Planning a Funeral

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death, end of life, coping loss

End-of-Life Issues

Death is a subject most people don’t want to discuss and yet death is an inevitable part of life. Use this Web Guide to help prepare for your death or the death of someone you love. The resources here can help you manage your finances or estate in advance, and access funeral and bereavement resources.

General End-of-Life Information

While many Web sites focus on specific areas of death and dying, these Web sites cover most ... read more »

Advance Directives: Planning for the Future

The Web has many resources to help you create advance directives. Sometimes called advance health ... read more »

Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, Guardians, Insurance and Taxes

If someone you love is dying, these resources can help you take care of him or her with both ... read more »

Planning a Funeral

This section of the guide helps you plan a funeral, whether your own or someone else’s. Get resources for the service itself, including how to find a funeral home and arrange a memorial service, and learn what to expect financially. Also find resources for veterans that help ensure service members are buried with appropriate distinction.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • If you have a religious affiliation, try your place of worship as a source of information. You may be able to get hands-on help for funeral and bereavement services, as well as care for the dying.

Dulcinea's Picks

For planning steps and cost information …
The National Funeral Directors Association has a “Consumer Resources” section that features information on arranging a funeral or cremation, a directory of NFDA-certified funeral homes and a “Funeral Service Help Line” offering free information on planning a funeral as well as grief counseling.
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The Federal Trade Commission explains your rights as a consumer in buying funeral services. Use this site for advice on how to calculate a realistic funeral cost, and visit the links at the bottom of the page for even more advice.
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To pre-plan a funeral …
WebMD provides an overview of what a funeral service often entails, and ideas on what to expect or ask for when designing your own service.
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For a home funeral…
PBS presents information on “A Family Undertaking,” a film that chronicles the growing trend of at-home funerals. The “Resources” section is full of helpful external links on planning a home funeral.
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For veterans…
United States Department of Veterans Affairs discusses burial benefits for veterans. Find resources for military funeral honors, burial flags and burial allowances, as well as links to determine your eligibility for benefits.
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Preparing for the Death of a Child

For many, the death of a child is unimaginable. But for parents who have to face this tragedy, ... read more »

Grief Resources

Use the Web sites recommended here to overcome the grief and trauma of losing a loved one. ... read more »

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