Insurance for your family

The beneficiary receives policy proceeds upon the insured's death. The owner designates the beneficiary, but the beneficiary is not a party to the policy. The owner can change the beneficiary unless the policy has an irrevocable beneficiary designation.

Life Insurance Cares for Your Family After You Are Gone
By Michael Benifez

Although no one likes to think about when they are going to pass away, sometimes we need to pause to make sure we would have no regrets if something happened tomorrow. Even though it is scary to think about, everyone should understand the importance of life insurance. If something were to happen, how would it effect your loved ones financially?


Photo:terrycampbellinsurance.com

As unfortunate as it is, a lot of people do not have life insurance. This leaves their families grieving with their loss, along with coming up with the money for a funeral and all of the other expensive measures taken. If you know that when your time has come your family would make sure everything is just the way you would want it to be, then you should act now to get life insurance so losing money is not a problem after losing a loved one.

Thinking that your last days may not be that far away is a frightening thought, but not having a plan for yourself or loved ones after you pass away is not a good thought either. Life insurance not only covers your funeral costs but medical costs that might have been in connected with your death. If you were to leave tomorrow wouldn't you want your spouse, children, or even parents to be able to receive money in case they do not have the funds for themselves.

If you think now is the time to get life insurance you can easily learn more and find a policy by doing research on the internet. Sometimes you don't even have to have a plan for yourself. There are a couple other options you have if they apply to you. In some cases you can get life insurance if you are a student. Also, some work places offer life insurance as work benefits. If either of these situations are familiar to you, it is a great idea to take advantage of them. If not, simply ask around or find a reliable company from which you can get an insurance policy from.

Like any other insurance plan, it is important to do your research and find which policy would best suite you financially. Considering you will have options make sure to pick the best one, and when you do write down what you plan to do with your money when you pass on. Also consider beginning some debt management to not waste the money after you are gone. Always keep in mind that all companies are different so do not forget to take into consideration the benefits and prices you will receive from each one.

The loss of a loved one can add to the stress a family must face and destroy their credit over time. Start today manage debt management as a beginner before that time comes. Visit Everlife.com learn steps to put your financial future is in your hands.

Cultural in any Funerals

There are cultural universals that have remained consistent in funeral service: announcing the death; care of the deceased; a method of disposition; a possible ceremony or ritual; and some form of memorialization. Therefore, just know about cultural in each religion before go a funeral.

Tips on Attending Cultural Funerals
By Jeffrey Meier

Many people see funerals as a very difficult time that represents the loss of a loved one. However, many cultures handle funeral proceedings in different ways based on tradition. So while you may be accustomed to the process of meeting at the funeral home, having the service, trailing the hearse with casket to the cemetery then burying the body, you may be surprised by the ways other cultures bid farewell to their family and friends.




Photo: legrc.org

Traditional Hispanic Funerals

The word Hispanic in and of itself can be ambiguous, as it is used to describe a number of nationalities and ethnicities of Spanish-speaking individuals. However, to group people from Spain with people from Brazil would be doing a disservice to those who have highly-traditional cultural backgrounds that they are immensely proud of and identify with. So for this reason, when looking at the traditional Hispanic funeral, it will be a generalization of similar traditions that seem to stretch across more than a few Hispanic cultures and is not intended to work as a "catch-all" for all of the cultures.

The more common understanding of funerals and deaths within Hispanic culture is the idea that life and death are viewed similarly as something to be celebrated, not feared, for it is the acknowledgment of a soul's home-going. Since many people of Hispanic heritage are Catholic, they tend to take on the traditions of Catholicism, which treat funerals as a part of the process of dying - not necessarily waiting until after the death has occurred.

In this case, funerals often begin when a person is on his or her death bed. At this time, the communion of last rights is performed, which includes the anointing of the ill, the hearing of their confessions, prayers, Communion and a blessing for peace. Someone within the family is normally sure to be present with the dying individual until they pass on. And after the person has passed on, someone continues to stay with the body until it is prepared for the burial and wake - the wake being a social time when friends and family come together to eat, laugh and listen to music while talking about their fond memories of the loved on who has passed on while waiting for the burial. Lit candles and flowers are very important and highly visible during the wake, as well as the funeral.

The official funeral takes place the day after the wake with a priest or clergyman presiding over the ceremony. Often times, people place personal items and gifts on the casket to help the deceased have a successful and loving journey to the afterworld. After the ceremony is complete, the burial takes place - often times in the homeland of the deceased as a way to honor and be close to family members who have passed on. The burial represents a new phase and beginning of freedom for the deceased - now they are able to help those they love who are still living.

After funerals and burials, families usually have a gathering or reception with food and more time to come together and enjoy each other's company - and once again pray for and remember their loved one who has moved forward to the spirit world.



Photo: cyai.net

Chinese Buddhist Funeral Customs

Whereas some cultures allow for cremation, the Chinese societies that practice Buddhism tend to stay away from anything that is deemed improper in arranging funerals for doing so can cause ill fortune to the family of the deceased. While the specific funeral rites and burial customs can vary depending on the age of the deceased, the marital status, how he or she died and his or her status in society, much of the process is the same for all individuals.

There are many examples of how the deceased is treated differently depending on age and status. For instance, if an unmarried son dies before his parents, the parents are not allowed to bring his body home to the family after death and instead it must be left at the funeral parlor. Also, the parents are not allowed to offer prayers for the son because being a younger person he is not owed the same respect as an older, married person with children. Even more, if a baby or small child dies, no service can be provided at all because no respect can be shown due to the young age. However, if a person is older and highly respected, the family must perform the most elaborate service for him or her, even if they go into debt doing so.

When the death occurs, the family must immediately cover all statues of deities in the house with red paper and remove mirrors to avoid seeing the coffin (which is brought to the home) in the mirror because it is believed to cause death shortly after. Also, a white cloth is hung across the main entrance to the house with a gong placed on the left of the doorway if the deceased is a male and to the right if the deceased is a female.

Before the family can place the body in the coffin, it must be cleaned with a damp towel and dusted with talcum powder. Then it is dressed in his or her best clothing from head to toe. Once the corpse is dressed and placed in the coffin, the body is covered with a light blue cloth and the face is covered with a yellow one.

During the wake, the coffin either rests in the house or outside of the house to represent the person dying in the home or away for the home, respectively. The family and friends gather for the cake and eat food placed in front of the coffin. And the family also performs a series of rituals and prayers to respect the dead.

After the wake ceremonies are completed, the coffin is nailed shut and carried to side of the road to be additionally prayed over before being taken (usually by hearse) to burial grounds that are normally found on hillsides for better feng shui. When the casket is buried the family turns away from the coffin to show respect and later the mourners' clothes are to be buried to evade bad luck.

There are many more ways that different cultures perform funerals in order to pay respects to their loved ones, but these are just a few. No matter how any one culture handles its funerals, they can all agree that their traditions and customs are all meant to send their friends and family members to a better, more peaceful place.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com/ blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Alternative Funerals

There are various forms of Alternative funeral choices. One of the most popular is Cremation. Home Funerals are re-surging and Green Funerals are also gaining in popularity. Others especially sailors choose a Burial at Sea.

Beginners Guide to Alternative Funerals
By N Taylor

The information is written in a matter of fact way to keep it clear and straightforward. Our intention is not to cause distress. Please keep this in mind if you decide to read further.


Photo: smh.com.au

There are very few regulations covering the disposal of a body in the UK. You must undertake either to bury or cremate it, and you must have a death certificate signed by a doctor and a Certificate for Burial or Cremation from the Registrar of Deaths. This last document is very important, and most hospitals and mortuaries will not release the body until they've seen it.

Donating your body to Science - Bequeathing your body for medical science is a courageous alternative to the traditional funeral. However there are criteria that you have to fulfil in order to be able to leave your body to science. These include the death has occurred from natural causes i.e. old age or a heart attack or similar and up to the time of death the person was generally fit. The hospital is not full at the time of donation, That no post mortem has occurred, that no limbs are missing and that no infectious agents (HIV aids etc.) can be found as this would deem the body non acceptable.

Should you still be interested contact your doctor or your nearest teaching hospital and request a registration form this will need witnessing by your next of kin and you should discuss your ideas with all the close family.

A body may be kept for medical teaching purposes for up to 3 years. The medical schools will arrange and pay for a simple funeral, or the relatives can do this themselves. The medical school can advise relatives when the body is available for funeral.

This could be a very satisfactory way to help doctors and nurses and indeed mankind after death but is not for everyone. For more info contact: HM Inspector of Anatomy
Woodland Burial - Some people are choosing a woodland burial site instead of a cemetery or crematorium. There are now many in the UK, some run as annexes to local authority sites, some as charities and others as businesses. The cost varies greatly from site to site.

Each woodland burial site will have its own criteria and it is best to contact the one you wish to use as soon as possible in order to make sure you avoid later complications.

Burial at sea - You should tell the registrar that you're planning a sea burial and obtain a coroner's 'Out of England' form. The licence is free and can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Burial at sea is a complicated process and one that is best planned and researched well in advance.

Less that 50 burials at sea are conducted each year. There are only a few places where these are permitted, mainly due to the technicalities of the body being washed to shore, caught in currents and tides and other various issues that most of us land lovers wouldn’t even consider.

It is important to know that a body that has been embalmed will not be able to be buried at sea. You will also need an appropriate certificate stating that the body is clear of infection or fever.

DEFRA for the reasons mentioned above tends to advocate scattering the ashes at sea for which you to do not need a licence under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

Tributes & memorials Diamonds - A touching way for some to remember their loved one is to have the ashes turned into diamonds Prices range from £2,250 for a 0.5 carat to £11,950 for a 1 carat gem

Fireworks – It is now possible to have ashes put into a firework, the cost ranges from approximately £370 - £1000. There are companies within the UK that will choreograph and entire display including creating the ashes firework and can be found on most reputable search engines. This isn’t an option for the faint hearted but you would certainly go out with a bang!

Memorial websites – Memorial websites can be a touching tribute to someone’s life, allowing friends and families from anywhere across the world to gather at one place , share memories and support each other through the grief.

Do-it-yourself Funerals A growing number of DIY funerals are conducted each year, some encouraged by the desire for personal involvement and some to find an inexpensive or greener alternative to the conventional funeral. You will find that some funeral homes will aid you in the process, a list of local funeral directors can be found in our directory.

Conducting a DIY funeral can be a very personal but difficult process. Most people who take on the arrangements do so with advance planning. However you can, with the help of a good funeral home be involved in the funeral arrangements without having to take on the entire process.

Initially a death certificate signed by a doctor the next of kin or the person arranging the funeral must take the certificate issued by the doctor to the Registrar of Births and Deaths within five days from death.

After the death either yourself or the local district nurse can carry out the last offices. This is where the body is laid on its back, eyes closed and the natural outlets of the body are plugged with cotton wool. The body may also be washed and dressed at this point.

If you are storing the body at a home until the funeral you will need to keep the body in a well ventilated, cool room.

If the death occurs in hospital, the mortician may agree to keep the body in the hospital mortuary until the day of the funeral, there may be a charge for this and you will need to discuss this will the hospital mortician.

If the death occurs at home, a local funeral director may agree to provide a mortuary facility only.

You can make or obtain a coffin (although not all funeral directors sell them without also providing the undertaking service), and ask staff at the hospital or public mortuary to put the body into it. It is worth noting that if you plan on moving the body as well it is advised that most funeral directors place the body into a coffin once it is out of the hospital for logistic reasons including, amongst other things, manoeuvring a coffin down stairs and round corners.

Environmentally-friendly coffins are available throughout the uk. Almost all crematoriums now accept cardboard coffins. Some crematoriums and cemeteries accept bodies without coffins if placed in a body bag and supported by a plank but it is essential that you check with them first. They will give you instructions on labelling the coffin and any requirements that they need you to fulfil.

Burials at sea have their own criteria for coffins and you should check that with them initially. Woodland burials are advocates of ‘green’ coffins that are biodegradable. In some cases no coffin is required at all. Again you should check with your chosen site to confirm their requests.

Even in a ‘traditional’ funeral a large selection of coffins can be available for you to use. Your home will be able to give you a choice of the coffins they supply.

To book a date and time for a burial or cremation, you'll need to fill in an application form as soon as possible.

If you'd like a priest to take the service, or to hold it in a religious building, you need to book these as soon as you can, too.

A truly personal service can be held if you ask someone who knew your loved one well to conduct the ceremony. No special requirements are needed just confidence and courage.

If the burial is conducted in a church yard you will need to find a grave digger, the best person to consult on this is your vicar or priest.

Transporting the body You can transport the coffin in any vehicle, such as a hearse, estate car or horse and carriage; as long as it's big enough there is even a motorcycle company that specialize in Harley Davidson hearses (Google search UK). Some funeral homes will hire just the hearse to you and supply a driver. If you're considering a particularly unusual mode of transport, check with the cemetery or crematorium first.

By N Taylor
RESOURCE 1 - http://www.tributetimes.co.uk/Help/AlternativeFunerals

Gift Cards for Holiday's gift

Hello, The holiday season time is come back again. Do you want to gift something for anyone but no have idea to buy anything yet. I would like to suggest you to buy or change to a gift card. A gift card is a restricted monetary equivalent or scrip that is issued by retailers or banks to be used as an alternative to a non monetary gift.




Therefor, your gift card's recipient can buy the gift or anything that they want as well, it easy for you and happy to receiver. Gift cards have become increasingly popular as they relieve the donor of selecting a specific gift. The recipient of the gift card can use it at his or her discretion within the restrictions set by the issuing agency. So, you can choose the price for your gift card which you want to buy for anybody. For more information about gift cards just visit Amazon.com.

Funeral Records

Funeral records are private business records used to record the expenses of services provided for the burial of an individual. Funeral homes are now required to prepare and file the death certificate with the appropriate health office. Most funeral directors now also prepare the obituary notice.

What You Can Learn from Funeral Records
By Amit Mehta

Funeral records are documents kept by funeral homes detailing the funeral services that were registered with them. When it comes to conducting research on the death of an individual, death records are often the first recourse while funeral documents are often (unjustly) overlooked.



Photo: carlisle.gov.uk

One of the primary reasons why funeral records are ignored is that, unlike death records, they are not considered public records. Funeral homes are not required by law to release funeral documents unless there is just cause. But as of late, more funeral homes are allowing the general public to request for this information, provided that the name of the deceased and the date of death are provided accurately by the requesting party.

Since the funeral home director is tasked with the responsibility of filling out the death certificate, the latter is also part of the funeral records they keep at most funeral homes. Aside from the date of birth and death, other information that you can find in the death certificate includes the name of the spouse, name of parents, the place of residence at death and the name and location of the cemetery.

On the actual funeral records, one can find a list of surviving family members of the individual who passed away. Sometimes, even the names and addresses of the in-laws and grandchildren are included on this list, since this will be needed for placing obituaries in newspapers.

Although not often the case, there are instances when funeral documents also reveal the deceased person’s last will or testament, birth certificate, insurance policy and military record. These information are of course especially relevant for those trying to trace their lineage, track down ancestors and uncover their own family history.

Funeral Records Go ‘Live’ Online

Due to the sheer volume of funeral records, many mortuary facilities have chosen to digitize all their records and offer them online. Being able to access funeral documents online is advantageous for mortuary facilities since this saves them the additional cost of having to maintain a separate physical archive, sometimes even employing the services of a third party record keeping company.

For people wishing to acquire copies of funeral records, retrieving them online preserves these records for posterity. Digitized copies mean that the risk of these records getting lost, stolen or damaged is significantly reduced and are more likely to be able to withstand the test of time.

One caveat for anyone accessing funeral records is that these records may not be entirely accurate since most of the information is supplied by the surviving family members and then compiled by the funeral director. As such, any information that you learn from funeral documents has to be double checked against other sources of data before they can be deemed as conclusive.

The registrar of vital statistics, the county of death and cemeteries may also have some related records that can be utilized for research purposes and serve as excellent supporting documents for funeral records.

Want to Know the Top Sites to Find Funeral Records? Read Dr. Amit Mehta's Unbiased Reviews ==> RecordsSiteReviews.com

Sympathy Flowers

Sympathy flowers for a funeral are an important way to show our love and support. The gentle beauty of flowers helps you offer feelings of sympathy and comfort at a sensitive and emotional time. A Tidy's Flowers' funeral flower arrangement is appropriate to send either to a home or to a funeral.

Sympathy Funeral Flowers
By Jennifer Bailey

Whenever a loved-one or a friend is deceased, it is the simplest form of condolences to send sympathy flowers to the funeral. Studies conducted showed that the colors and the fragrance from the flowers and the sympathizing cards help ease the grief of the family members. It is a simple way of symbolizing that you share with them the grief they are going through during those troubled times. Mourning family members still seek comfort in those times of mourning, and flowers help ease the pain of the loss.




There are different types of sympathy flowers you can find. There is the coffin spray that lies on top of the coffin. The traditional posies are set in an oasis base. You would be able to find heart-shaped arrangements, the traditional wreaths, or the non-traditional name or lettering tributes where the flowers are arranged to form a word or words. Garden basket types are one of the most popular arrangements you can find in the market. A very common arrangement you will find is the bouquet. You can also find personalized arrangements like crosses, pillow-types and other more unorthodox shaped design.

No matter what the shape or design of the flower, one thing you would have to bear in mind is the appropriateness of the gift. Though you may have the right intentions, due to certain issues like traditional clashes or religious practices, your gift may turn out to be offensive. If you are unsure how your gift would be accepted by the mourning family, it might be best to seek the advice of a professional florist. These florists would have a better idea on what would be more appropriate to send.

Sympathy Flowers provides detailed information on Buy Sympathy Flowers, Cheap Sympathy Flowers, Discount Sympathy Flowers, Send Sympathy Flowers and more. Sympathy Flowers is affiliated with Buy Funeral Flowers.

Pre Planning Funeral Arrangements

All the preplanning final arrangements you make for that moment when others want to say goodbye, those for preplanning funeral arrangements services are the most complicated. For loved ones, forced to make decisions they neither asked for nor are equipped to make, under the circumstances they become the most incredibly difficult, agonizing and more..

Tips When Pre-Planning Your Funeral Arrangements
By Mike Selvon

You're neat, detailed, organized... always have been, always will be. Lists are your thing, your desk is often immaculate, and even when clutter springs up, you've usually tackled it within a week.



Photo: saundersmcfarlin.net

You planned your wedding from start to finish, you planned birthday parties for the children, graduation parties, surprise anniversary parties, Thanksgiving dinners, retirement celebrations. So why not plan your funeral arrangements in advance to control the final details of your life and lessen the burden on your loved ones?

The casket can be the most expensive part of the traditional family funeral. Loved ones feel especially torn when selecting an appropriate burial container. They wonder if you would have wanted pine or mahogany, they wonder if people will think they are cheap. The truth is, after the funeral, no one will ever see your casket again!

Therefore, you may want to look into renting a casket and selecting a less expensive burial container. If your family is low-key and doesn't care much for appearances, then a simple casket made of plastic or pine will be just fine.

You can also choose from fiberglass, wood, plastic or metal, and you can even find them online! If you do purchase your casket online, then be aware that federal regulations state that funeral homes cannot charge you extra for supplying your own casket.

Instead, you may choose the direct cremation option (which runs from $300 - $600). If direct cremation sounds appropriate to you, then you'll only pay for the funeral director's consultation, a non-metal body container, hearse fees for crematorium transport, and an urn or container for the ashes.

Some Christians desire burial of the ashes, in which case you'll need to buy a grave site, marker and hardier container. Even so, this option is generally cheaper, though it doesn't allow people that elaborate face-to-face mourning.

What is a grave liner or vault, and is it really necessary? A grave liner or vault is required as an outer burial container to surround the casket in the grave and prevent the ground from settling or sinking over time.

The necessity of a grave liner depends upon the individual cemetery, so you may want to shop around at a few places. If this is not feasible, then don't fret too much - liners usually don't cost too much.

Know your rights! The Federal Trade Commission - through the Funeral Rule - requires a provider to give you a list of up-to-date funeral arrangements and services, along with the prices. The price list should include: funeral director services for consultations and paperwork, care of the body, embalming, casketing, dressing, use of facilities for wakes or memorial ceremonies, funeral flowers, obituary notices, funeral music, cremation, immediate burial, etc.

Anyone who can't give you at least this much information, cannot be trusted. Also, by law, the directors are not allowed to criticize your decisions or push you into buying something you don't want.

Feel free to shop around. You may prefer one funeral home because of its location or family tradition, but be aware that prices vary greatly from one end of town to the next.

Learn more about preplanned funeral arrangements at Mike Selvon portal. While you are there leave is a comment at our traditional funerals blog, and receive your FREE gift.

Jazz Funerals

Jazz funeral is a common name for a funeral tradition with music which developed in New Orleans, Louisiana. Drummers at the funeral of jazz legend Danny BarkerThe term "jazz funeral" was long in use by observers from elsewhere, but was generally disdained as inappropriate by most New Orleans musicians and practitioners of the tradition. The preferred description was "funeral with music"; while jazz was part of the music played, it was not the primary focus of the ceremony. The tradition arises from African spiritual practices, French and Spanish martial musical traditions, and uniquely African-American cultural influences. The tradition was widespread among New Orleanians across ethnic boundaries at the start of the 20th century. As the common brass band music became wilder in the years before World War I, some "white" New Orleanians considered the hot music disrespectful, and such musical funerals became rare among the city's caucasians.

Jazz Funerals in New Orleans
By Jeffrey Meier

In the past few years, Louisiana, and New Orleans in particular has been in the media due to issues related to Hurricane Katrina. Many people have been displaced from their homes for years and are still trying to recover emotionally and physically from the traumatic natural disaster that took the lives of over one thousand people and left many more jobless and homeless. However, before the events of the fateful hurricane took place, there stood a city that exuded music, culture and life. New Orleans residents had diverse cultural backgrounds from places including the Cuba, Sicily France, and West Africa. And the diversity showed in the way they celebrated life - and death - on a regular basis. In the New Orleans African American community in particular, it was very common for the celebration of death to be as uplifting as the celebration of life. So in this article I will explore the phenomena known as jazz funerals in New Orleans.



Photo: lesliehawes.com

New Orleans' Cultural Backgrounds and Traditions

Often compared to Europe more so than any other city in the United States, New Orleans definitely beats to its own drum - literally - and engulfs anyone who visits immediately with its intoxicating charm and southern hospitality. This community in southern Louisiana is very famous for its cultural diversity. In one area, you may find a group of Italians and a few Greeks, and in another area, you might find a few African-Americans and French Creoles. The reason for this diversity is due to its interesting history.

This city is the place that free and enslaved Africans, as well as Native American Indian and European settlers blended together, which resulted in what we know as a French Creole culture where the people are primarily considered to be black because of their physical traits, but often have very fair skin. The original members of each culture still remain also, in addition to Sicilian, Italian, Croatian, Irish, Jewish and Spanish cultures, to make a very diverse melting pot.

With the emergence of unique cultural backgrounds came a diverse array of cultural traditions to follow. Some traditions were derived from the tribal rituals of West Africa, from where the slaves were taken, as well as that of American Indians. Essentially, the city adopted a variety of cultural rights, many of which still exist today.

New Orleans Jazz Funerals

One of the cultural rites that the city has adopted is the jazz funeral of African American culture. Originating from West African tradition, jazz funerals have been a part of New Orleans for as long as it has been a city. The West African slaves who were brought to the city centuries ago brought the tradition with them as they had practiced the same ritual of celebrating life and death through music, dancing and decorations in their tribes. The Dahomeans of Benin and Yoruba of Nigeria both believed in providing a proper funerals for loved ones, which included music during the procession. Their now American ancestors continued the tradition by incorporating what was contemporary music at the time - brass bands. This tradition of brass bands is still popular and is, for most, the preferred way to lead a procession.

The proceedings for traditional jazz funerals are as follows. First, a band meets at the church or the funeral parlor where the actual services are conducted. Once the family has a chance to say their goodbyes the way many people around the country can identify with, they then close the casket and call the pall bearers to lift the body. For many who have attended funerals, they know that this is the time that the casket is taken to the hearse to then drive the deceased to the funeral home for the burial and final goodbyes. However, in the tradition of jazz funerals, when the services end, the jazz band leads the procession out of the building and slowly walks through the neighborhood and to the gravesite playing solemn musical selections from Christian hymns. Also, it is not uncommon to see a black wreath hanging from the door of the home of the deceased.

Once the band reaches the gravesite, the family participates in the burial process and then the band leads the procession from the gravesite silently. When everyone reaches a distance from the gravesite that respects the deceased, the lead trumpeter plays a riff to let the drummers know to begin drumming. Then the band begins to play again, this time in exuberance to celebrate the successful home-going of the deceased. At this time, the family and friends of the deceased begin to pull out their decorated umbrellas and dance in the streets as they return to home. As they move through the streets dancing to the music, many people hear the sounds and know a celebration is coming. As the procession reaches their area they often come out and help the family celebrate the home-going of their loved one.

Post-Hurricane Katrina

After Hurricane Katrina ravished so much of New Orleans, it became difficult for many funeral homes to stay in business. In addition to losing many of its building structures to the storm, New Orleans also lost much of its African American community. Many of the people who lived in the area were forced to relocate to another city, or even state, which means many of the businesses suffered - including the funeral homes. Currently, the businesses are trying to rebuild, but with subcontractors coming in to take over funerals after the storms, it became difficult for the funeral home owners to bounce back.

By losing its jazz funerals, New Orleans loses much more than business, it loses culture. The absence of music playing and parades moving through the neighborhoods leaves a void in the once vibrant community that not only knew how to celebrate life, but also death. Many businesses are trying to regain their spot in the city that they and their ancestors helped build and flourish. And overtime, many hope that there will be a strong resurgence of jazz funerals to maintain and strengthen an authentically culture-rich community.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com/ blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Cremation Services

Cremation Services Throughout The Religions
By Mike Selvon

Cremation services have had a long, tumultuous history but are a popular option today. The first cremation ceremony dates back approximately 26,000 years to Mungo Lake. Early Persians and Phoenicians cremated the deceased and in Ancient Greece and Rome, incineration was seen as a military honor.


Photo: pacerfuneralhome.com

However, the increasingly religious overtones made the practice punishable by death in the middle ages. In the 20th century, religious leaders started to change their minds, so long as religious services and affirmation of dogmatic principles was made. Obviously, the entire world cannot be a cemetery, so with the increasing population and space limitations, cremation is the most efficient manner of respectfully disposing of a body.

Eastern Orthodox religions especially look down upon cremation services and will sometimes deny religious service for the deceased if they willfully choose it. Catholics have just recently warmed up to the idea, as long as a funeral or burial is still undertaken. Protestants are more tolerant and sometimes even scatter ashes in a "garden of remembrance." Additionally, Lutherans, Methodists, Quakers, Scientologists and Universalists all allow cremations.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, cremation services (or "antim-samskara" meaning "last rites") are mandatory. It is believed that cremation detaches the fresh spirit from its earthly body and assists the passage to the next world. After a brief prayer service, the nearest male relative submerses the ashes in the holy Ganges River.

In Japan and Taiwan, 99% of the dead are cremated and the cremation ceremony is slightly different. Instead of pulverizing the bones to ash, the bone fragment remains are given to the family members and the relatives use chopsticks to pick up the fragments (starting with the feet and ending with the head) and transfer them to an urn.

The remains are sometimes buried in a company cemetery or family burial plot for $2 million yen. For $400,000 yen, the bones are placed in a "Graveyard Apartment," which is a locker-sized unit. In this technologically savvy way to commemorate the departed, mourners are greeted by touch-screens with videos, messages, a family tree and other information.

Whether Japanese, Buddhist, Catholic or Protestant, cremation services are widely recognized as a respectful way to say goodbye to the departed. You may want to schedule a viewing or a memorial service at a funeral parlor before the incineration takes place, to offer loved ones a chance to properly mourn the dead. You may then choose to bury the ashes, spread them in the sea, shoot them into space or place them in an urn on the mantel.

Learn more about cremation services at Mike Selvon portal. While you are there leave is a comment at our traditional funerals blog, and receive your FREE gift.

Funeral Poem

Funeral Poem to Remember Deceased Loved Ones
By Dave Pipitone

How can an inspiring funeral poem help bring peace of mind and heart after a sudden death or loss of a loved one? Many people are very concerned with the fate and destiny of the deceased loved one. Often, fears arise about what happens after death and what may happen to our loved one. Is she safe? Is he happy? Will we ever meet or see or be with each other again?




Christians believe in eternal life with God. That belief is based upon an earthly life united with Jesus Christ which does not end when the body dies. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead destroyed death and opened the door to heaven for His followers. Even though a physical body dies, those who believe in Jesus have a strong conviction of hope that God will bring a dead person into a new existence of love and peace. Using a funeral poem to recall that a person is at home with God brings comfort when a loved one dies.

Funeral services offer a family and friends the chance to gather together in mutual support after the death of a loved one. Often, in the funeral parlor of a funeral home, the remains of a physical body of a loved one is present. Many families choose to use a casket to carry the body of their deceased loved one. Others choose a direct cremation option. Some Christians desire burial of the ashes, or placement in a mausoleum which honors the physical body and respects that one day it will be made new. Depending on the condition of the departed body, face-to-face mourning during a visitation is a positive step.

Memorial poems written by friends or families can help work through the grieving process. Funeral homes and churches may have stock poems that you can use to remember a deceased loved one. Religious good stores and websites offer comforting funeral memorial poems about life and death, and life after death. A family funeral can distribute and use these cards as part of the funeral service, as a reminder of the deceased loved one, or a small remembrance area at home.

Making funeral arrangements is often a difficult task. You are missing the presence of a loved one and the shock, grief and loss can be overwhelming. There are many decisions to make at the time of the funeral, including the religious services, the burial, the wake, contacting family and friends, writing and publishing an obituary, and many other details.

Long after the funeral flowers have faded and the services are over, the grieving process will continue. It is during those times that the help of community through a support group, church, friends and neighbors will be important. Family and friends can make a big difference sharing stories of a departed loved one's life. Tell different episodes that were funny, touching moments and special times when you felt very close and connected. Keeping a treasury of inspirational memorial poems is soothing.

Death does not end the connection with deceased loved ones; it merely changes how you connect through love, faith and hope. An inspirational funeral poem can help ease the pain of loss and eventually bring joy by remembering there is a connection with your deceased loved ones.

To find an inspirational funeral poem that you can share with friends and family, visit http://www.my3strands.com/eternity/index.html.

Burial Insurance

Burial Insurance and Final Expense policy gives those you leave behind the freedom and flexibility to pay the remaining expenses and debts that may be outstanding. Burial Insurance also allow you to choose the coverage amount appropriate for your circumstances.

Burial Insurance - Advice From A Licensed Funeral Director
By Jerry R. Guy

As a funeral director I'm often asked by the public, "do I need burial insurance?" My stock reply is the usual, "that depends." I'm not trying to be insensitive or cute with my answer, but the truth is that it does depend on several factors in my opinion, but two most importantly.


Photo: gradedlife.com

I believe two of the most important factors are to consider who will make your final plans first, then how will those plans be funded? Simple questions yes, but among those most of us fail to ask ourselves or give serious thought to.

Choosing a person to handle your final arrangements can be done in reality by doing nothing at all. At your death in most states, lineage will decide who will have right of disposition. If no legal descendants are available to handle this duty most counties, townships and/or states will step in and have the final disposition done. This will usually be a direct burial or cremation as determined by the government body handling it. I recommend avoiding this possibility by selecting a family member or friend to entrust with this duty and to make sure they have the legal documents necessary to abide by your wishes. Also, be sure your chosen administrators will have access to final expense funds. Many problems can be avoided by making sure of this one thing. Tip: Burial insurance will in most cases let you designate the beneficiary. This allows you to make sure specific funeral and burial expense funds are in the control of your chosen administrator.

Secondly, give thought to the funding aspect of your final arrangements. Are you satisfied with your current funding (insurance, savings, etc.) to be sufficient and available when that time comes? Is it possible your current insurance might be needed to settle other expenses such as medical bills, estate taxes, etc.? Are you comfortable that your current insurance or savings will keep pace with funeral inflation costs? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you may want to consider additional insurance specifically for your final expenses. Tip: Burial insurance policies can be issued in small amounts to subsidize your existing insurance or larger amounts to cover total funeral and burial costs. In many cases it is also easier to qualify for in older age groups.

Does everyone need burial insurance? Certainly not, but as a funeral director I can tell you that many families I've assisted were able to honor a loved one's wishes only because that person had a burial insurance policy in force at the time of their death.

Take a few minutes and give this some thought. The attention and consideration you give these matters now will make a tremendous difference for those who eventually will do your final planning.

Jerry R. Guy is an active licensed funeral director and author. More information on how to save money planning funeral services can be found at his sites: http://www.integritypreneedsolutions.com/ or http://www.beforeplanningafuneral.com/

Prearranged Funeral

Think About Prearranging Your Funeral
By Jeffrey Meier

It is the one thing we don't want to think about and it is the one thing that is evitable, our funeral. No matter how healthy we are, someday we will die. It is a sad but truthful fact of life. Once we face it, the better our life can be and once we face it, we should also consider how nice it would be for our loved ones, if we begin planning for that day now, by planning some or all the steps that we want to be taken for our final plans and prearranging for your funeral now.


Photo: catholicmemorials.com

There are many reasons why it is good to plan ahead and to plan for our funeral. One of the best reasons is that this keeps our family from doing it. You know when that dreadful day comes and we die, they are going to be heartbroken and possibly in shock. Do you want them to deal with every little hassle and every little detail of the ceremony? What you plan now is just one more thing they won't have to do later.

Another good reason for planning for your funeral and paying for it now is the fact that just likes everything else in life, the prices of burials rises with each passing year. If you have plans made, a burial spot paid, a casket bought, you will be saving money and your family won't have to spend any extra later.

Okay, you are decided this is a good idea; you want to plan on your burial. Where do you begin?

You might want to begin by making an appointment to speak to someone at your local funeral parlor. Ask if they have a prepaid package. If they do, go over each step with them. You can make every decision about the funeral or you can leave some of the decisions for your love ones to make. Some of the decisions that the director will probably ask you to make are:

* A casket. If saving money is one reason you are going ahead with your plans then you should consider buying one of these. Ask to see either the caskets themselves or pictures of the caskets available for purchasing.

* Whether you want your funeral to have a showing the night before the burial or just a brief showing before the actual ceremony.

* Preferences on who you wish to officiate at your service.

* Preferences on what type of music that is to be played.

* Picking out the thank you cards for your loved ones to send to those who help during the funeral and during their trying time.

* Display cards that guests take home with them that generally include a bible verse and a little information about you (date of birth, date of passing).

* Which newspapers you wish for your obituary to be recorded. This is something your loved ones will have to pay for at the time of the event.

* Where you wish to be buried. Once you make this decision, you should talk to the cemetery and see if it is possible to buy your plot and burial now. You may even be able to go ahead pay for your opening and closing. These, of course, are the main parts of any funeral cost.

* Once you have your burial plot paid for you, you may also want to consider buying your marker.

The average cost of a basic burial will run you close to $5,000. With each passing year, this price will increase. Consider doing your family a favor and consider prearranging your funeral.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com/ blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Planning Ahead for Funerals

The funeral plans that people make for themselves while living. Their primary objectives in planning ahead are to relieve their survivors of this burden and to ensure that the funeral is carried out according to their wishes.

Funerals - Planning Ahead to Take Care of Your Needs
By Jeffrey Meier

No one ever knows when that fateful day will come and you die. Many things must be done after a death including planning the funeral. People many times have nothing in place and they put the burden on their loved ones to make the plans. This is sometimes very hard as they are dealing with the grief of the loss and must make rational decisions at the same time. Having things already planned out is an easier way to go about it and let's look at some ways to do that.


Photo: canada.com

First and foremost funerals have really changed over the years as more funeral directors have come up with different ways to do things. Getting away from the traditional funeral seems something more of us want to do. One of the first decisions you will have to do is decide how you want to celebrate the ending of your life. Many people prefer a subdued type of service where others like to see happy times celebrating that person's life. The second thing is do you want to be cremated or have an open casket funeral. More and more people are being cremated as the costs are much lower and this lets people keep a part of the person with them after they die. Others prefer the other option and go with that.

Another very important thing that is always associated with funerals is the actual service. Some people want the service with their favorite pastor while more people than ever before have friends and family talk about the loved one who have just passed away. It's an individual thing, but it's something that you need to plan ahead for. Funerals are getting quite expensive with many costing more than 10,000 dollars. Keeping these expenses down is something funeral directors have been working on for many years now Prepayment arrangements and preplanning is something they are big advocates of. Today many of them will let you lock in today's prices if you buy now and not wait until you pass away. This could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Preplanning makes it much easier on everyone involved from the funeral directors to people who help take care of the arrangements after someone passes. Funerals are a way celebrates someone's life and what they meant to us. If you're not sure about preplanning is right, for you there is another option that you should consider. Many funeral directors have literature that will help you make the best decision possible for your current situation. This way before you make any type of preplanning arrangement you will know exactly how it works. They can also answer any questions you have about the process.

One thing that more people are starting to understand that death comes to us all eventually and they don't want to put any added burdens on others dealing with funeral arrangements. Funerals can take many different paths, but the one that is the easiest for everyone is the one that has already been planned. It gives people peace of mind and they can look back on a person's life without having to worry about the planning process. This is why planning the funeral is becoming a necessity anymore. Give yourself and your loved ones the peace of mind they deserve get yours planned out today so they can celebrate your life when that time comes.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com/ blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Term Life Insurance

How Much Term Life Insurance Should I Buy?
By Sharon Taylor

Term life insurance is an important part of the financial planning process. It serves to provide financially for all of the loved ones in your family should you happen to pass away unexpectedly. But one of the important things that people do not put enough consideration into is how much coverage is actually enough. When looking at term life insurance quotes, how can you determine how much is actually going to be needed by your family, if they no longer have you there to depend on? When shopping around for quotes, consider the following information so that you may make the right, informed decisions.




Identifying the Basics of Term Life Insurance
The first thing that you need to remember is that the main purpose of term life insurance is to completely circumvent all financial stress in the event of your death, which means the foremost purpose of your term life insurance policy should be income replacement to protect your family. With that having been said, it is now important for you to understand how your lost salary will impact your loved ones if you pass away.

Make a list including how much money is spent on daily expenses, elderly family care, childcare, education, food, clothing, the mortgage, car or other vehicle payments, various forms of debt including loans and credit cards.

Now you should consider the costs for your last expenses, such as your funeral, burial and any necessary medical or hospital costs. Funerals can easily cost several thousands of dollars and this doesn't even include any special requests or additional charges that may come up.

You must also consider your long-term expenses when researching term life insurance, including college tuitions, mortgage payments and a retirement fund for your spouse. If you want to leave any funds to local charities or organizations, this is also where those types of financial contributions would factor in.

Next you should determine your assets, since you have already determined your financial needs and the financial needs of your loved ones. Factor in all of your current assets, including cash, stocks, savings, bonds, pension, social security and real estate. Subtract your assets from your expenses to figure out how much life insurance are you going to need to purchase in order to ensure that your family is financially comfortable following your death.

What's next?
Now that you have a good idea of how much you are going to need, you should begin to shop around by looking at different term life insurance quotes to find out how much a policy is going to cost you. Make a point to sit down with a licensed term life insurance professional and they can walk you through the entire process.

It is extremely important that you take the time to do some homework when it comes to purchasing term life insurance, making sure you don't purchase coverage that is not needed or possibly purchasing too little coverage. Researching your insurance needs before hand will ensure that your family is safe and protected even if you pass away unexpectedly.

Sharon Taylor is a professional writer for eQUOTE Life Insurance eQUOTE is an excellent online resource providing online quotes for term life insurance to families in 42 states.

Planning a Trip and Enjoying

Planning a Trip and Enjoying Your Holiday - A Travel Check List
By Patrick Chong

Common wisdom tells us that a death of a loved one and moving house are the two most stressful events a person can go through in the modern world. Not being an estate agent or a funeral director, I can't really comment on either of these - but I do feel qualified to discuss another stressful area - planning a trip and preparing to go on holiday.





It's ironic that a period of the year designed to promote rest and relaxation can actually be the cause of the most stress and strain present for the entire year. Things are usually completed in a rush, there is a lot to organise and there's packing time to consider - and that's not even taking into account the stress families will go through looking after the kids during all of this! For this reason, I've written a useful holiday check list to ensure you don't miss any of the small things which have a tendency to turn into bigger problems while you're away.

Simply work through my holiday check list and travel with peace of mind:

Before you go (planning your trip)

• Always make sure you have full travel insurance, fit for the purpose of your trip and if you have an annual policy - check that it is still valid. Sometimes people who have purchased annual travel insurance forget to renew it, and assume they are covered whenever they wish to leave the country. Checking your travel insurance is right for the task can save you a lot of stress and tears in the long run, should the worst happen. It is also essential that you make your travel insurance company aware of any pre existing medical condition you have before you travel - although it may increase your costs in the short term, you may find yourself without cover if you later need to claim on such an illness without having warned them of it!
• If you're traveling within the European economic region, or in Switzerland, you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It's a common misconception that this is as good as travel insurance for giving you free health care, but it can entitle you to reduced costs, meaning you are not left out of pocket while you wait to be reimbursed on your policy.
• When planning a trip, make sure the vaccinations for both you and your family are up to date - especially if you're travelling outside of Europe. Your health care provider can advise you of any additional vaccinations you'll need depending on where you're going.
• Fill in the contact details at the back of your passport for the next of kin, or the details of someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Make sure you are aware of the immigration and custom laws of the country you are travelling to when planning a trip. A visa may take a little time to come through, so be prepared and allow enough time to complete this procedure. Also you should note that in many countries your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date you travel, so check this in advance.
• Tell someone where you are going and when they should expect you back. Try to leave an itinerary and details of where you may be able to be contacted during your time abroad, in case of emergency.
• If you are planning on driving in foreign climes, take your full driving licence with you. Make sure you are aware of the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions of your destination before you set off.

When you are there

• Be aware of security and take sensible precautions. If an area is advised against travelling to, the chances are there's a good reason for it!
• Keep a note of the local embassy, high commission or consulate number. Although the chances are you will not need it, it's always worth holding on to in the case of emergency.
• Stay in regular contact with your family and friends, especially if you are travelling alone. This will ensure they're always aware of where you are and should be, and can ensure they can contact you in the case of emergency.
• Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately. Although unlikely to cause disastrous problems, as a guest in a foreign culture, it's only polite to try and fit in.
  

On return

• Inform family and friends of your safe return, to end their worries and ensure no bogus emergency calls are made.
• If you need to make any claims against your travel insurance make sure this is done at the earliest opportunity, for maximum chance of getting a positive result.

I hope this travel check list has been helpful. Although planning a trip in this much detail may seem like a lot of hassle, dotting all the 'I's and crossing all the 'T's, it really is worth doing. In the end, following this holiday check list to the letter will ensure you are more relaxed and prepared to enjoy your holiday, and should the worst happen you'll be well equipped to deal with it.

Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of Journey's Travel. Their commercial travel insurance website, Insuremore, offers cheap travel insurance packages for families, singles, children and skiers with free cover against acts of terrorism and a quick and easy online claims feature.

Thank You Notes For a Funeral

Writing a thank you note is tricky enough, but even harder is mastering the art of sending a sympathy card. Still, writing a formal sympathy note to a friend who has lost someone close to her whether you are attending the funeral or not is a gesture that's always appreciated.



Source: dearsugar.com

How to Write "Thank You" Notes For a Funeral
By Lisa T

Writing thank you notes can be difficult for many people, since it is something that is not usually done everyday. Most thank you notes are written to acknowledge a gift given for a happy occasions like weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and such, however when it comes to showing gratitude for sympathy sentiments, the right words may be hard to find.

You may think, "This is such a difficult time, is it really necessary? Although it may be a hard thing to do, it is proper - and possibly therapeutic for some. If you are not sure who to send cards to, or what you should say, consider the following as a guide to writing thank you notes for funerals.

It is not necessary to send a thank you to each individual that attended the funeral services and it is usually not expected. You should acknowledge those who expressed their sympathies above and beyond visitation, such as sending flowers, making a donation to charity in the deceased's name, delivering food to the home, sending Mass cards, or handwritten condolences.

In addition to thanking people that expressed their sympathy, thank you notes should be sent to those who took part in the service or funeral, such as anyone who spoke at the service, clergy, pallbearers, and drivers.

Also sending a note to the funeral home, especially if they were extra helpful to you, is always appreciated. Due to their experience, they often provide guidance and support in areas that family is unable to do.

Thank you notes should be handwritten and mailed within a few weeks of the funeral. If you are not up to sending thank you notes that soon, consider enlisting the help of another family member or friend will help to lessen the burden.

Blank note cards or good quality stationery with matching envelopes are acceptable for writing the notes. Some funeral homes offer note cards as one of their services. If you are using pre-printed cards, you should write an additional sentence or two, for personalization.

If you are not sure what to say, start by acknowledging the particular sentiment, whether it was a flower arrangement, particular type of flower or bouquet. If it was food, even if you didn't personally eat it, thank them just for giving it. For money, which can be a little unusual and awkward, express your gratitude for their generosity during this difficult time.

Something as simple as, "Thank you for your expression of sympathy at this difficult time," will suffice for some notes.

Other ideas include thanking them for coming and letting them know how much their presence meant to you and your family; or if they are especially close, mention how much it meant to you that they were there for you and your family and how they have always shared in good and bad times. A nice touch would be to recall a memory of how that person touched the deceased's life.

Visit Sympathy Sentiments site and Blog for more help and resources on the subject of death and loss.

Fneral director

Funeral director is someone involved in the business of funeral rites. The job often entails the burial or cremation of the dead, as well as the planning and arrangement of the actual funeral ceremony.

Funeral Home Selection - Advice From A Licensed Funeral Directr
By Jerry R. Guy

Funeral home selection is obviously the first step and a vital part of funeral planning. Depending on where you live, this is sometimes predetermined for a family simply due to demographics or a family's longtime relationship with a particular firm. In more rural areas you may have only one or two facilities to choose from. Most larger metropolitan areas are usually served by multiple facilities offering vast choices and prices.



Photo: zaphoduk.com

ive in or near an area that has several funeral homes, I suggest you do some "comparison shopping" before you make a commitment. If your unfamiliar with the firms in your area, ask friends or other family members for recommendations. I advise calling three funeral homes (or at least two!) with questions about services desired and related costs. Beware,you may be shocked by the variation in prices and services offered.

It is not uncommon for people to be hesitate to call a funeral home and ask questions related to funeral planning, but they don't need to be. The Federal Trade Commission's "Funeral Rule" now mandates that all funeral facilities provide service and price information over the phone. Remember, reputable firms will always be happy to answer your questions over the phone. I would suggest avoiding any facility that is unwilling to provide this information to you.

This proactive approach to funeral planning will give you peace of mind and should go a long way in helping you to make sure you have made the right funeral home selection.

Jerry R. Guy is an active licensed funeral director and author. More information on how to save money planning funeral services can be found at his sites: http://www.integritypreneedsolutions.com/ or http://www.beforeplanningafuneral.com/

About Caskets

A casket or coffin is a funerary box used in the display and containment of deceased remains – either for burial or cremation.

Casket -- All You Need to Know
By Alan Ross

When we talk of caskets, we mean funeral caskets. The word casket is the derivative of Greek word kophinos. That explains why word coffin is in use is some parts of the world. To some Americans, there still exists a difference between a casket and a coffin. Coffin thus is a hexagonal or an octagonal box tapering at one end and used for burial. A simple rectangular box with split lid used for viewing the deceased is a casket.



Photo: itoncaskets.com

Cultural and Geographical Variance
Although, most of the countries practice almost one form in exclusivity, it varies in some others with individual cemeteries. Ornaments, stipple crosses and Masonic symbols which are collectively called as fittings and organized inside drapery customize caskets.

Judaism stipulates plain wooden caskets with no metal parts whatsoever with wooden pegs in place of nails. Japan and China prefers scented non decaying woods like cedar, sugi, cypress etc. Africans prefer caskets made in various funny shapes such as vehicles, airplanes etc.

Modern Caskets
Modern casket manufacturers have innovative and protective caskets on sale; for example airtight caskets with gasket beading on lids. But let you not get misled by the phrase protective caskets, no casket will preserve bodies instead it fosters anaerobic decomposition which means the decomposed and liquefied body tissues remain inside until they are exhumed.

You might have come across transparent caskets occasionally. These are made of acrylic or Perspex material and are refrigerated with battery operated units at their bottoms. No wonder, these are used as transit coffins when the bodies of deceased VVIPs or kept for more than a couple of days for public viewing.

Buying Caskets
Buying caskets can be a challenging ordeal that comes during trying circumstances. It can be a tremendous help to be informed about options and price ranges beforehand. You can buy a casket from a licensed funeral service provider or from a manufacturer. But you should be aware of, in your desperate minute is, some manufacturers don’t sell their produce directly but to licensed funeral homes. Funeral homes sell caskets to family members of the deceased person as a part of their funeral service.

US Federal Law, requires funeral homes to accept the caskets provided by the members of the deceased persons’ families. They are obligated to accept caskets even if they are delivered directly by the manufacturers and in both the cases the families will not be charged separately.
Did you know that the Bronze transit casket of JFK was later disposed off Delaware coast on the behest of Robert Kennedy?

Alan Ross is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Casket, Arthritis and One Stop Information

The Last Goodbye

The Last Goodbye
By Tim Connor

No one is immune in life to the sting of death of someone close to them. Sooner or later we all lose a loved one. This book is not about preparing for the death of someone close, the psychology of dying or coping with your loss. It is about life and all those moments and memories that you have left – before it, too, is your turn to pass from this world to the next.


Photo: chgs.umn.edu

Writing about the value of life after having lost my father recently and my mother last year might seem odd to some of you. But I can share with you that a few weeks ago, as I was driving from Charlotte to Cincinnati for my father’s funeral, the idea struck me to write this book. Was it a delayed message from my dad since I was not at his side when he passed away? Or was it me facing my own mortality as I head toward sixty this year? Don’t have a clue, folks. However, I know I felt this inner pull to write something that could be their legacy.

My dad was a great writer, but never wrote a book. He was a great orator and never gave a paid speech. Simply put, he was a great man who left behind so little and yet so much.

My mom was an accomplished seamstress, chef, gardener, bridge player, furniture re-upholsterer, artist – but her legacy in my life is not the meals she cooked or the roses she grew, but the fact that in her later life she demonstrated more courage than any human I have ever known. She suffered numerous ailments – from cancer to dementia – and she fought back again and again until her last breath.

My dad’s funeral lasted for only about an hour, but his life lasted for 87 years. What more fitting way to salute him and my mom than to share with you some of the lessons they taught me the past 60 years about life and all of its disappointment and promise.

If you have ever lost a loved one, I can feel your pain and your sadness as I write these words.
During my life, I have been one of the fortunate ones. I have lost to death only three people who were close to me - my mother, my father and a friend.

There is this tremendous sense of loss. Memories that can never be shared again… Experiences you will never be able to tell them about… Laughter that is gone… Love that is gone… Friendship that is gone… Nothing but this emptiness and sadness in your heart.

When a loved one passes away – whether too soon as a young child, or later during the prime of life, or old as a grandparent living to the ripe old age of 95 – the hole in your heart is the same. We miss what could have been and will never be again.

Why does death hurt the living so much? Why do we grieve for our loved ones who have gone to a better place?

Our grieving is often selfishness. We feel cheated, left behind or alone. Why did they leave us? Why did they do this to us? I cannot explain or rationalize the death of a young child because of a drunk driver or murderer running rampant through the halls of some high school or public place. I cannot understand why cancer takes the dear souls in our life, while drug pushers and financial scoundrels might get off scot-free. I can only tell you that there must be a reason. It may be too difficult for me to comprehend with my limited spiritual wisdom. My pain and confusion may occur because perhaps I have not yet come to totally believe in God’s master plan for salvation. I only know the pain is real.

Do not hide behind a fake smile. Send your departed loved ones your love and forgiveness. And then, move on. Yes, without them. You see, I believe my mother and father will always be with me because they both have a special place in my heart and my mind where each of them etched their lessons, personalities, love and dreams forever on the patchwork of my being. Our loved ones are not gone, just absent for a time. This book is about keeping the memory of your departed loved ones alive and active in your actions, decisions, beliefs and values. It is not about staying stuck in the past or agonizing over what will never be. It is about you, your life and your NOW and your future.

Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, relationship, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. Since 1981 he has given over 3500 presentations in 21 countries on a variety of sales, management and relationship topics. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com/.

Family Life Insurance

The Family Life Insurance provides life insurance for your spouse and eligible dependent children. With family life insurance, all of your eligible family members are automatically covered.

Family Life Insurance Companies
By Steve Valentino

If you have a family, having life insurance is a must. A good family life insurance company will help you plan for the future needs of your loved ones if something should happen to you. They will take into consideration the things that your family counts on from you every day like financial support including food, shelter, transportation, education, future plans, children, business, travel and retirement. A family life insurance company will make sure that your family is covered financially in the event you die prematurely. They will also take into account that most families have a double income these days. They will likewise encourage you to take out double coverage in the event your spouse dies unexpectedly. It is important to have adequate coverage for both earners because you depend on both incomes.




According to most family insurance companies, the average American family does not have enough life insurance. Most financial planners recommend that families have insurance coverage equal to five to nine times of the gross annual income of the household. If you have children, it should be close to nine times higher. As your family grows and your income increases, you need to review your coverage to make sure it meets your needs. Most online family life insurance companies will help you determine how much life insurance you need by providing worksheets and calculators for you to work with. They will also offer you options regarding costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations, and exclusions and underwriting information.

Life insurance protects those who depend on your paycheck -- your wife, children and quite possibly, your parents. If you die prematurely, life insurance can provide ongoing income to your dependents, until they are able to live comfortably without it. It can also provide emergency support for legal, medical and funeral costs should family savings not be sufficient to cover them.
Life Insurance Companies provides detailed information on Life Insurance Companies, Term Life Insurance Companies, Family Life Insurance Companies, Life Insurance Company Ratings and more. Life Insurance Companies is affiliated with Life and Health Insurance Agents.

Funeral Costs

The cost of a funeral is one of the three or four most expensive consumer purchases. Traditional Funerals can cost upwards of $15000. They definitely don't have to be so expensive, and there's no reason to believe that paying so much for a funeral is somehow a sign of love for the departed.

What You Need To Know About Funeral Costs
By Morgan Hamilton

It is undoubtedly true that when someone passes away it is a hard time for their loved ones. When preparing someone's funeral you should take into consideration the funeral costs and the many things that must be calculated into them. There is one requirement according to which the funeral homes are obliged to provide you with a detailed amount for the cost of the funeral. Unless funeral costs are taken care of they can lead to serious financial difficulties.



Photo: arlingtoncemetery.net

The financial situation of the deceased might not be good; so many years may pass until the bills for the funeral are paid off. All the funeral costs are given to the surviving family and relatives. Many people have life insurance which covers funeral costs.

The administration costs of a funeral cover the embalming, the staff needed for the funeral and the facilities used such as chapel, preparation room and reception room.

Another thing that should be thought about is transportation. The coffin should be moved from the chapel to service area and the transport should be previously arranged. Generally a limousine is used for the immediate family of the deceased but cars could also be rented for the other family members and the close friends of the departed. What is really expensive in a funeral is the coffin and a temporary grave marker. These are the merchandise costs that should be considered, as well.

It is true that you can save some money by purchasing cheaper markers and coffins, however most families feel obliged to honor the deceased with the very best that can be offered. There are other aspects which should be accounted; these are the cash disbursements; some money should be set aside for flowers. Apart from flowers, you might buy a cemetery plot which should be added to the funeral costs. Printing materials could also add up to the costs as you will need obituaries, invitations, announcements and a death certificate.

However, the main cost of cash disbursements comes from the headstone of the grave. Its price varies a lot and you can buy a cheap or a very expensive one depending on your finances. Other things which might be easily forgotten but should also be added to the funeral costs are guest books, honorariums and the price of food for the wake. When arranging a funeral most funeral homes will explain you all the different funeral costs and will leave you choose the best options for you.

Then they will make all the arrangements needed for the funeral. The funeral costs are different in the different funeral homes but they all include the many costs we mentioned above. This information might be helpful to you in case you have to arrange a funeral. After all, the funeral should run smooth and you have to pay the funeral costs but you should watch out that you are not financially burdened with unforeseen costs.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning religion and spirituality. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Funeral Costs

Wrongful Death Lawyers

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers
By Kevin Stith

Empathy, compassion, understanding, and quality are some of the qualities that are very important to look for when seeking out a wrongful death lawyer for your case. Loss of life is an irreconcilable fact. Every year numerous lives are lost in the United States as result of wrongful death. And good wrongful death lawyers provide many necessary and valuable services for that very reason.


Photo: nvo.com

A wrongful death is particular kind of a personal injury which is caused due to unfortunate accidents of many different types. Although some might say that these kinds of accidents were inevitable, it is the responsibility of a professional wrongful death lawyer to investigate the situation and present the case in the New York court system. Almost any kind of accident could have always been avoided. Personal injury caused due to wrongful death includes the following cases:

a) Medical malpractice (deaths caused by the wrong medical treatment)
b) Nursing home abuse (deaths caused by the improper behavior and ill-treatment of the patient in a nursing home)
c) Defective products (which cause injuries or even lead to the death of the consumer)
d) Auto accidents

The unexpected passing away of a loved one is not only tragic, but would also come with a lot of expenses such as hospital bills and funeral and burial costs. New York-based personal injury lawyers specializing in the field of wrongful deaths render great services to the relatives of the victims by helping them receive the maximum amount of compensation. Not only this, they are also able to make a claim of other expenses including lost wages.

New York Personal Injury Lawyers provides detailed information on New York Personal Injury Lawyers, New York Wrongful Death Lawyers, New York Mesothelioma Lawyers, New York Birth Injury Lawyers and more. New York Personal Injury Lawyers is affiliated with New York Personal Injury Lawsuits.

Silk Flowers

Silk Funeral Flowers
By Alison Cole

Consoling a bereaved family can sometimes be daunting; you might even feel helpless at realizing you’re not doing the right thing to comfort them. Good thing, there are flowers to help you out! Flowers are considered an excellent way to console one during their loss. You can send a set of funeral flowers to the bereaved family to show them your commiseration and support.




There are various funeral flower choices that are available. You may have selections of fresh flowers like roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, and carnations. These are the most common choices for funeral flowers. On the other hand, if you want a flower that can withstand a week or two of funeral services without withering; you may get silk funeral flowers instead. Silk funeral flowers can be made to look like real ones with the right arrangements; hence, they are widely used as an alternative for fresh arrangements.

Most flower shops and now offer choices of silk funeral flowers. You can choose from a variety of arrangements; wreaths, casket sprays, or floral stands. You can also have a silk funeral flower in different custom shapes like crosses, hearts, logos, angels, etc. Some silk funeral flowers may also be arranged according to the deceased’s profession or organization.

Flower shops and arrangers will let you choose what specific silk funeral flower you like to send; you’re free to choose the color, the kind of arrangements, the numbers of flowers, ribbons, and the size of the arrangement. You may also decide whether you like your silk funeral flowers arranged in a large vase or in a basket.

You may also arrange the silk flowers yourself if you have the right knowledge and a little craft in floral arrangements. There are web sites that offer information on silk funeral flower arrangements; these include information on choosing the right color, materials as well as how you’ll do the arrangements. Magazines about floral arrangements will also give you plenty of information about this. If you want otherwise, like most people opt for, you may contact the nearest flower shops in your area that offer silk funeral flower arrangements.

Funeral Flowers provides detailed information on Funeral Flowers, Funeral Flower Arrangements, Buy Funeral Flowers, Silk Funeral Flowers and more. Funeral Flowers is affiliated with Cheap Sympathy Flowers.