Today, many people are making the choice to pre-plan their funeral. This is actually a wise choice, for many reasons.

Thinking ahead allows you to plan the service that you see fit. Not only does this help control costs, should you choose to pre-pay for everything, it also relieves family members of this task, during their time of grief.

In truth, one of the greatest benefits of pre-planning your funeral is that it reduces the chance of emotional overspending, which is quite common when family members are left to plan a love ones service. They feel they must buy the best of everything for a proper memorial.

Of course, that is not the case. But unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous, fast talking funeral providers out there who are only in the business to make a buck. These individuals excel at selling the most expensive products, to grieving families.

Because of these unscrupulous providers, the Federal Trade Commission has stepped in and enacted laws, in regard to your rights as a consumer. These laws regarding burials and funerals vary, from state to state. Before making any purchases, educate you on the goods and services that are optional, when planning a funeral.

If you do make a decision to pre-plan your funeral, it is suggested that you review your arrangements every few years... in the event that you need to change or revise anything.

When making plans, you have the option of finalizing everything from location to choice of Minister or Clergyman to flowers to casket to even urn and pedestal, should you choose cremation. Each of these items that are notated, in your plan, will be one less item that your family members will have to designate.

Obviously, your funeral plan should be put in writing, to avoid any questions or confusion. It is best to give copies to more than one family member, as well as your attorney.

Many people make the mistake of including their funeral wishes in their will. But many times, the will is not located or read until after the funeral. So, in these cases, pre-planned fuel arrangements can not be carried out.

If you are considering prepayment for your funeral, either partially or in full, there are specific questions you should ask the funeral provider. These questions include:

• Are you paying for goods, services or both?
• What happens if the funeral provider goes out of business, before services are required?
• Can you obtain a full refund, if you change your mind?
• And... can the services be transferred to another funeral provider if you move out of the area?

Always ask for a price list, when shopping for funeral goods and services. Funeral homes are required to give you a written price list, if requested.

Don't be pressured into buying something that you really don't want. Treat these purchases just as you would any other major purchase. Take the time to shop around, for the best prices.

When planning your funeral, pre-purchase smaller items if possible. For example, if you've served in the military consider purchasing a coin rack or flag case, to be displayed prominently at the service.

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