Q-      What is the purpose of a funeral?

A-      A funeral is a tribute to a life that has been lived. The funeral is actually for the survivors, 
as it helps them cope with their grief stages.          

Q-      Why are funerals so expensive?

A-      Although laws vary from state to state, the Federal Trade Commission is currently one 
of the regulating agencies overseeing funerals.
        It is now required of all funeral homes in the United States to itemize their funeral charges, 
and you, as the consumer, have the ability to put together the funeral that will suit both your 
        psychological and financial needs. Most all funeral homes will offer some type of a funeral 
        from under $2,000.00. It is YOU that decides what you will be spending.          

Q-      Is embalming necessary? 

A-      In New York State, embalming is not required by any law. But embalming may be required 
by the funeral home if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with open 
casket visitation.          

Q-      Is cremation the way of the future?

A-      Cremation is certainly on the rise. In many large cities, the shortage of grave space is
          creating a need to use cremation as a means of disposition, due to the high cost of
          cemetery space.  People have also changed their traditional values, and now cremation 
          is not considered any different than earth burial.          

Q-      I would like to have a traditional funeral, but with
         cremation as a means of disposition?

A-      Many people are under the influence that if they select cremation, then the only form 
          of memorialization is a memorial service. That is not true. You may have open casket 
          calling hours (wake), a funeral service in a church, or other traditional funeral options, 
          and still use cremation as a form of disposition.         

Q-      I hear that more and more people are pre-planning their 
         own funerals, is that true?

A-      Yes, Over the past ten years pre arrangement has been on an incline. There are many 
          reasons for this increase. One of the major reasons people do this is to relieve the 
          burden put on their survivors. The burden of deciding type of funeral, place of funeral, etc. 
        Another reason is price. Some funeral homes will guarantee that if you pre pay the 
        funeral now, you will NOT be charged an increase in dollars at the time of death. There 
        are basically three types of pre-arranged funerals:
        1)- The funeral is all arranged and paid for in advance
        2)- The funeral is all arranged and partly pre-paid
        3)- The funeral is arranged, and no money is transacted until the
              time of death. Either of these still let your wishes be known,
	      and relieve the burden put onto your survivors.

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Q-	What is required to become a funeral director or embalmer?

A-	Each state has their own rules and regulations, however most of the 50 states 
	will require at least the following. You should contact your state Department of
	Health for the specifics of your state.

	1- At least 2 years of college studies. This may be done in conjunction with a 
	school that is accredited as a Mortuary Science school and offers a degree program
	in Mortuary Science. Some prior college credits may be transferable, and in those cases,
	you may be able to complete your educational requirements in one year.
	Here is a website that shows most of the schools offering this program:
 
	http://www.abbottandhast.com/links.html#Education

	2- After completion of school, it will be necessary to successfully pass either
	a state board exam or the National Board of Funeral Service Examiners test.

	3- You must serve a period of residency or internship in a funeral home in the
	state in which you choose to become licensed. This residency may be 1 or 2
	years, depending on your state regulations.