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Industry Insights

Here you will find valuable insights from experts in the funeral industry. From monument designers and estate planners to lawyers and funeral directors, FSN Funeral Homes has the information you need.

Industry Insights Topics

Funeral Services Funeral Homes Estate Planning Estate Terminology Scam Alerts Funeral Planning Funeral Pre-Planning Funeral Terminology Financing Funeral Directors Memorial Service
Recent Industry Insights Articles
 

Types of Funeral Service Providers

September 7th, 2011

Funeral service providers are not all created the same and do not always offer the same services you might be expecting. When planning a funeral, you don’t always have a lot of time to make arrangements – so, learning the ins and outs of funeral planning ahead of time can help for when the time is necessary.

Funeral Home OptionsThere are three categories of funeral providers to choose from.

  • Full Service Providers
  • Specialized Service Providers
  • Limited Service Providers

Full-Service Funeral Providers

Full service providers offer the most options and services when it comes to funeral planning. They can fulfill any service request at any time. The services available are:

  1. Facilities for people to gather in for visitations and ceremonies.
  2. Vehicles such as a hearse and limousines for funeral processions.
  3. A large range of caskets, urns and other funeral service merchandise.

Keep in mind – that when using Full Service funeral home they often don’t offer simplified services with the same attention to detail as they would for a more elaborate full service ceremony.

 Specialized Service Providers

Specialized service providers offer similar service options as the full service funeral homes do but on a more limited basis. The services are:

  1. Facilities for people to gather in for visitations. Typically they are smaller than the full-service providers buildings – and only have one or two rooms for services and ceremonies.
  2. Vehicles may or may not be provided, and hours of operation may be shorter.
  3. Small range of funeral merchandise, including caskets and urns. They are typically in a building similar to doctors office in appearance.

Limited Service Providers

Limited service providers usually arrange direct cremation and burials without ceremonies.

  1. The services they offer are usually limited when it comes to completion of documentation and transferring the deceased to the crematory or cemetery.
  2. Merchandise choice is very limited.

Make sure that the services and merchandise they offer are adequate for your situation. They are often very limited and precise when it comes to providing funeral services, however they are often the least expensive option.

Keep in mind…

  • When ‘shopping’ for a funeral home provider, take care to go over all the details before signing any contracts. You can use the Funeral Home Comparison Checklist to help you when planning a funeral, by comparing prices and services offered at the funeral homes in your area.

Once you have chosen the funeral home to coordinate and provide your services, you will sit down with a funeral director to start planning and arranging the funeral. The whole situation is a bit intimidating if you are not sure of what to expect and how to express your concerns. By educating yourself about funeral and cemetery terminology as well as the means needed for pre-planning a funeral ahead of time, you will feel more comfortable when making the arrangements.

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Funeral Home Comparison Checklist

August 31st, 2011

Today, many families are not aware of their role in the funeral planning process. Once you have an idea of what you would like to take place at the service you are planning, you should sit down with a funeral director to go over the logistics.

Something you should know:

You are the one who determines the cost of the funeral services that will be held for you or your family members. The details of the services are guided and determined by your needs, and budget. But, not all funeral homes are created equal, they come in different sizes, styles and have different specialties. It is a wise idea to ‘shop’ around before deciding which funeral home to work with. Below is a checklist that will aid you in covering all the cost aspects associated with planning a funeral.

Funeral Home Comparison Checklist

Make copies of this checklist to compare the prices of services offered at funeral homes in your area.

Name of Funeral Home____________________________________________

Name of Crematory_______________________________________________

Name of Cemetery________________________________________________

Notes on Business Reputation_____________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Immediate burial:                                 $_________

Immediate cremation:                          $_________

Donation of body to a medical
school or hospital:                                $_________

Full Service Burial/Cremation

Basic fees for funeral director/
staff:                                                           $_________

Pick up of body:                                         $_________

Embalming:                                               $_________

Extra fees for body
preparation:                                               $_________

Caskets

Most Expensive Options

Highest priced wood casket:           $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________

Highest priced metal casket:           $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________

Highest priced fiberglass casket:   $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________

Least Expensive Options

Lowest priced wood casket:           $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________

Lowest priced metal casket:          $_________
Make and Model # ___________________________________________

Lowest priced fiberglass casket:   $_________
Make and Model #___________________________________________

Rental Casket Options

Highest priced rental casket:        $_________

Lowest priced rental casket:         $_________

Cremation Containers

Highest priced container:             $_________

Lowest priced container:              $_________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Vaults and Grave Liners

Vault price:                                        $_________
Description and model #______________________________________

Grave Liner price:                             $_________
Description and model #______________________________________

Transportation

Hearse Options:                               $_________ – $__________

Limousine Options:                          $_________ – $__________

Notes: ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Services and Fees

Visitation staff and facilities:   $__________

Funeral & Memorial services: $__________

Graveside service – All fees
included:                                $__________

Other Services:

Forwarding body to another
funeral home:                                $__________

Receiving body from another
funeral home:                                $__________

Total based on the highest priced services and equipment: $_______________

Total based on the lowest priced services and equipment:   $_______________

Cemetery/Mausoleum

Lot or Crypt:                               $___________

Opening and closing the
grave or crypt:                            $___________

Marker/ Monument:                    $___________

Ongoing Care of lot/crypt:          $___________

Over all total: $_________________

Notes:__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Questions to ask:

    • How long has the funeral home been in business?
    • What is the funeral home’s reputation in town?
    • Do they offer you a contract with details of the goods and services they offer you?
    • Does the funeral home have accommodations for your spiritual and religious views and traditions?
    • If the funeral home in a convenient location?
    • Is the staff helpful and caring?
    • Do you feel comfortable with the funeral director?

 Additional Notes:__________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

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Estate Planning Glossary

July 14th, 2011

The terminology used in Estate Planning can be confusing if you are not familiar with the wording used.  Estate lawyers/attorneys are equipped to help through the process, but it is also a good idea to be well-informed before hand.

Glossary of Estate and Probate Terminology

A

Administration: The time when the personal representative collects the deceased assets, pays debt and distributes the estate as arranged in will.

Administrator: The personal representative (if there is a will). The person assigned by the court to distribute the deceased assets if there is no will. Also known as the executor/executrix.

Affidavit: Sworn/written statement constructed under oath with witnesses.

Annual Exclusion: The amount of gifts allowed annually to be given to family members free of federal taxes.

Asset Protection: The act of protecting your estate during your life and after death from any legal or tax problems.

Attorney In Fact: The person assigned as agent under power of  attorney.

B

Beneficiary: The person(s) who receives the benefit property/estate or trust.

Bequest: To leave a gift or property as noted in a will.

Continue reading “Estate Planning Glossary” »

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Sinister Scam Targets Grieving Families

June 17th, 2011

Scam AlertJust got word from the Texas Funeral Directors Association of a new scam going around targeting grieving families. This is perhaps the most sinister scam we’ve seen since telephone and e-mail scams began over 5 years ago.

A family is contacted by an individual claiming to work for the funeral home, and rudely informs them that they have a balance due on their loved one’s funeral. They are asked to pay immediately by credit or debit card. Our guess is that they get the funeral home information from the obituary and the phone number from the telephone or internet phone directories because the funeral home would not release this information.

Please be aware and do not to be taken in by this scam. The family who reported this had paid in full, but someone who did have a balance might actually pay. Not only do they get taken, but the funeral home gets a bad reputation.

This has started in West Texas, but we know that once a scam takes hold, it can quickly travel across the nation.

What To Do If You Receive One Of These Calls

Do not give them your credit or debit card until you verify that this is not a scam. It is within your rights to say no to anyone asking your to immediately pay a bill over the phone.

  1. Explain that you will need to call them back with the information they want.
  2. Ask for the name of the funeral home, the name of the person calling and a phone number in which you can called them back.
  3. Hang up and verify that the phone number belongs to the funeral home by looking the funeral home number up in the phone book or online. If the number is different than the one the caller gave you, this is a good sign that it is a scam.
  4. Call the funeral home and ask for the billing department. Verify that the information the caller gave you was in fact correct.
  5. If you find out that the call was a scam immediately file a report with your State Attorney General Office. Be sure to give them the phone number that the scammer gave you.
  6. Make sure the funeral home knows that a scammer is calling their clients.

How Funeral Homes can protect themselves from this scam.

  1. Give clients clear and written information concerning terms of payment for services.
  2. Give clients a business card with billing contact information.
  3. Pass along any information you have about scams like these to your state and national funeral directors associations, FSN Funeral Homes as well as other local funeral homes.

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Legacy Funeral and Cremation Care

June 7th, 2011

A Helping Hand When Planning A Funeral

Legacy Funeral & Cremation - San Diego CALooking for some insight on what drives the largest funeral home in San Diego CA to provide a very personalized service for its customers?

After years of building a reputation as exceptional and extremely customer-centric, Legacy Funeral and Creation Care is committed to highly personalized memorials. Whether you use Legacy or another funeral home, their approach to funeral planning and services is beneficial for every family planning a funeral.

The funeral directors at Legacy were kind enough to discuss their philosophy with FSN Funeral Homes.

What is Legacy’s  approach when dealing with families during a time of loss?

Providing as much help as possible is our main concern. Families are dealing with many stressful and emotional situations during this time. If we can help eliminate some of these stresses, families can concentrate on healing. One of the most important qualities a funeral home should have is helpfulness.

How does Legacy help families who are planning a funeral?
Assisting families through every aspect of the funeral planning process is a major part of what we do for our clients. We help them to navigate the many funeral planning steps from paper work and filing government forms, to helping create a memorial service as unique as their loved one.

Every client works with a funeral arranger who guides them through the personal decisions needed to arrange the funeral service and burial. During the funeral arrangement conference, we will help families handle essential paperwork, such as the death certificate, obituary, and insurance matters; decide what personal funeral service and burial options are needed; and what specific personalized elements should be included in the memorial service. From start to finish, every family will receive personalized care from our experienced staff. During a time of loss, families need guidance more than anything.

How does Legacy guide families in creating a unique memorial service?
Every family is different, with their own traditions, religious views and distinctive traits that make them unique. During a funeral, family members come together in their own way to celebrate with joyous memories, tears and even a few laughs. We encourages families to create a memorial service just as individual and special as their loved one.

Organizing those personal elements is what makes a truly unique and memorable funeral service. Gathering and assembling items can be comforting, yet difficult for families. Guiding families through the process of creating a memory board, encouraging stories and memories during the service and displaying items that reflect the life of their loved-one is our way of helping them during this trying time. Inviting families to share their stories and memories as a way to facilitate healing and closure should be a part of every funeral service.

How does Legacy help comfort families and facilitate closure?
Legacy Funeral & Cremation - San Diego CACreating a relaxed environment that encourages personal reflection time helps promote the healing process. With our private sitting room, intimate chapel and viewing area, families are surrounded with a comforting atmosphere. These amenities, along with a large kitchen, give families the ability to create a soothing home-away-from-home experience. Allowing them to prepare or serve food for immediate family and close friends, or relax in a serene space is our way of helping them through a difficult time.

Every family planning a funeral should receive the same care, consideration and help clients of Legacy Funeral and Creation Care receive.

If you’re not in the San Diego area, try these tips for finding a funeral home to meet your needs:

  • Well-known In The Community
  • Have A Good Reputation
  • Good Location
  • Reasonable Pricing
  • Honest and Compassionate Staff
  • Peaceful Environment
  • Services Available To Your Religious or Cultural Preferences

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