Russell Friberg

To ensure the best use of survivors’ money, it is best to plan ahead for death, funeral officials said.

Robert Batson, executive director of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, suggested that people should shop around and compare prices and services ahead of time.

“Just like anything else, you have to do your homework and shop around,” he said . “It’s not like buying a television or a car. Nobody likes to talk about death.”

Russell Friberg, owner of Heritage Funeral Home, agrees that planning ahead can ensure that people get the services they want at the best price.

“We advise people to pre-arrange their funeral arrangements,” he said. “I know a lot of people don’t feel comfortable doing that.”

By shopping around, consumers will know how one funeral home’s prices compare to another’s, Mr. Friberg said.

Staff Photo by Dan Henry--Curtis Ottinger, general manager of Heritage Funeral Home, speaks about the different options that are available to personalize a loved one's funeral. Some of the options available include wooden and metal varieties of caskets, personalized end caps, embroidered liners, an information sleeve, and a keepsake drawer.

Funeral homes are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, which requires funeral homes to keep general price lists on hand and available to anyone inquiring about funeral costs.

Tanja Daviscq, manager of Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home, said it is even more important to pre-arrange funeral services during a down economy.

“Especially with the economy the way it is, we recommend looking into a pre-arrangement because it locks in the prices,” she said. “Even with the the cost of inflation, there won’t be any increased cost to the consumer.”

Ms. Davis said that pre-arranged funerals can be paid for with monthly payments that can help ease the effects of sticker shock. She said Franklin-Strickland also offers an economy package for less than $3,000.

“The only thing it doesn’t include is the gravesite,” she said.

Curtis Ottinger, general manager of Heritage Funeral Home, said the options are endless when selecting funeral services.

He said there are many ways funeral homes are personalizing services to reflect the personality of the deceased. The options vary from personalized caskets and cremation urns to pictoral displays to the giving away of mementos during the funeral

“Families realize now there are so many options available to them,” Mr. Ottinger said. “They may be perfectly healthy, but they want to know they are getting the best value.”

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