A quick Internet search turned up more than 3 million pages with the word “funeral†in them. The following sites, however, appear to offer some information of value for consumers. Use them to give you an idea of different options and costs that may be available to you when making your arrangements. You’ll also find good information about elder-care and hospices.

National Funeral Directors Association

NFDA.org. This non-profit association offers consumers guidelines on preneed contracts (“preneed†means before you actually the services), plus tips for successfully negotiating funeral arrangements and contracts.

The Funeral Services Information Portal and Directory

Thefuneraldirectory.com. This site offers searchable consumer and business directories plus information on how you can arrange or preplan a funeral, write a eulogy, survivor benefits, wills, living wills, home care, and other topics.

Funeral Consumers Alliance

Funerals.org. A non-profit funeral industry watchdog group that includes consumer warnings about specific organizations. Check here before you sign to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.

Funeral Ethics Association 2115 South Grand Avenue West
Springfield, Illinois 62704
(217) 525-1520

Fea.org. This non-profit association offers free mediation services between consumers and funeral service providers. The website offers explanations of common consumer complaints and issues.

Funeral Help Program

Dragonet.com/funeral/about.htm. The information on this site comes from the book, The Affordable Funeral: Going in Style, Not in Debt, by Dr. R.E. Markin. He is the director of the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, which sponsors the site. The book is available online, through your local bookseller, or at your local public library.

Military Funeral Honors Homepage

Militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil. This page is sponsored by the United States government and provides information on who is eligible for military funeral honors, what services are provided, funeral directors that can help with a military burial and other related links.

Jan. 30, 2002.