Do You Think Funeral Home Directors Take Advantag of Vulnerable People?

United States
October 1, 2008 11:57am CST
OK This is not the most uplifting subject of the day but I had an experience yesterday that just really irritatd me and I wanted to get some opinions on it...So here goes: A friends mother passed away and she asked me to go the funeral home to help make arrangments with her so I gladly accomodated her. We were greeted very nicely at the funeral home and after they offered condolences it was right to the business. My friend was trying to stay within the realm of her mothers life insurance policy ($5000) and when she decided on a casket the man told her to be very sure. Then he proceeded to tell her all the advantages of the more expensive one and explained that she didn't want to get down the road and feel guilty about not choosing the best for her mother. I thought I was going to have to bite my tongue in half! The long and the short of the story is... we left the funeral home with my friend paying and extra $1500 above the life insurance money. I felt like that man took full advantage of her being in the state of mind that she was in. But I don't really want to say anything about it because she is dealing with enough on her plate right now. What would you do in the same situation?
2 people like this
2 responses
kerriannc
@kerriannc (4279)
• Jamaica
1 Oct 08
Why are you saying that this person took advantage of your friend. This person is a sale man and you know that once you go inside a place like that you should guard your thinking. Now your friend only has $5,000 even if the man take down earth and heaven she should have stick to her budget. Don't blame the man I can introduced you to a financial network that will enable you to answer what budgeting is really about. Never go back on your budget. The website is www.financiallysmartonline.com. There is also a blog on the WordPress network done by Cherryl Hanson-Simpson. She is a financial advisor. My friend no matter what situation you are in you should always have a level head so that things like these does not happen to you. You as a friend should has try and help to have a level head too.
fasttalker
@fasttalker (2796)
• United States
2 Oct 08
I am saying that this person took advantage of my friend because he made her feel guilty enough to buy something that had a higher price tag on it. Guard your thinking. When you are going through a traumatic event guarding your thinking just kind of takes a back seat. Her earth and heaven had come down at the time so maybe that was why she didn't consider her budget. Although the advice is appreciated I'm going to guess that a financial advisor is exactly who she DOES NOT want to talk to right now. I agree that you should stay level headed WHATEVER situation you are in but then there is reality and life just doesn't roll as smooth as the pen does on the paper. As a friend I did help her keep a level head. I guess that's all in how you define it huh? Thanks and Have a nice day!
fasttalker
@fasttalker (2796)
• United States
3 Oct 08
He made her feel guilty when he said to her "you don't want to get down the road and feel guilty about your decision".
nyumix
@nyumix (1658)
• Belgium
2 Oct 08
A business always want to take advantages. No matter what kind of business it is, unless it's social project. But social project also get sponsorship from somewhere to pay the worker's salaries of course.
fasttalker
@fasttalker (2796)
• United States
2 Oct 08
Any business is there to make money. But if they make money from one person and offend 10 in the process that will not do business with them. How beneficial is it for them? And I hate going to get my oil changed or any mechanical work. That's always a real treat!