What the Experts Say About Us
“Our investigation shows you will probably pay top dollar for a pre-paid funeral. There are much better ways to plan in advance…Consider contacting non Profit funeral consumer groups…The Funeral Consumers Alliance is one place to start.” Consumer Reports, May 2001, page 30.
“The most effective way to hold down the costs of these arrangements, and to improve the chances that your wishes will be carried out, is to join the (Funeral Consumers Alliance) in your area. You pay a one-time fee to join and can list your wishes and get negotiated prices for caskets and burial or other services. You set the budget and pick what you want. When you die, your family goes to the funeral home you designated and they pull the file specifying your arrangements and pre-set costs. The funeral homes are willing to give great prices to the Memorial Society in exchange for the high volume of business generated by their membership.” Get Clark Smart, The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich from America’s Money Saving Expert, by Clark Howard, Hyperion, 2001, page 86.
Funeral Advice You Can Trust
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Orlando is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to helping our neighbors make funeral arrangements that are dignified, meaningful, and affordable.
Our dedicated volunteers can help you make informed choices about funerals, memorials, cremations, burials, and other services. We survey local funeral providers, recommending those who provide the best value to our members and support our philosophy of pre-planning, but not pre-paying, for merchandise and services. We are not funeral directors and we do not sell funeral services. We maintain our independence as strong consumer advocates.
The FCA was founded in 1963 as the Funeral and Memorial Society. We changed our name in 2001 to emphasize our consumer focus. We are one of 200 similar groups supported by a national office in Vermont. This allows reciprocal arrangements for members vacationing or moving nationwide. For more information, call 407-677-5009, email fcago63@yahoo.com, or visit www.funerals.org.
How You Benefit
You control what happens after you die by pre-planning.
You pay a lower cost for your funeral without being locked in to the expense and risk of a pre-paid funeral plan.
You learn about dignified alternatives to excessive funeral displays.
You know your rights and have the opportunity to support consumer friendly legislation to regulate the funeral industry.
Through our newsletters and meetings, you receive regular updates on issues that are important to you, including news of funeral providers who are disciplined by state and federal regulators.
You have the satisfaction of being part of a group that promotes fair choice and satisfaction within the funeral industry.
Members Receive
- Funeral planning information for the Greater Orlando area, including regular surveys of funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoriums.
- Referral to a Licensed Funeral Director who will provide members with discounts without pressure for pre-payment or purchase of costly extra merchandise.
- Membership wallet card.
- Newsletters and invitations to FCA meetings. To lower costs these are sent by e-mail whenever possible.
- Speakers who will visit your church or neighborhood association at no cost to you.
- Advice on how to deal with a funeral home when you change your mind about a pre-paid plan.
- Education on simple burial and cremation practices, such as how to build your own casket or container and how to have your own funeral.
- Optional informative pamphlets and books at reduced prices.