Practical Funeral Planning Tools
Standardized worksheets, question guides, and calculators designed to protect your family's budget and legal rights under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Funeral Rule.
1. Itemized Funeral & Memorial Budget Worksheet (FTC Funeral Rule)
Compare written quotes from up to 3 providers under standardized federal pricing categories. All calculations are performed in real-time and saved privately in your browser.
| FTC Itemized Category | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Professional & Staff Service Fees | |||
| Basic Non-Declinable Services Fee | |||
| Transfer / Removal of Remains | |||
| Embalming (if selected / required) | |||
| Other Preparation / Dressing / Casketing | |||
| Subtotal: Professional Services | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| B. Merchandise & Containers | |||
| Casket or Alternative Cremation Container | |||
| Outer Burial Container (Grave Liner / Vault) | |||
| Urn / Keepsake Container | |||
| Subtotal: Merchandise | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| C. Cash Advance Items & Third-Party Fees | |||
| Certified Death Certificates | |||
| Cemetery Opening & Closing Fee | |||
| County Transit / Cremation Permit Fees | |||
| Subtotal: Cash Advances | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Estimated Grand Total | $0 | $0 | $0 |
2. First-Call Provider Question Sheet
When calling funeral homes or cremation societies for the first time, use these 6 questions to protect your rights and obtain honest quotes.
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, this covers basic staff time, filing permits, and coordination. Ask what is included versus billed separately.
Confirm whether mileage beyond a certain radius incurs additional per-mile charges.
By federal law, providers may NOT refuse or charge fees for receiving caskets purchased from outside suppliers.
Ask about daily holding fees if mandatory statutory waiting periods (e.g. 48 hours) delay disposition.
Under federal law, funeral directors must disclose prices over the phone and provide price lists.
Ask about death certificate filing fees, cemetery opening/closing fees, and clergy/officiant honorariums.
3. Certified Death Certificate Quantity Calculator & Document Checklist
Most institutions (banks, insurers, courts) require official certified copies with a raised registrar seal. Use this calculator to estimate the exact number to order upfront.
How Many Certified Copies Do You Need?
Tip: Ordering certified copies through the funeral director during initial vital registration is typically faster than ordering subsequent copies through the state vital records office.