MoneyWise #564 - Preparing for Funeral Planning and Burial Planning with Kara Andrea and Alyssa Croteau

·52 min·5 clips

Ray Lance and attorney Mike Coleman discuss funeral planning with guests from Dignity Memorial, revealing why pre-planning is critical.

The episode begins with Ray Lance introducing the topic of funeral and burial planning, joined by attorney Mike Coleman and guests Cara Andrea and Alyssa Croteau from Dignity Memorial. They emphasize the importance of pre-planning to reduce family stress and provide documents like funeral instructions. Cara and Alyssa share their backgrounds, including education at Fine Mortuary College and roles as licensed funeral directors. The conversation explores industry trends, such as a shift from embalming to cremation, with only 60% of funerals now involving embalming. Personalization in services is discussed, including music choices like Tupac and unusual requests like passing out blackberry brandy. Ray shares a story about illegally scattering ashes, highlighting legal restrictions on ash scattering. The guests explain green burials, which use biodegradable materials and avoid chemicals. They detail services offered, such as celebrations of life, video live streams, and military funeral arrangements. Medicaid planning is mentioned as a way to prepay for funerals to reduce assets. The episode covers practical aspects, like costs, prepayment options locking in prices, and the process of cremation taking 10-14 days. Cara and Alyssa discuss their motivations for entering the industry, inspired by mentors and personal experiences. Regulatory differences in Massachusetts, such as restrictions on monument sales in pre-plans, are noted. The show concludes with encouragement for listeners to engage in pre-planning and contact the funeral homes for assistance.

As heard by us

A practical, steady look at cemetery space, cremation timing, and final-service choices.

Ray Lance and attorney Mike Coleman turn funeral planning into a practical household conversation with Alyssa Croteau and Cara Andrea of Dignity Memorial.

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Why you'd press play

You want funeral and burial planning explained plainly, with cremation timing, cemetery space, and whether a viewing can still happen before cremation.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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