Is the recession killing your business? The Hartford is partnering with Everest Funeral to offer funeral planning services to its group life customers. According to The Hartford's 2009 Benefits Landscape Study, 82 percent of employees say funeral planning, will preparation and estate planning services through their employer would be helpful. Moreover, while 94 percent of those surveyed said talking about end-of-life issues with their families is important, over half haven't done so.

The service, Life Conversations, features a comprehensive Web site that provides access to advisors at any time to answer employees' questions and direct them to appropriate resources. Funeral planning will be available at no cost.

The EstateGuidance program allows employees to create a will with the help of a licensed attorney. It is administered through ComPsych and is available for a fee.