Some basic rules for funeral etiquette:

1. Most important is to show up, it shows you care.
2. Be dressed properly, suit, dark colors, this isn't a party.
3. Proper demeanor. Again, this isn't a party. Voice low, don't monopolize the bereaved.

In the past there have been some challenges with a number of funeral annuity policies which were under-capitalised,, and subsequently collapsed. It has come as a tragic shock to families, who were at first profoundly touched to find their loved one had made advance provisions for their funeral, only to become further devastated to learn that the policy is worthless. These were policies which were often sold by national chain funeral directors. Or, in some cases, independent funeral directors, who operated under license from corporate organizations.

There were also some funeral directors who offered individual pre-pay schemes where the funeral director was paid in installments in advance. However, further problems arose when the funeral home went out of business, filed bankruptcy, or was sold. In the case of those that were sold, in almost every instance, the new owners would tell the bereaved that their purchase of the funeral business did not cover any agreements made with the previous owners. The bereaved would discover after lengthy and costly legal action that the previous owners had no assets remaining to reimburse the beneficiaries.

Another important consideration regarding pre-paid funeral plans is regarding disbursements and equipment caps. In almost every case, the 'pre-need' policies, as they're called in the funeral industry. have caps on the amount of disbursements made on behalf of the funeral. This includes, to name a few: Document fees, coroner costs, private ambulance services (such as the removal of the deceased), crematory fees, cemetery plot, opening of grave, vault, memorial stones, etc. Again, these policies vary greatly by country and even by province, state, or county.

Another consideration is that the pre-need policies are seldom interest-bearing. It is merely paying the current fixed-cost as advertised, where a general assurance is made that as costs spiral upwards, the beneficiary is protected. It's deeper within the policy that it's revealed that disbursements can often represent fifty-percent of the entire funeral cost. In the states, it may also have caps on the coffin cost - one of the highest profit centers for funeral directors, where special attention is given towards the encouragement to purchase what can only be described as ludicrously extravagant coffins or caskets under the guise of burying a loved one in a manner, which represents 'their, or the deceased's standing in society.'

It must also be considered that with pre-need policies, should the policy not have been paid in full before the death of the policy owner, it is most probable, (as explained in many policies), that survivors will be reimbursed only the premiums paid, (less a nominal handling fee), or it may be abandoned altogether, with no credit given, leaving you to start from scratch, as if a policy never existed. (This has often been prevalent where there are no other funeral homes within a fifty-mile radius).

Many financial advisers, (again, depending on country of residence variables), suggest arranging a wholly separate investment account for the specific purpose of a funeral. Some countries offer tax credits or deductions for these policies.

In almost every instance, it may be most prudent to keep the investment of any finances wholly separate from your proposed funeral home. Many staff are offered lucrative incentives for referrals, sale of policies, and many other elements, such as coffins, caskets, flowers purchased through the funeral director, printed materials, such as service sheets, etc. And particularly in the USA, larger funeral homes have taken the 'one-stop-shop approach whereby they are selling (pushing), the holding of wakes or gatherings on their premises, where they will sell you extravagant packages featuring catering, memorial booklets, drinks, and, of course, presentation of the deceased, replete with their very own funerary 'tonsorial' and make-up artists! So remain aware of your options.

In reference to an earlier answer provided herein; if there is proof of a policy set aside for payment of the funeral, most professional funeral directors are happy to deal with the solicitor/executor & attorney, for settlement of the account. In almost every instance, even when an estate must go to probate, provisions exist in law, for the executor to settle the funeral debt in advance of any other disbursements during the general waiting time expected with most probate issues.

One of the greatest gifts anybody can leave their loved ones is a clear and concise outline of their funeral requests. This should even include specific requests about music, wakes, printed materials, burial vs cremation and if cremation, the disposition of cremains or ashes. (such as; are you happy to have your cremains 'apportioned.' (divided up so as to be given to different persons or for different purposes). (Some religions strictly prohibit this).

Remember: a funeral home is a business, not a public service. And a business exists to make profits for its shareholders. The only opportunity the funeral director has to maximize profits is at a time when the bereaved are at their most vulnerable, and often decisions are made out of a range of shock, despair, guilt, or a touching - if not possibly even social pressure to match what others have done within the local community. Taking those difficult tasks out of the hands of your loved ones will mean more than you can ever imagine.

And consider, as a gift to your loved ones, a mandate that your remains should not go to the hands of a funeral director at any point, but should be donated to medical science, or a donor service. Your shell will indeed be cremated in due time and the cremains sent to your family, where, should they wish, may hold a brief strewing service, either interring your cremains as a base for a rose bush, or strewing them in a favorite area.

Then considering including a mandate that the funds that would have been spent for all your spectacular coffins, hearses, and traditional funerary accoutrements, instead be used for a family holiday - such as a cruise or a re-enactment of a particular holiday you and your loved one(s) once enjoyed together.

Answer

It depends on whether you have other life insurance set up, as well as prearranged burial. If you have no life insurance, I would strongly advise a burial policy, since the cost can range from 5 to 10 thousand (USD$), without even being extravagant. Another alternative is to prearrange all of the funeral elements directly with your local funeral homes. Even with prearranged burial, having some life insurance can be a good thing, as it will help defer medical expenses and estate tax.

Answer As stated above, if there is no other insurance in place at all then a policy to cover funeral and burial costs is a prudent idea. However, there may be reasons to add this coverage even if you have other policies in place.

This type of policy is generally for a relatively small amount of money and most funeral homes will take the endorsed policy as payment for services. Any remaining funds would be returned to your heirs or any deficit would need to be paid by them.

If you have a $500,000 policy it could take some time to get those proceeds and no funeral home would generally take a policy in that amount. Consequently that would require that your heirs pay for everything out of their own pocket. If that may be problematic for them then this could be a good addition.

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It is highly advisable to a candidate that he or she must write a Thank You note after getting a interview. It will give a positive impact on the company's interview panel and they consider this a respect to company. Here I a given you an example as a reference.

The following is a sample interview thank you note after phone interview:

Mr. Henry

Director of Human Resources

ABC Company

876 Central St

New York, CA 90010

Dear Mr. Henry:

Thank you for taking the time on __________ to discuss the Software Engineer vacancy at ABC company. I have enclosed my resume, as you requested for further consideration.

I have an excellent knowledge and skills in the full life cycle of software design process including requirements definition, prototyping, proof of concept, design, interface implementation, testing, and maintenance. I'm also familiar with financial software products.

I suggest a personal interview to discuss further my qualifications. I can be available at your suitable time and day. I will look forward to hear from you soon. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Job Seeker

• No. Although some wakes have the option to make donations to a certain cause (if the cause of death being heart problems there may be the option to give donations to the organization/institute or a place such as the retirement home).

• No. The reason for a wake is so friends and acquaintances of the family can offer condolences. In most religions/cultures it is viewed as a sign of respect.

• Usually, some will give money at a wake. But I am Vietnamese and in Vietnamese culture the family does not accept the money no matter what.

• There is no specific etiquette governing this courtesy and offering of assistance and respect due too varying customs, religions and traditions. However, it does present the best opportunity to extend assistance to the family to help defer the cost and show respect in their time of need for numerous reasons and comfortably remove any embarrassment for the family.

• It is important that one respect the culture of the family and if you are unsure then contact the family or research that particular culture as to how they had a funeral or wake.
• I come from an Italian family and it seems to be something that the older generation does but it has been fased out for my generation. For example, when my grandmother died two years ago, all the little old ladies brought my dad a check. Noone under 80 did. My dad explained to me that this was way before insurance policies and things like that, so everyone would bring the family money to help with funeral costs and to help the family get by in the coming weeks.

• People need to realize how expensive funerals can be. The wake (flowers, venue, limo), casket, burial land, burial cost, grave stone... all cost money. When my grandma died, it cost almost 20k, not including extra money the family is spending in their grief. We tried to be thrifty, but some things you HAVE to spend more on like gravestones and land. Most families do not have spare money to cover these costs. I suggest you give $25-$200 per person in your family or as much as you can. Do not ASSUME it's not proper to give money or condolences and food are enough for the family. If you were in the same situation, you would be grateful for having friends and family help you honor your loved one. If the family won't accept it, respect them and donate it or bring flowers.

Only if they really need it. If the father for example dies without life insurance and he was the family's breadwinner, you should give them a little cash discreetly in a card. Otherwise just make a donation to charity in their name or send flowers.

In areas of the country it is not normal to give money to the family. Where i grew up in the Bronx it was the custom to help the familt out. One person is chosen to be the receiver( for lack of a better word) who would accept every ones regrets. When my father-in-law passed i was chosen to be the receiver, in the 2 nights of the wake grieving friends and relatives expressed their regrets to the tune of close to $25,000, which was duly noted in the family book of who gave how much for what and future donations we would reciprocate in due time . but other people give food for the after funeral meal and family reunion

Donations

In some cultures it is customary indeed to donate food and money to the family of the deceased. I believe Muslim Africa is one of these regions. In some parts in India it is customary for the family (other than the immediate next of kins) to cook food for those who come and attend the funeral.

Well in some countries like in the Philippines, people who goes to the funeral usually gives donation to help the bereave family. :)