The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, and it’s affecting how we deal with death, too. Here are some things to keep in mind if you have to arrange a funeral during this time. As of late summer 2020, most states are reopening to some degree, but there are still restrictions on the size of gatherings in many states. Read more

George from Tennessee wrote for advice on whether to prepay for the services associated with two mausoleum spaces given to him and his wife as a gift. We’ve talked to numerous families who were disappointed to find that additional fees came due at the time of burial. Read more

Death doulas—sometimes called home-funeral guides—advise families on how to care for the bodies of the dead and carry out necessary tasks when the family chooses an old-fashioned funeral at home, without involving a funeral home. Read more

We’re featuring a guest blog post from a relatively new entrant into the field of direct-to-consumer casket sales, often known as a “casket retailer”. Caskets have been one of the most expensive components of many funerals, and discount retailers have stepped in. Read more

The US Centers for Disease Control has some helpful suggestions on how to express and share grief and loss in times when we can’t gather for funerals as we do normally.

Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families. Read more

Every 10 years the Federal Trade Commission reviews the “Funeral Rule” for possible reform. The rule requires funeral homes to give consumers printed price lists (when they visit in person), give price quotes by phone, allow consumers to pick item by item (mandatory packaged funerals are not permitted), and more. Read more