Funerals are a necessary part of life, but they can also be very expensive. The average cost of a funeral in the United States is over $7,000, and that doesn’t include the cost of a cemetery plot or headstone. For many families, the cost of a funeral can be a financial burden, especially if they were not expecting it.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of funerals. Here are some of the most common:
The cost of goods and services: Caskets, urns, cemetery plots, and other funeral goods and services can be very expensive. Caskets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the material they are made from, the size and style, and the features they include. Urns can also range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the material they are made from, the size and style, and the features they include. Cemetery plots can also be very expensive, especially in urban areas.
The cost of funeral home services: Funeral homes charge for their services, such as embalming, transportation, and use of their facilities. The cost of funeral home services will vary depending on the funeral home and the services that you choose. Embalming is a process that preserves the body after death. It is not required by law, but it is often required by funeral homes if you want to have a viewing. The cost of embalming typically ranges from $500 to $1,000. Funeral homes also charge for transporting the body to and from the funeral home, cemetery, and place of service. The cost of transportation will vary depending on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle used. Finally, funeral homes also charge for the use of their facilities, such as viewing rooms, chapels, and limousines. The cost of using the funeral home’s facilities will vary depending on the funeral home and the services that you choose.
The lack of transparency in pricing: Funeral homes are not required to disclose their prices upfront, and many families feel pressured to purchase expensive packages that they may not need or want. Some funeral homes may also use high-pressure sales tactics to convince families to purchase expensive services. This can be especially difficult for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
The unawareness of options: Many people are unaware of the different options that are available to them when planning a funeral. There are a number of ways to save money on a funeral, such as choosing a direct cremation or burial or using a green funeral home. Direct cremation is a type of funeral that does not include a viewing or funeral service. The body is simply cremated and the ashes are returned to the family. Direct cremation is a much less expensive option than a traditional funeral. Green funerals are funerals that are environmentally friendly. Green funerals may include using recycled materials, composting the body, or planting a tree in memory of the deceased. Green funerals are typically less expensive than traditional funerals.
How to save money on a funeral
There are a number of ways to save money on a funeral. Here are a few tips:
Shop around for a funeral home. Funeral home prices can vary widely, so it is important to shop around and compare prices before making a decision. You can get price quotes from multiple funeral homes online or by calling them directly.
Ask about package deals. Many funeral homes offer package deals that can save you money. However, it is important to read the fine print carefully and make sure that the package includes all of the services that you need.
Choose a direct cremation or burial. Direct cremation and burial are the two most affordable funeral options. If you are not interested in having a viewing or funeral service, then direct cremation or burial may be a good option for you.
Use a green funeral home. Green funeral homes offer environmentally friendly funeral services at a lower cost than traditional funeral homes.
Consider DIY options. There are a number of DIY funeral options available, such as home funerals and natural burials. DIY funerals can be much less expensive than traditional funerals, but they require more planning and effort.