans spend billions of dollars every year to arrange more than 2 million funerals for family members and loved ones. Funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. Yet, when a loved one dies, grieving family members are confronted with dozens of decisions about the funeral – all of which must be made quickly and often under great emotional stress.
Funerals are consumer products- yet different
Even if you’re the kind of person who might haggle with a dozen dealers to get the best price on a new car, you’re likely to feel uncomfortable comparing prices or negotiating the best deal for a funeral. Compounding this discomfort is the fact that some people “overspend” on a funeral or burial because they think of it as a reflection of their feelings for the deceased.
Advance planning makes decisions easier
Consumers who make funeral plans in advance can compare prices and services so that the funeral reflects a wise and well-informed purchasing decision, honors the deceased and is meaningful to survivors. Remember, pre-planning does not have to equal pre-paying– even those who are uncomfortable about paying for services in advance can benefit from planning ahead before any dollars ever change hands. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Shop around in advance. Compare prices from at least two funeral homes. Choose reputable funeral homes so you know they will still be in business when your need arises.
2. Ask for a price list. By law, funeral homes must give you written price lists for products and services. You can supply your own casket or urn.
3. Resist pressure to buy goods and services you don’t really need.
4. Avoid emotional overspending. You can properly honor a loved one without the fanciest casket or the most elaborate funeral.
5. Recognize your rights. Funeral and burial laws vary from state to state. For information about the Kansas rules and laws, and other helpful resources, go online to the State of Kansas Board of Mortuary Arts at www.kansas.gov/ksbma/.
6. Apply the same smart shopping techniques that you use for other major purchases. Consider your needs and preferences, shop around and ask lots of questions.
7. Plan ahead. It allows you to comparison shop without time constraints, creates an opportunity for family discussion, and lifts some of the burden from your family. If you are planning your own service, and especially if you are paying in advance, you may want to review your arrangements every few years.
For more information-
The Federal Trade Commission offers a consumer guide to funeral planning complete with a price checklist, glossary of terms, description of services, and a list of questions to ask. Get your copy of Funerals, A Consumer Guide and other helpful resources at the FTC website: www.ftc.gov .
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May 31, 2010 - 12:05:01Absolutely, shopping around before there’s a death saves money, reduces stress at a time of grief, can help minimize family discord, and allows you to plan a meaningful ceremony. I write a lot about this topic at my blog, The Family Plot, http://thefamilyplot.wordpress.com/, and my forthcoming book, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die.
Just as talking about sex won’t make you pregnant, talking about funerals won’t make you dead – and your family will benefit from the conversation.
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