Before you prepay
Facts, word for word
What the Federal Trade Commission says about planning your own funeral, and what the Funeral Rule gives you when you ask about prices. Every quote is exact and linked to its source.
Planning ahead
Put your preferences in writing, give copies to family members and your attorney, and keep a copy in a handy place.
Don't designate your preferences in your will, because a will often is not found or read until after the funeral. And avoid putting the only copy of your preferences in a safe deposit box. That's because your family may have to make arrangements on a weekend or holiday, before the box can be opened.
It allows you to choose the specific items you want and need, and compare the prices offered by several funeral providers.
You may wish to make decisions about your arrangements in advance, but not pay for them in advance. Keep in mind that over time, prices may go up and businesses may close or change ownership. It's a good idea to review and revise your decisions every few years, and to make sure your family is aware of your wishes.
If you are thinking of prepaying
But protections vary widely from state to state, and some state laws offer little or no effective protection.
The FTC lists these questions to consider before putting down any money:
- What are you are paying for? Are you buying only merchandise, like a casket and vault, or are you purchasing funeral services as well?
- What happens to the money you've prepaid? States have different requirements for handling funds paid for prearranged funeral services.
- What happens to the interest income on money that is prepaid and put into a trust account?
- Are you protected if the firm you dealt with goes out of business?
- Can you cancel the contract and get a full refund if you change your mind?
- What happens if you move to a different area or die while away from home? Some prepaid funeral plans can be transferred, but often at an added cost.
Quoted as written, from FTC, Planning Your Own Funeral.
Be sure to tell your family about the plans you've made; let them know where the documents are filed. If your family isn't aware that you've made plans, your wishes may not be carried out. And if family members don't know that you've prepaid the funeral costs, they could end up paying for the same arrangements.
Asking for prices
The Funeral Rule (16 CFR Part 453) says a funeral provider must:
Tell persons who ask by telephone about the funeral provider's offerings or prices any accurate information from the price lists described in paragraphs (b)(2) through (4) of this section and any other readily available information that reasonably answers the question.
Give a printed or typewritten price list for retention to persons who inquire in person about the funeral goods, funeral services or prices of funeral goods or services offered by the funeral provider.
And the price list must carry this sentence above its prices:
The goods and services shown below are those we can provide to our customers. You may choose only the items you desire.
To report a problem with a funeral provider: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and your state’s funeral licensing board.
Quotes checked on October 15, 2026 against the FTC page (dated July 2012) and the eCFR text current as of September 1, 2026. Kindly Noted is not affiliated with the FTC.