Life changes
Funeral and End-of-Life Preplanning on a Budget
By the ForLowerBills team
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Planning ahead can spare your family hard decisions and help you avoid paying for things you don't want. Here's what to know, in plain language.
Know your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give you itemized prices (a general price list). You can also buy a casket elsewhere without paying a handling fee. FTC: The Funeral Rule (opens in a new tab)
Compare providers and options
- Ask for price lists from more than one provider.
- Compare cremation and burial options side by side.
- Only pay for the items and services you actually want.
Be careful with pre-paid (pre-need) contracts
Pre-paid funeral contracts carry risks. Read the terms carefully, and ask what happens if the funeral home closes or you move.
Put your paperwork in place
Consider putting a will, an advance directive and a power of attorney in place. An attorney or legal aid can help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy the casket from the funeral home?
No. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you can buy a casket elsewhere, and the funeral home can't charge a handling fee for it.
Can I see prices before I decide?
Yes. Funeral homes must give you itemized prices in a general price list.
Are pre-paid funeral plans safe?
They carry risks. Read the terms carefully and ask what happens if the funeral home closes or you move.
Related guides
— the ForLowerBills team
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
Affiliate disclosure: some links on our site may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.