Taking care of the details when you’re tasked with organizing a funeral and/or other end-of-life events can be overwhelming. And the number of decisions and types of choices are almost endless. These tips may help answer some questions and give you the information you need to make the necessary decisions.
No one wants to think about legal and monetary details when dealing with the grief of a loved one’s passing, but the unfortunate reality is that these things must be addressed as soon as possible. Here’s a guide that can help you answer some of the most frequent questions that come up. Click the headlines...
Because there’s no traditional or set format for memorial services, they can be a perfect way to say goodbye to a loved one in a very personal way. You can schedule them for any time after the death has taken place, which means people coming from a long way away have time to get to...
The number of people choosing cremation over burial has grown to nearly 50%, up from just 32% just ten years ago. There are many advantages to cremation, but the procedure and different options may seem confusing if you’re not familiar with them. This guide will help you learn about the different aspects of cremation so...
It’s estimated that more than 6,000 Americans die while in a foreign country each year. In addition to dealing with their grief, the deceased’s next-of-kin have to navigate the logistics of what happens next. Although the exact details can vary depending on the country, here’s a general guide to the procedure when an American passes...
Donating your body to science after you pass away is an alternative to the traditional burial or cremation that more and more people are considering. There are definite advantages to going this route, but it’s important to plan ahead so you can be sure your body is handled in accordance with your wishes. Why Donate? There...
While many funeral homes are trustworthy and helpful, there are, unfortunately, some who try to take advantage of people in their time of grief. This may include overcharging, quoting inflated prices, and selling people on unnecessary services. The Funeral Rule was enacted by Congress in the mid-1980s to protect consumers from these kinds of shady...
One of the benefits that comes with military service is eligibility for burial in one of the United States’s 131 Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries. This is available at no cost to the family of the deceased. This burial benefit includes the gravesite, a headstone or marker, opening and closing of the grave, a...
When there isn’t much (or any) money to pay for a funeral, it can add even more stress to an already difficult time. The good news is that there is often government help available. Below is an overview of the different types of assistance and who might be eligible. Social Security If the deceased individual...
Planning a funeral isn’t something most people do very often. This means it can sometimes feel like the funeral director or vendor is speaking another language when they use funeral-specific terms that aren’t commonly used elsewhere. Below is is a list of the key terms you’ll need to know when you’re planning a funeral. At...
You’ll likely hear many new-to-you terms used when you’re planning a burial or cremation for a loved one. Here’s a guide to the most common terms used so you can be on the same page as the funeral director. Burial Direct burial (or cremation): The disposition of remains immediately without any formal services or visitation....