a woman at a desk pre-planning for funeral expenses

Preplanning for Funeral Expenses

Planning ahead for funeral expenses can ease stress during an already difficult time. This section breaks down practical options like pre-need funeral plans, insurance, budgeting tips, and more. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one, these articles are here to guide you through the choices with clarity and care—so you can make informed decisions with peace of mind.

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How Do I Pre-Plan for My Funeral Expenses?

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Can I Deduct Funeral Expenses on My Federal Tax Return?

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Who is Left to Pay?

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Get advice about planning for funeral expenses in “Shopping for Funeral Services” a series of articles from the FTC

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Can I Charge a Funeral on a Credit Card?

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Check Out Books on Grief in Our Healing Library

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What Is the Best Way to Communicate My Funeral Plans to Loved Ones?

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Understanding the Funeral Rule

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What Is the Best Way to Shop for Funeral Providers?

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What Are Some Ways to Save Money on My Final Expenses?

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5 Myths About Arranging Funerals Debunked

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How Much Should I Budget for My Funeral and / or Memorial Service?

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Avoid These Misleading Funeral Sales Tactics

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What Happens if the Prepaid Funeral Plan Hasn’t Been Paid in Full at the Time of Death?

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Can I Transfer My Funeral Contract to Another Funeral Home?

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If My Total Funeral Costs Are Less Than What I Deposited Into My Prepaid Funeral Plan, What Happens to the Remaining Mone

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Can the Funeral Home Guarantee Any Prices in My Funeral Contract?

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Step-by-Step How to Plan Funeral Arrangements

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Is It Possible to Make Changes to My Funeral Contract?

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How To Use Crowdfunding to Help with Funeral Expenses

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What Information Should Be in a Preneed Funeral Contract?

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Are There Consumer Protections for Those Who Enter Into Preneed Funeral Plans?

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What Questions Should I Ask Before Entering Into a Preneed Funeral Contract?

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What Are the Benefits of Prepaying for My Funeral?

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What Are Some Risks of Preneed Funeral Plans?

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Funeral Planning Checklist

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If I Buy a Preneed Funeral Plan, Where Does My Money Go?

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“Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death”

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How Do I Fund a Preneed Funeral Plan? Do I Need Cash Up Front?

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What can the Funeral Consumers Alliance do for you?

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Can My Family Use Life Insurance Proceeds to Pay for My Funeral?

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When funeral homes can’t deliver, consumers who prepaid for their funerals may receive a refund.

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What Is a “Final Expenses” Insurance Policy?

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Can I Cancel My Funeral Insurance Policy or Trust?

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Are There Any Drawbacks to a Payable on Death Account?

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What Are Pre-Need Plans and What Should Consumers Know About Them?

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Is a Payable-on-Death Account a Good Alternative to a Preneed Funeral Plan?

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Pre-Planning for Funeral Expenses: Additional Resources

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