WHAT PRICE DYING?

Funeral directors are often vague about what their packages cover. Some customers have been charged $1,000 for a paper-lantern offering. But it's hard to know if the services are fair even when prices are listed.

Experts offer the following tips to avoid being overcharged:

Ask what the package includes

Get recommendations from friends who have used undertakers

Don't give a big down payment if it isn't returnable

Get quotes from a few operators before making a decision