Have your personal wishes carried out

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and complicated experience for people. The Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association on its website — www.pfda.org — offers advice on what people should and shouldn’t do when faced with the process.

More people are planning ahead for their own funerals for many reasons. They may want to relieve their surviving spouse or other family members from the emotional and financial burden. Preplanning also assures an individual that all the arrangements will follow their personal wishes.

General tips:

• Be an informed consumer. Don’t be reluctant to ask questions.

• Be sure to discuss all available financial options before making a decision.

• Choose a funeral director who is licensed and has a good reputation. The association’s member directory is one place to look.

• Organize details with your funeral director ahead of time to avoid making decisions while under emotional stress. Remember, planning doesn’t necessarily mean prepaying.

• Plan a personalized ceremony or service to help begin the healing process. Getting through grief is never easy, but having a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.

• Ask a family member or friend to sit in on meetings.

• Ask all salespeople to identify themselves, their company and what services they are selling.

• Ask for a phone number and a business card.

• Ask for permission to tape record your conversations.

• Make a list of questions to ask, and take notes.

• Review any contract before signing. Have a trusted adviser such as your clergy, attorney, banker or accountant look over the document with you first.

• Make sure everything agreed to is put in writing and attached to the contract, including your right to change your mind and cancel the deal within three days.

• Ask for an explanation of anything you’re not sure about.

• Find out exactly what is covered. If you buy a casket, vault and cemetery lot, you will still require the services of a funeral director.

• Don’t agree to make payments until you know the interest rate and total amount you will pay. Find out if there is a withdrawal penalty and how much it is.

• Find out the name of the bank or insurance company that is acting as the trustee of the plan. Ask if your funds are protected and transferable.

• Keep a copy of any contract in a safe place that your family knows about.

• Be cautious. When purchasing a pre-need plan a licensed Pennsylvania funeral director is usually the best source. Ask to see the license.

• Don’t take the word of a salesman who says he is affiliated with a funeral home. Call the funeral home and check.