Do:
- Ensure that life insurance policies intended to cover funeral expenses have not lapsed.
- If you have made prepayment arrangements, make sure that someone you trust knows about the arrangements you have made as well as the name of the funeral home. This will prevent them from selecting a different funeral home and paying again.
- Always ask for prices upfront – the funeral home is required to give them to you without having to sign anything
- Be informed when making arrangements. If you do not qualify for any low-income assistance from the county, you can consider low-cost options such as a DIY memorial or think through cost when deciding between cremation and burial.
- Be careful when signing financial deals with a funeral director or home. Ensure they are working with a creditable banking institution or insurance providers, or inquire about a payment plan.
- Research the contracts you sign with the funeral director prior to signing to ensure you understand all the elements and financial obligations
- Be prepared for an upfront payment request at the funeral home.
Don’t
- Don’t commit to spending money that you don’t have before searching for aid. Having already signed a deal makes you ineligible for other opportunities.
- Do not sign anything during a period of emotional distress without having either an attorney or someone you trust looking it over for you first.
- Don’t use a deceased person’s credit card to pay for the funeral.
- Don’t spend beyond your means at the funeral home – laying your loved ones to rest does not have to put you in debt and there are other means to honor their memory.
Further Resources: