The average funeral costs about $7,000. For many families, this cost is a significant burden. If a loved one recently died, or you're thinking about your own funeral arrangements, you want to know how you can bring these costs down. Here are five ways to lower funeral expenses:
1. Comparison shop
Not many people know that you can comparison shop when it comes to funeral services. Contact several different funeral homes and ask to look at their packages. Funeral expenses can vary quite a bit among homes in the same area. Ask the funeral home if they offer discounts. Some funeral homes offer a significant discount if you order the casket online.
2. Funeral Prepayment
If you're already planning your own arrangements, paying funeral expenses in advance saves your family a considerable amount of money. You will pay today's funeral prices, which saves money on inflation. Many funeral homes offer discounts and bundles for prearranged funerals. A prearranged funeral will also make it much easier for your family to cope emotionally at the time of your passing since they won't have to deal with the stress of making arrangements.
3. Choose a low cost casket
Caskets and urns can increase funeral expenses considerably. If you have a budget to stick to, ask to see low priced models. Inexpensive caskets are just as nice and durable as some of the more expensive ones. The difference in caskets is down to the material they are made out of. You don't need a comfortable or fancy casket to be buried. Online retailers also offer cheaper models for you to choose.
4. Cremation
A cremation can save you a significant amount of money. Cremation costs run about $1,550. If you forgo a casket rental and viewing, cremation costs as little as $550. If you choose to pay a little more, your family can still have a complete service. The costs will still be much cheaper than the average funeral since expenses such as embalming, burial plots, and hearse rentals won't be included.
5. Forgo the funeral service
Some families find funeral services to be too formal. These families choose to have celebration of life ceremonies at the deceased's home instead. A celebration of life ceremony can be much more intimate, informal, and can better reflect the personality of the loved one who has passed. These celebrations include food, drinks, and stories of the loved one's life. The deceased is buried on private land, in a cemetery burial plot, or is cremated. This is also a wonderful time to bring the family together to scatter the ashes if the deceased loved one is cremated.
These are five tips to decrease funeral costs. If you need more information, contact your local funeral home.
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