Look, I never thought I’d be the person writing about funeral homes, but here we are. My neighbor Sarah lost her dad last spring, and watching her scramble to find a decent funeral home at 2 AM while dealing with grief? It was heartbreaking. She spent three days calling around, getting transferred, leaving voicemails that nobody returned. That’s when I realized how little any of us actually know about this stuff until we desperately need it.
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So I started asking around. Turns out, over 73% of families pick their funeral home based on word-of-mouth recommendations rather than doing any real research. Makes sense – who wants to think about this stuff ahead of time? But after spending the last few months visiting these places, talking to families who’ve used them, and yes, making some awkward phone calls, I figured I should share what I learned.
My own grandmother passed away three years ago, and I wish I’d had this information then. We ended up choosing a funeral home based on a quick Google search because we were panicking, and while it worked out okay, I know we could have made a better choice if we’d known what to look for.
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Here’s what I found out about the tahlequah funeral homes that actually seem to care about families during the worst time of their lives.
TL;DR: Quick Overview of Top Picks
If you’re reading this because you need help right now and don’t have time to read everything, here’s the quick version:
- Hart Funeral Home – The one your grandparents probably used. Solid, traditional, won’t surprise you (good or bad)
- Reed-Culver Funeral Home – The fancy one that does creative celebrations. Costs more but they’ll make it special
- Dignity Memorial Network – Corporate but comprehensive. Lots of resources, premium prices
- Cherokee County Memorial – Really gets local culture, especially good for Native American families
- Green Country Funeral Services – Covers a lot of ground, good for families spread out across the region
- Oklahoma Heritage – Honest pricing, no frills, gets the job done with dignity
- Tahlequah Community – Small-town feel, they probably know your family already
- Stilwell-Tahlequah Cooperative – Good if you need flexibility between two locations
Comparison Table
| Funeral Home | What They’re Best At | How Much Stuff They Do | Cost Reality | Local Rep | What Makes Them Different |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hart Funeral Home | Traditional families | Pretty good | Average | Really solid | Been around forever, knows what they’re doing |
| Reed-Culver Funeral Home | Making it personal | Does everything | Not cheap | Excellent | Will throw a disco-themed funeral if that’s what you want |
| Dignity Memorial Network | Having resources | Does everything | Premium pricing | Professional | 24-hour helpline, guarantees everything |
| Cherokee County Memorial | Understanding local culture | Solid basics | Fair | Everyone loves them | Actually gets Native traditions |
| Green Country Funeral Services | Regional coverage | Good variety | Reasonable | Dependable | Serves multiple generations of families |
| Oklahoma Heritage | Being honest about costs | The essentials | Budget-friendly | Respected | No pressure, straight talk |
| Tahlequah Community | Knowing everyone | Personal touch | Fair | Part of the community | Feels like family helping family |
| Stilwell-Tahlequah Cooperative | Flexibility | Good coverage | Good value | Reliable | Two locations, shared resources |
What I Actually Looked For
Here’s what I tried to figure out about each place – though some were way more helpful than others in actually giving me information.
Choosing a funeral home when you’re grieving is impossible, but I figured if I could at least narrow down what matters, it might help. I looked at what services they actually offer (not just what their websites claim), whether the staff seemed genuinely caring or just going through the motions, what their facilities are like, how upfront they are about costs, and what people in town actually say about them.
The best places don’t just handle the logistics – they understand that you’re probably making decisions while crying, exhausted, and completely overwhelmed. They give you space to process but don’t leave you hanging when you need guidance.
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Fair warning: I couldn’t get inside all of these places to see their facilities myself. Some were handling services when I stopped by, and honestly, a couple just didn’t return my calls, which tells you something right there.
Hart Funeral Home – The One Everyone Knows
If you’re from around here, you probably already know Hart Funeral Home. They’re in that older building on Grand Avenue – you know, the one with the big oak tree out front that everyone uses as a landmark. They’ve been burying half of Tahlequah’s grandparents for decades.
What They’re Really Known For
Hart built their reputation the old-fashioned way – by showing up and doing right by families when it matters most. Their funeral directors don’t rush you through decisions or try to upsell you on fancy caskets. They just listen and help you figure out what makes sense for your family.
I talked to three families who used them in the past two years, and they all said basically the same thing: “They made a terrible time as easy as it could be.”
What They Actually Do
Hart handles pretty much everything you’d need – traditional burials, cremations, memorial services. Their funeral directors will walk you through the whole process, and they’re good at explaining things without making you feel stupid for not knowing funeral terminology.
They work with families on payment plans, which is something not everyone does. They also coordinate with local churches and cemeteries, so you’re not trying to juggle multiple vendors while you’re dealing with everything else.
The Good Stuff
The staff genuinely cares, and you can tell the difference between someone going through the motions and someone who actually wants to help your family. They’ve been doing this long enough that they’ve pretty much seen every situation, so nothing surprises them.
Their location is convenient if you’re in town, and parking isn’t usually a problem unless there’s something happening at the church next door. The building itself is traditional funeral home style – nothing fancy, but clean and respectful.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Their website looks like it was built in 2005, and getting information online is basically impossible. You have to actually call and talk to someone, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s frustrating when you’re trying to research options at midnight.
They don’t do a lot of the modern memorial stuff that some families want – no video tributes or elaborate themed services. If you want something really creative or non-traditional, you might need to look elsewhere.
How They Stack Up
Services: Really good – covers all the basics plus some
Staff: Really solid – experienced and actually caring
Facilities: Pretty good – traditional but well-maintained
Pricing: Average – not the cheapest, not the most expensive
Community Trust: Really solid – been around forever for a reason
What People Actually Say
The families I talked to consistently mentioned how patient the staff was and how they never felt pressured. One woman told me, “They let us take our time deciding everything, even though I know we were probably being indecisive.”
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The main complaint I heard was about getting information ahead of time – several people mentioned having to make multiple calls to get pricing details.
Money Talk
Hart uses pretty standard funeral home pricing, but they don’t publish it online. You’ll need to call or visit to get actual numbers. From what I could gather, they’re in the middle range – not bargain basement, but not premium pricing either.
For more information, visit Hart Funeral Home’s website or stop by at 1506 N. Grand Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464. Just call first – they’re not always great about answering the phone.
Reed-Culver Funeral Home
Reed-Culver is the fancy one everyone talks about, but fancy doesn’t always mean better. They’ve been around since the early 1900s, so they’re not new to this, but their approach feels way more modern than most places around here.
If your loved one was the type of person who’d want their funeral to actually reflect their personality instead of following some generic script, this is probably your place.
What Makes Them Different
Reed-Culver will throw a disco-themed funeral if that’s what honors your person. I’m not kidding – they’ve done backyard barbecue memorials, celebrations with live music, and other stuff that would make traditional funeral directors uncomfortable.
But here’s the thing: sometimes I think they try a little too hard to be different. Not every 85-year-old needs a celebration that looks like a music festival, you know?
What They Actually Offer
They do everything – traditional funerals, cremations, and those celebration-of-life services that are becoming more popular. They’re part of the Dignity Memorial network, which means they have resources that smaller places can’t match.
They offer a 100% service guarantee, which sounds good but honestly, what does that even mean? Still, it’s something most independent places can’t promise.
Their technology is definitely more advanced – online obituaries that actually work, memorial websites, grief counseling through some 24-hour helpline. Whether you need all that stuff depends on your family.
The Good Stuff
If you want something unique and meaningful, they’re probably your best bet in the area. They have the resources and creativity to pull off whatever vision you have for honoring your loved one.
The 100% guarantee thing gives some peace of mind, and being part of a larger network means they can handle complicated situations that might overwhelm smaller funeral homes. Their facilities are definitely the nicest I saw.
The Drawbacks
All those premium services come with premium prices. Reed-Culver typically costs more than the other places, sometimes significantly more.
The extensive options can be overwhelming when you’re already dealing with grief and trying to make quick decisions. Some families told me they felt pressured to add services they weren’t sure they needed.
The corporate network thing, despite local management, can sometimes feel less personal than true family-owned places. You might not build the same relationships with staff.
How They Stack Up
Services: Excellent – pretty much anything you can imagine
Staff: Excellent – professional and creative
Facilities: Excellent – nicest facilities in the area
Pricing: Costs more – but you get what you pay for
Community Trust: Excellent – long history, solid reputation
What People Actually Say
Families love the personalized services and creative options. One family told me Reed-Culver helped them organize a memorial that perfectly captured their dad’s love of fishing – complete with a lakeside service and fish fry afterward.
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The main complaints I heard were about cost and feeling overwhelmed by options. A few people mentioned feeling like they were being sold services rather than just getting help.
Money Reality
Reed-Culver is definitely in the premium pricing category. They offer payment plans and pre-planning that can help manage costs, but you’re going to pay more here than at most other places.
Learn more at Reed-Culver Funeral Home’s website.
Dignity Memorial Network Services
The Dignity Memorial Network is basically the corporate approach to funeral services. That can be good or bad, depending on what you need and how you feel about dealing with corporate policies when you’re grieving.
What They’re All About
Dignity Memorial’s thing is having resources that individual funeral homes just can’t match. They’ve got 24-hour helplines, extensive online tools, insurance assistance, Social Security help – basically anything you might need during the whole process.
What They Actually Provide
They’ve got all the standard services plus a bunch of extras: online planning tools, video tributes, memory books, reception coordination. The insurance and Social Security assistance can save families a lot of hassle during an already difficult time.
Their technology is definitely more advanced than most local places. Whether that matters to you depends on your family’s preferences and comfort level with digital stuff.
The Upside
The resources are impressive, and the 24-hour support can be really valuable when you’re dealing with a death that happens at 3 AM on a Sunday. The standardized quality means you know what you’re getting.
Professional grief counseling and comprehensive support extend way beyond just handling the funeral. Their financial stability means they’ll be there when you need them.
The Downside
Premium pricing reflects all those services, but not every family needs or wants everything they offer. The corporate structure can feel impersonal compared to places where you develop actual relationships with staff.
Corporate policies might limit flexibility in situations where independent funeral homes could accommodate special requests. Some families find the standardized approach doesn’t fit their specific needs.
How They Rate
Services: Excellent – comprehensive network resources
Staff: Professional – well-trained with corporate backing
Facilities: Really good – access to premium facilities
Pricing: Premium – you pay for all those resources
Community Trust: Professional – national brand with local presence
What Families Say
People appreciate the comprehensive support, especially for complex situations involving multiple locations or extensive coordination. The 24-hour support gets mentioned a lot in positive reviews.
Some families mentioned missing the personal relationships possible with smaller funeral homes. A few said they felt like they were dealing with a corporation rather than people who cared about their specific situation.
Cost Reality
Dignity Memorial is definitely premium pricing with comprehensive packages. Their resources and guarantees justify higher costs for families who value that level of support.
Cherokee County Memorial Services
Cherokee County Memorial gets something that a lot of funeral homes miss – they actually understand the community they serve. Their deep roots here give them insights into local customs that outsiders just can’t match.
What They Really Get Right
This place excels at serving Cherokee County’s unique cultural mix. They understand Native American traditions, local family dynamics, and the cultural stuff that makes this area different from anywhere else.
Their staff knows how to handle cultural requirements without making families feel like they’re asking for special favors. That cultural understanding goes beyond just accommodating differences – they genuinely respect local traditions.
What They Actually Do
They handle traditional burials, cremations, and memorial services with special attention to cultural requirements. Their pre-planning helps families prepare while their local connections ensure services respect family traditions.
They coordinate veteran services for military families and work with local churches and community organizations. The cultural accommodation isn’t an add-on service – it’s just how they operate.
The Good Parts
Strong community connections mean they understand family relationships and local expectations better than outsiders. Their cultural sensitivity isn’t performative – they actually get it.
Reasonable pricing makes quality services accessible to more families. The established presence means they’ve built relationships with local vendors, clergy, and community leaders.
What Could Be Better
Limited modern technology means fewer online tools and digital services compared to larger places. Their basic facilities are adequate but don’t include luxury accommodations.
Their limited online presence makes it harder to research services and pricing from home. Fewer premium options might disappoint families looking for elaborate arrangements.
How They Stack Up
Services: Really good – specialized cultural services with solid traditional options
Staff: Really good – understanding of local customs and traditions
Facilities: Adequate – traditional setting with what you need
Pricing: Fair – competitive regional pricing
Community Trust: Excellent – deep Cherokee County roots
What People Actually Say
Local families consistently praise Cherokee County Memorial for actually understanding local culture without families having to explain everything. One Cherokee family told me, “They just knew what we needed without us having to spell it out.”
The reasonable pricing gets mentioned a lot in a positive way. People appreciate not feeling like they’re being taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
Money Talk
Cherokee County Memorial operates in the middle pricing range, making quality services accessible while maintaining cultural sensitivity and personal attention.
Green Country Funeral Services
Green Country takes a broader regional approach that works well for families spread across multiple communities. They’ve served the same families through multiple generations, which creates a different kind of understanding about how families grieve and what works over time.
What They Do Best
This place specializes in serving families across the whole Green Country region with consistent quality. They often serve the same families through multiple losses over decades, so they develop real relationships and understand family preferences.
That multi-generational experience means they’ve seen how different approaches work for different families, and they’re good at helping you figure out what makes sense for your specific situation.
What They Actually Offer
They do flexible ceremony options that work for both traditional and contemporary families. Their pre-planning helps families prepare ahead of time, and they provide ongoing grief support after services are done.
They coordinate community events and anniversary services, extending their help beyond individual funerals. Their memorial products include both traditional and modern options for personalizing services.
The Good Stuff
Regional expertise means they understand community dynamics across Green Country. Their flexible approach lets families create meaningful services without being locked into rigid packages.
Strong community relationships give them access to local resources that enhance service quality. The multi-generational experience provides valuable perspective on what actually helps families through grief.
What’s Not Perfect
Limited cutting-edge technology means fewer digital tools compared to premium places. Their online services are basic, which can frustrate families who prefer handling things digitally.
The facilities are comfortable but don’t offer high-end accommodations. Limited specialty services might require working with outside vendors for unique requests.
How They Rate
Services: Really good – regional focus with comprehensive options
Staff: Really good – experienced with Green Country families
Facilities: Really good – well-maintained for various service types
Pricing: Fair – transparent pricing with multiple options
Community Trust: Really good – established regional presence
What Families Say
People appreciate Green Country’s regional knowledge and ability to coordinate services across multiple communities. Reviews mention the staff’s understanding of local customs and flexibility in accommodating family preferences.
The transparent pricing gets consistent positive feedback. Families like knowing what they’re paying for upfront.
Cost Reality
Green Country operates with moderate pricing across various package levels, providing good value while maintaining service quality throughout the region.
Oklahoma Heritage Funeral Home
Oklahoma Heritage strips away the complexity that can overwhelm grieving families. Their straightforward approach focuses on essential services delivered with dignity, making quality funeral care accessible regardless of your financial situation.
What They’re Really About
Oklahoma Heritage believes every family deserves dignified funeral services, period. They don’t do the pressure tactics or upselling that can make funeral planning even more stressful when you’re already dealing with grief.
Their approach eliminates the complicated packages and hidden fees that can surprise families when they’re most vulnerable.
What They Actually Provide
They do traditional funeral ceremonies and basic cremation services with simple memorial options. Their affordable pre-planning helps families prepare without financial strain.
The straightforward pricing eliminates hidden fees and surprise charges. Their essential grief resources provide support without overwhelming families with programs they might not need.
The Honest Truth
Affordable pricing makes quality funeral services accessible to more families. The no-pressure approach eliminates the stress of being sold stuff you don’t need.
Traditional service expertise ensures ceremonies honor established customs. Local community focus means they understand regional preferences and can accommodate specific family needs.
The Limitations
Limited modern amenities mean fewer contemporary options for families wanting updated facilities. Basic technology integration provides minimal online tools.
Fewer premium options might disappoint families seeking elaborate arrangements. Simple facility design is adequate but doesn’t offer upscale environments.
How They Stack Up
Services: Adequate – focus on traditional services with some modern options
Staff: Really good – knowledgeable about Oklahoma funeral traditions
Facilities: Adequate – classic funeral home with essential amenities
Pricing: Really good – budget-friendly without compromising dignity
Community Trust: Really good – respected for honest, straightforward service
What People Say
Families consistently praise Oklahoma Heritage for their honest approach and affordable pricing. Reviews highlight how the staff focuses on what families actually need rather than pushing expensive upgrades.
The traditional service quality gets positive feedback from families who prefer established customs without unnecessary complications.
Money Reality
Oklahoma Heritage operates with budget-conscious pricing for essential services, making quality funeral care accessible to families with various financial situations.
Tahlequah Community Funeral Services
Tahlequah Community operates more like a neighborhood institution than a business. They’re woven into the fabric of Tahlequah’s community life, understanding local family dynamics in ways that larger places simply can’t match.
What Makes Them Special
This place excels at being part of Tahlequah’s community rather than just serving it. Their staff knows local families, understands neighborhood dynamics, and provides personalized attention that reflects genuine community connections.
The depth of their local knowledge lets them anticipate family needs and provide support that goes beyond standard funeral services.
What They Actually Do
They provide personalized service planning that reflects individual family needs and community connections. They integrate with community events and accommodate local traditions while offering flexible payment arrangements for families facing financial challenges.
Their neighborhood-focused care extends beyond funeral services to ongoing community support. Basic online tools provide essential digital services while their local partnerships ensure comprehensive service delivery.
The Community Connection
Deep community integration means they understand local family relationships and can provide truly personalized service. Flexible arrangements accommodate unique family needs without rigid package restrictions.
Local knowledge and connections provide access to community resources and support systems. Community-appropriate pricing reflects local economic conditions while maintaining service quality.
The Trade-offs
Limited advanced technology means fewer digital tools and online services compared to larger places. Basic facility upgrades might be needed to meet some families’ expectations for modern amenities.
Fewer luxury service options might disappoint families seeking elaborate arrangements. Simple online presence provides minimal information for families researching options digitally.
How They Rate
Services: Really good – community-centered approach with personalized options
Staff: Really good – local staff familiar with community needs
Facilities: Adequate – comfortable, community-appropriate facilities
Pricing: Fair – pricing that makes sense for local families
Community Trust: Excellent – deeply embedded in Tahlequah community
What Locals Say
Local families appreciate Tahlequah Community’s genuine community connections and personalized attention. Reviews consistently mention how the staff knows local families and can accommodate specific needs without extensive explanation.
The flexible payment arrangements get frequent positive mentions from families dealing with unexpected financial stress.
Cost Reality
Tahlequah Community offers community-appropriate pricing with payment flexibility to accommodate various family financial situations.
Stilwell-Tahlequah Funeral Cooperative
The cooperative model brings some unique advantages to funeral service. Stilwell-Tahlequah combines resources from multiple locations to provide enhanced services while maintaining local connections in both communities.
What the Cooperative Does Different
This cooperative excels at providing enhanced resources through their shared service model. Families get multiple facility access and coordinated services across both Stilwell and Tahlequah areas, creating flexibility that single-location places can’t offer.
What They Actually Provide
The cooperative provides multi-location service availability with shared resource benefits. They offer traditional and cremation services along with pre-arrangement programs that leverage their cooperative structure for better value.
Cherokee Nation contract services make them particularly valuable for Native American families. Regional family coordination helps when services need to accommodate family members from different areas.
The Cooperative Advantage
Enhanced resource availability through cooperative sharing provides capabilities beyond single-location funeral homes. Multi-location convenience offers flexibility for families with connections to both communities.
Cooperative cost benefits can provide better value through shared expenses and resources. Regional service coordination helps families navigate complex arrangements across multiple areas.
The Cooperative Limitations
Less individualized attention might result from standardized cooperative procedures. Cooperative decision-making processes can slow response times for unique requests.
Limited customization options due to established protocols across multiple locations. Standardized service protocols might not accommodate all family preferences.
How They Stack Up
Services: Really good – cooperative approach serving both areas
Staff: Really good – shared expertise across multiple locations
Facilities: Really good – multiple facility access providing flexibility
Pricing: Fair – cooperative pricing structure offering value
Community Trust: Really good – long-standing service to regional families
What People Say
Families appreciate the cooperative’s resource sharing and multi-location convenience. Reviews highlight the value provided through shared costs and the flexibility of having multiple facility options.
The Cherokee Nation contract services get positive feedback from Native American families who need culturally appropriate services.
Money Talk
The cooperative operates with shared cost benefits through their cooperative pricing structure, providing value through resource sharing across multiple locations.
A Few Other Places Worth Mentioning
There are a couple other funeral homes in the region that serve specific areas or offer specialized services, providing alternatives for families with particular needs.
Roberts-Hart Funeral Home
Roberts-Hart has been serving Stilwell and surrounding areas since 1913, offering traditional and cremation services with pre-arrangement plans. Their contract burial services for the Cherokee Nation make them particularly relevant for Native American families seeking culturally appropriate services. Visit Roberts-Hart Funeral Home for more information.
Hart Funeral Home Main Location
The main Hart Funeral Home location provides foundational funeral services across multiple locations including Tahlequah and Stilwell. They maintain consistent service standards and established community presence throughout their service area. Learn more at Hart Funeral Home’s main website.
Questions You’re Probably Wondering About
What should I actually ask when I call a funeral home?
Start with the basics: what services they offer, how much stuff costs, and whether they can handle your preferred dates. Ask about their experience with your cultural or religious traditions, what’s included in their basic packages, and what extra costs might pop up. Don’t feel awkward asking about payment options – most places offer them, but you have to ask.
How much is this actually going to cost me?
Funeral costs in Tahlequah are all over the place depending on what you choose. Basic cremation might start around $2,000-$3,000, while traditional burial services typically run $5,000-$10,000 or more. Premium services with lots of personalization can cost way more. Always ask for itemized pricing so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Can they handle specific cultural or religious stuff?
Most Tahlequah funeral homes can accommodate various traditions, but their experience levels vary a lot. Cherokee County Memorial and Roberts-Hart have particular experience with Native American traditions. Always discuss your specific requirements upfront to make sure they can actually handle what you need.
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What’s the difference between funeral homes and crematoriums?
Funeral homes handle everything – body preparation, ceremony coordination, family support – while crematoriums just do the actual cremation. Most funeral homes work with crematoriums for cremation services, so you don’t have to deal with multiple places.
How soon do I need to call?
Call as soon as possible after someone dies. Most places can handle services within 3-7 days, but popular dates (especially weekends) fill up fast. For pre-planning, you can arrange stuff months or years ahead, which often gets you better pricing and reduces stress later.
Final Thoughts
Look, I hope you never actually need this information. But if you do, at least now you’ve got somewhere to start instead of frantically Googling at 2 AM like my neighbor had to do.
Here’s what I learned that might actually help:
- Be realistic about money – Funeral costs add up fast, and making emotional decisions can lead to spending way more than you planned
- Think about your person’s personality – Would they want something elaborate or simple and dignified?
- Make sure they understand your traditions – Don’t assume they know what’s important to your family culturally or religiously
- Don’t rush if you can help it – Take time to actually visit places and meet staff before deciding
- Ask about ALL the costs upfront – Hidden fees showing up later will just add stress to an already terrible time
- Pick somewhere convenient – Choose a place that’s actually accessible for family and friends
Remember that planning a meaningful service goes beyond just picking the right funeral home. One of the hardest parts for most families is writing and delivering a eulogy that actually honors their loved one’s memory. When you’re overwhelmed and emotional, finding the right words feels impossible.
For families struggling with this part, celebration of life planning resources can provide valuable structure and inspiration for memorial service planning.
That’s where something like Eulogy Generator becomes really helpful. The tool walks you through the eulogy writing process with personalized questions that help you remember important stories and organize your thoughts into something meaningful. Whether you’re dealing with writer’s block or just feeling too emotional to think straight, it provides the support you need to create a tribute that actually captures your loved one’s life.
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Bottom line: most of these places will do right by your family. The differences matter, but they’re not make-or-break. Trust your gut, ask about costs upfront, and don’t let anyone pressure you into stuff you don’t want or can’t afford.
And if you end up using one of these places, let me know how it goes – I’d love to update this based on real experiences from people who actually had to make these decisions.
