Joshua Slocum

Joshua Slocum, ­executive director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a nonprofit ­consumer-rights organization based in South Burlington, Vermont. Funerals.org

Cremation Has Become Popular—Here’s What You Need to Know
Family

Cremation Has Become Popular—Here’s What You Need to Know

Joshua Slocum | May 1, 2021

Understanding the process and the costs of cremation can save you money.

How (And Why) To Arrange Your Own Funeral
Family

How (And Why) To Arrange Your Own Funeral

Joshua Slocum | March 8, 2017

Most people don’t want to think about their own death, much less plan their own ­funeral. But thinking through your…

Questions to Ask a Funeral Director
Family

Questions to Ask a Funeral Director

Joshua Slocum | June 5, 2016

Six questions to ask funeral directors when you need to select a funeral home for a loved one… Is embalming…

Prepaid-Funeral Scams

Prepaid-Funeral Scams

Joshua Slocum | November 4, 2013

Some well-meaning people purchase prepaid-funeral contracts so that when they die, their heirs won't have to pay their funeral expenses.…

Secrets to Keeping Your Teeth Forever
Family

Secrets to Keeping Your Teeth Forever

Joshua Slocum | August 6, 2012

Brushing and flossing aren't enough By the time we reach middle age, most of us have had a few root…

Go Your Own Way: Eight Alternatives to a Traditional Funeral
Estate Planning

Go Your Own Way: Eight Alternatives to a Traditional Funeral

Joshua Slocum | June 6, 2012

When a loved one dies, his/her relatives, friends or estate often pay upward of $10,000 for a "full-service" funeral without…

If You’re Considering Cremation…Don’t Get Tricked Into Overpaying
Estate Planning

If You’re Considering Cremation…Don’t Get Tricked Into Overpaying

Joshua Slocum | May 11, 2012

Cremation can cost $1,000 or less in most regions, a fraction of the price of a simple burial, which costs…