![]() What options are there for financing a funeral? ![]() ![]() and Canada are owned by three large funeral chains.Ĭonsider the options, shop around, and make wise decisions when not under stress. In response, the funeral providers could do one of three things:Ģ) They could merge with other companies: now ¼ of all the funeral homes in the U.S. As public demand for more choices and better service increased, so did costs. Prepayment guarantees the cost of items purchased will not increase, however, there may be costs involved if changes are made later on.įuneral directors are business people who supply an essential service to the community because very few people are willing or able to arrange and carry out a complete service for a loved one.ĭuring the past century, the retail funeral business has undergone major changes. It is important to consider whether the next of kin will have money available when needed to pay funeral costs or whether there is a need to provide in advance for these funds. Such advertisements are legal.ġ) By discussing our wishes with our families.Ģ) By phoning and visiting various funeral homes.ģ) By making our funeral plans ahead of time, writing them down and sharing them with next of kin and/or executors.Ĥ) By making the choice to prepay or not according to our personal situation. In earlier times the funeral industry did not advertise their services in the media, but now, also in an effort to increase sales, they do advertise on radio and TV and in the newspaper and on the internet. The Memorial Society of Edmonton and District has opposed ‘cold calling’ for years and was very happy when this ban was put in place. Phone: (780) 452-6130 or toll free at: 800.563.4652 (in Alberta only)Įmail: Funeral Services Act makes it illegal for a funeral business to contact you over the telephone or door-to-door (this is termed ‘cold calling’) to offer prearranged funerals unless you have given permission to be contacted. The AFSRB consists of three funeral industry representatives and three consumer representatives and maintains an office at: Its powers are granted under the Funeral Services Act and its associated regulations. In Alberta, funeral directors and funeral businesses are licensed and regulated by the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB). In Canada, regulation of the funeral industry is a provincial responsibility that varies from province to province. This will ensure that what we have planned will be known and carried out. We should consider options and shop around to make wise decisions when we are not under stress. A funeral may be arranged at the time of need, called ‘at need’ funeral or ahead of time, called ‘pre-need’ or ‘pre-arranged’ funeral.
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