another common question is whether burning or offering hell or ghost money for our ancestors works? We see much of this practice during the 7th lunar month Ghost Festival.
Master Sheng Yen gives his discourse on this:
Burning ghost money is not a part of Buddhist culture, nor is it a Buddhist belief. This is a part of Chinese culture that has more of a comforting effect rather than any substantial use for the dead. Therefore, Buddhism advocates reciting the Buddha’s name, preaching the Dharma or reciting the sutras for the deceased, to enable them to become detached, let go of the suffering, and be reborn in the Buddha’s Pure Land.