According to some data – the city or state you live in can significantly affect the funeral expenses for a loved one.
An interesting article, tracked down by my researcher, comes courtesy of KPLC Lake Charles, La. in an article titled: The Cost of Death by Ashley Joseph, (September 30, 2019). It is an excellent article about grief, hardship and meeting the challenges of the costs of funeral arrangements.
One very helpful tip in the article was about The Funeral Rule.
“The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use. (The Rule does not apply to third-party sellers, such as casket and monument dealers, or to cemeteries that lack an on-site funeral home.)” (from the ftc.gov website)
Read about your rights under The Funeral Rule…some of them may surprise you.
You may wish to consider The Funeral Rule when you prepare your estate plan and incorporate directives to your loved ones about your final wishes.
Another article on the site www.consumer.ftc.gov – Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist offers the following statement: “The funeral provider must give you an itemized statement of the total cost of the funeral goods and services you have selected when you are making arrangements.” (or a “good faith” estimate)
Ask for this in writing.
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