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The secrets funeral directors won't tell you

Insider tips on funerals
The best time to choose a funeral director is long before you need one
DIY home funerals are legal in most jurisdictions
A direct disposal funeral can be the most affordable option
You might be able to bury your loved one in your garden
Funeral services comparison websites now exist
Pre-paid funeral plans or insurance may not cover all costs
Many funeral directors are open to negotiation
If you shop around for the casket, you could save a fortune
Going green isn't always cheaper
Costly sealed or solid metal caskets won't preserve the body
You can house the body in a shroud instead of a coffin
Embalming is rarely a legal requirement
Embalming chemicals are highly toxic
The body may not necessarily be kept at the funeral home
A morning funeral may cost less than an afternoon ceremony
Not every funeral director belongs to a professional association
The major funeral home chains do not necessarily offer the best service
Ex-servicemen and women may qualify for financial assistance
The government might help foot the bill
Guilt-trip sales pitches are best-ignored
You can bring a friend along to do the talking
Funeral directors aren't always right
You shouldn't feel pressured to order flowers via the funeral director
You can maximize the funeral budget by asking family or friends to act as pallbearers
You don't have to hire a flashy high-end hearse
You can bypass the funeral director and hire or use your own cars
Ordering the memorial directly from a stonemason firm should save you cash
You can complain to an official association if you're not satisfied
You can actually hire people to tend the grave
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Insider tips on funerals

Organizing a funeral isn't the most enjoyable thing you'll ever do, but sooner or later all of us will need a fond farewell. While most funeral directors are thoroughly decent professionals who aren't out to rip you off, unethical undertakers who are all too eager to overcharge for their services do exist unfortunately, so it pays to know their secrets. We've collected 29 insider hacks and little-known facts that funeral directors tend to keep quiet about.
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lovemoney staff

24 April 2019

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