Resources for Making Funeral Arrangements

Whether a death has just occurred or you’re planning ahead, we’ll walk you through every decision with compassion and no pressure. Making funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming, especially after a death. There are many decisions to make, often quickly, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Our resources are here to help you take the process one step at a time, with clear information and practical guidance. Tackle the most urgent tasks first. After that, move through the details at a pace that works for you. From the first call to selecting funeral services and products, we’ll help you understand your options and make well-informed decisions with confidence. We also cover what happens after the funeral, including important follow-up tasks such as filing claims, handling paperwork, and managing a loved one’s affairs. If you are planning ahead, our After Me tools can help you organize your wishes


Funeral Insurance and Burial Insurance

Funerals are a significant expense for most of us, and they can arise unexpectedly. This places a financial burden on surviving loved ones during an already difficult time. Funeral insurance is a specialized type of life insurance designed to help cover the costs associated with end-of-life arrangements. Understanding how it works and its pros and cons can help you decide if it's the right choice for you. When considering funeral insurance, it’s essential to understand what type of insurance you are purchasing and what the coverage entails. In this article and our other funeral insurance pages, you will learn if you should buy funeral insurance, and if so, what type of policy and how much to buy. We will also inform you about the biggest mistakes people make when buying funeral insurance and how to avoid them. This guide will clarify the benefits and options available to you when it comes to funeral and burial insurance.


Funeral Cost: What to Expect and How to Get Help

Managing & Understanding Funeral Costs Funeral costs have risen steadily — and for most families, the total comes as a surprise. A traditional funeral with burial now costs $12,000 to $15,000 or more when all expenses are counted. Even a simpler cremation with a memorial service can run $4,000 to $7,000. This section of Funeralwise […]


Celebration of LIfe

Four Funerals And No Wedding

By Guest Contributor Barry Slocombe The life of a funeral celebrant is rewarding. It can also be highly challenging. Earlier this year, Celebrant Barry Slocombe found out just how challenging. He decided to share his experience with us so that we could get a peek behind the curtain. Let’s see just what life can be […]



Focus on Funeral Insurance

May 2021 FUNERAL INSURANCE: PRENEED OR FINAL EXPENSE? What’s right for you? At Funeralwise, we’re all about planning. As we always say, the best time to plan a funeral is BEFORE you need it. Preplanning your funeral doesn’t have to cost you anything (see our Wise Planning System). Still, eventually, you’ll have to think about […]


Etiquette for Attending a Virtual Funeral

The etiquette for attending a virtual funeral or memorial service is not that much different from that for an in-person ceremony. The use of technology adds a few twists, but it is still a serious occasion where people gather together to support each other and begin the journey through grief. Of course, it never hurts […]


Having a Cheap Funeral

10 Tips For Having A Cheap Funeral

Lots of people look for ways to have a cheap funeral. It’s not that they don’t care about the funeral, they just can’t afford today’s funeral costs (see how much a funeral costs). Fortunately, with some pre-planning and a little creativity, you can have a nice end-of-life send-off without breaking the bank. In other words, […]


FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Reimbursement Program

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Reimbursement Program Update

Update: According to the FEMA website: “The COVID-19 incident period ended on May 11, 2023. FEMA will continue to provide funeral assistance until Sept. 30, 2025, to those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic.“ If you need information about the FEMA reimbursement program, please get in touch with their office directly at […]


Our Annual Planning Tips

February 2021 WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? We’re fond of saying that the best time to plan a funeral is before you need it. That’s because when you plan for your end-of-life needs, you are likely to save money and, at the same time, give your loved ones the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly […]


How Much Will Your Funeral Cost? Try Our QuickPlan to Find Out.