[BabsC]

I think the funeral industy is a huge rip-off.

Here in GA it's a racket. A few years back a person was able to purchase a large amount of caskets and was selling them cheaper than the funeral homes. They had to fight a state law in order to sell them as at that time only "state licensed" funeral homes could sell these things.

I believe that has now changed and brought a lot of attention to the mark ups by funeral homes and "add-on" services that really add up.

I want to be buried vertically, wrapped in linen and a hard wood tree planted where I stand. Too bad it won't happen that way, I'll end up with cremation.

[T Minus Four]

There are actually tons of articles on the internet that can help people wade thru the funeral industry's practices. The trick is not to wait until your loved one dies, and you have two days to decide while grieving.

Many standard practices are NOT required by law, such as embalming. I have strict orders that if anyone embalms me, then props me up in an open casket for people to gawk at, I will come back and haunt them!!!

Check your state laws regarding caskets, embalming, grave liners, etc, etc, then try to find out which funeral homes in the area you live are willing to accept the idea that the amount of money spent on a funeral doesn't equal the love (or guilt) you felt for the person who has died.