Simple Funerals Blog

What is “preplanning” and how does it benefit me?

Preplanning is simply a matter of taking care of your funeral service details before the need arises. Today, more and more people are making the thoughtful decision to discuss their final arrangeme...
By William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

What happens to the money when we pre-pay our funerals?

In Pennsylvania, funeral directors are required by law to deposit in escrow or trust the entire amount of the monies received by the funeral director for future expenses. None of this money is avai...
By William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

“Grief is just love with no place to go.”

Although I have been a licensed funeral director for 27 years, families are still teaching me new things about love, death, and grieving. I was recently presented with a thoughtful quote that I had...
By William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

What happens if I die away from my hometown?

Although it is seldom that death occurs when traveling for business or pleasure, it occasionally happens.  The short answer to the question is, “Call the funeral director of your choice in you...
By William Spence
Friday, November 10, 2023

FEMA Funeral Reimbursement to End September 30, 2025

Since FEMA began accepting applications for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance in April 2021, the agency has provided nearly $3 billion in assistance to more than 438,000 people, with an average award of ...
By William Spence
Friday, June 2, 2023

The Queen's Funeral

Great Britain has demonstrated to the world in a royal manner the importance and power that ceremony and ritual provide to family and community when someone they love dies.  Across time and cu...
By William Spence
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Earth Day

The first Earth Day was organized in the United States in 1970 as a movement to recognize the environmentally harmful practices society was placing on the environment.  Since then, Earth Day i...
By William Spence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Previous Posts

How should I dress for a funeral?

In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in bl...

GoFundMe for Funeral Expenses

An unexpected loss can be devastating—not only emotionally, but also financially. Many people turn to GoFundMe and other platforms to raise money for funeral costs because they feel stuck. But usin...

What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?

As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...

Can I be buried on my own property?

According to the legal counsel of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania does not have laws restricting one from being buried on their own property. The legality of being buri...

What happens to money I pre-pay if you are no longer in business or you sell your business?

Nearly every person who pre-funds their funeral will ask this question, and rightfully so. It’s wise to know how your money will be invested and what safeguards are in place to protect it for its i...

What is meant by Green Burial?

Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the env...

Why are people of the Jewish faith buried so soon after death?

There are various sects of Judaism, each with slightly different customs and practices. Jewish funeral customs are based on their belief and understanding of life, death, soul (neshama), and afterl...