More options

Many people think cremation limits your funeral options, but it actually gives you more choices. With cremation, you can still have a funeral or memorial service of your choice, either with the body before cremation or without the body after cremation.

And, after the cremation process there are options on what to do with the remains, including scattering, being kept by the family, placed in a mausoleum or columbarium niche, or buried in a cemetery plot or on your own property depending on local ordinances.

Personal memorials can also vary, but could include an urn, plaque, headstone, a simple marker or nothing at all.?

Savvy tip: If you're having a viewing or a funeral service before cremation and want a casket, ask the funeral home if you can rent one for a small fee.

Preplanning

To assure your final wishes are honored and to prevent your loved ones from having to make decisions and arrangements at the time of your death, you should choose a cremation provider (most funeral homes provide cremation services) and prearrange your cremation and funeral or memorial service.

The prearrangements should also be noted in your will and advance directive (if you have one), and be sure to tell your family and clergy.

Also note that preplanning doesn't have to include prepaying, so be very careful before you put any money down. To help you locate a cremation provider in your area, look in your local yellow pages under "cremation" or "funeral" or visit www.cremation.com.

Savvy resource

Funeral Consumers Alliance ? A nonprofit consumer protection organization that provides free publications on cremation and funeral planning, and can answer all your cremation questions.

They can also put you in touch with your area memorial society, which offers consumer information and referrals to local cremation providers. Call (800) 765-0107 or visit www.funerals.org.?