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The information provided on this site is, necessarily, couched in generality. Prices vary by region and the amount of competetition among the funeral homes in each area. For the best source of information and price comparrisons in YOUR area, we highly suggest you contact the nearest Memorial Society. Besides getting the 'inside skinny' on what funeral homes are up to locally, these societies offer a depth of understanding and preparedness second to none.
To quote Lisa Carlson, Executive Director of the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America (FAMSA) and author of the book Caring For Your Own Dead;
"Memorial societies have a wide range of funeral planning information that will help to reduce funeral costs. Active societies have done an area funeral price survey and can provide an up-to-date price comparrison. Some have been able to negotiate a discount for members with cooperating funeral homes. Membership is reciprocal, so if death occurs in another state, the benefits (such as a discount and price information) are available to the travelling member.Membership in a local society helps to support various efforts to protect the consumer's right to choose a dignified, meaningful, affordable funeral. Membership also supports the national memorial society, which lobbies to improve those rights while monitoring the funeral industy. It is a clearinghouse for inquiries from media and individuals."
To locate a memorial society near you, go to our SOURCES page and click on FAMSA. FAMSA currently has a membership approaching half a million, which means 99%-plus do NOT belong to one! Smart consumers and caring families should act in concert to change this since there is strength in numbers.
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