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Many people find it too uncomfortable to share their wishes for funeral and other arrangements when they die. They take their wishes to the grave and survivors are too distraught to know what to do. Don’t stick your survivors with that responsibility. Make decisions now about what you want to happen by joining a memorial society in your area. In one of these groups, you have group buying power to make funeral arrangements yourself ahead of time. And for a one-time fee of about $20 to $30, you’re a member for life. Check it out at funerals.org.

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Speaking of death, have you read historical perspectives of what people did when someone died? Traditionally, the family handled everything and the person was buried in the back yard. As the U.S. developed and cemeteries were built, death became more professionalized. Undertakers and mortuaries sprang up and started handling details. Well, now we’re headed in back in time. In 45 states, it’s legal to bury a loved one at home, according to the Washington Post. There are different rules for each state, whether it be the need for a coroner’s report or a permit. But "at home" burials have been legal for awhile. The five states where it's illegal are Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Nebraska and New York. It costs a lot less to handle a loved ones remains yourself, and some people consider it “more dignified,” the story said. If at-home burials are a bit much for you, be sure to join a memorial society and take the matter into your own hands.

Over the last ten years, cell phone rates have dropped drastically. Competition has forced prices to constantly decrease. Clark says that if you are not under contract, now is the time to shop the market. You can look at the rates various companies offer and pick the best one, and you don’t even have to lose your phone number. Kiplinger just put out a new list of websites that compares the rates of different cell phone companies. If you buy your phone from the company websites, it ends up being cheaper then buying it at the actual store. The best part of this story is that the companies with the best rates do not even require contracts.

Many employers are adopting procedures where they automatically enroll employees into a retirement plan. Others are increasing your contribution every year or every six months. And some are starting “rolling enrollments” where people can join anytime of the year. Clark thinks all of these are great. There is no reason for people not to contribute to a 401k plan and every reason why they should. It’s for our own good. Of course, the company is getting something out of it too. If not enough people are contributing to these plans, the company loses its opportunity to offer the plan. So, it’s about feathering their nests, too. This seems cynical, but it is still great because everyone wins. Do you agree with employers being able to force you into a 401k?

Many big banks are dominating the credit card business, and their fees are so high it's embarrassing. These astronomical fees are creating opportunities for smaller businesses and credit unions. A reporter for the New York Times called major credit card issuers and asked about the fees for using a credit card overseas. He said it was not easy to get answers, but the funniest responses were why the fees existed at all. The most honest answer was that the bank needed to make more money. The truth is that traditionally you are charged for the bankers buying rate plus a 1 percent conversion fee. Just remember that banks have to tell you the fees they charge for overseas charges or they can be sued. Several years ago banks started charging up to 5 percent for absolutely no reason. Clark wants you to find out your credit card’s conversion fees before traveling overseas. He says most smaller issuers and credit unions will not charge ripoff fees and to use those cards if you can.

A recent American Express survey shows that “affluenza” doesn’t only exist in wealthy households. According to the survey, Generation X (people ages 25 to 40) is spending money on prestige items like they're going out of style. That includes wine, clothing, beauty products and any industry has has "high-end" lines. Those between 25 and 40 spend much more money on those products than people in their 40s and 50s, even though the younger generation makes less money. About 20 percent of annual income goes to luxury items with this age group, and many don’t know where the money went. Be honest with yourself and think about whether you need to spend the money.

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In other spending news, The Wall Street Journal reports that Gen X parents are buying designer items that only last a short time. Included are a children’s “spa bathroom” and a children’s toilet that costs twice as much as a regular toilet. There are also special sinks that come in the shape of hearts, butterflies or tulips. Come on! The typical American family spends 30 percent of its net income on things that are not necessities. Don’t be broke when you retire. Save your money!

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a force to be reckoned with in the auto industry. The IIHS exists in part to reduce the cost of insurance claims to auto insurers. But the organization is also influential because of its reports on safety mishaps in cars. As a result, automakers are going to the IIHS and having models tested before they are manufactured in great quantities. It’s great for everyone involved because cars are safer for consumers and automakers escape scrutiny in the media. Automakers are literally redesigning their cars to be safer. In addition, Dateline NBC has broadcast crash test information from the IIHs for several years. On the program, you can see which cars you will most likely die in if you’re in if you’re in a crash. When you’re buying a car, knowing whether it’s safe or not is crucial. So, check the latest results from the IIHS Web site.