In the United States, the average cost of a simple funeral service is now over $5,000. If you are hoping for a more elaborate affair for yourself or a loved one, you can expect to pay between $8,000 and $10,000, possibly more. For most families, this is an unexpected expense that they cannot afford. It’s unlikely they have that much money waiting for them in a savings account. When you want to say goodbye, you don’t want to consider the expenses, but it quickly becomes a necessity. Fortunately, there are things you can do now to help save on the cost of a funeral later.
Planning Now Can Help You Save Later
One of the best things you can do to prevent becoming overwhelmed by funeral costs is purchasing funeral insurance. These policies are available at a low monthly cost and cover the cost of the funeral. Just as importantly, though, they require you to do some pre-planning for your final goodbye. You’ll meet with a funeral home and discuss what you’d like for your funeral, including your final resting place and other elements of the ceremony. Many funeral homes offer a discount for pre-planning, helping you save money while also getting an accurate estimate of the final costs for insurance purposes.
Other Tips to Help Lower Funeral Expenses
- Don’t be afraid to talk to multiple funeral homes for comparison purposes. Not all funeral homes offer the same services nor do they all charge the same price. You may find a place that offers the kind of service you would want at a better price.
- Consider how much a casket matters to you. For some people, it doesn’t matter how nice their final resting place is going to be. For others, this matters a lot. There is no right or wrong stance here, but the casket can be a huge expense. Decide what matters to you on this topic and set a budget for it before you speak to the funeral home.
- Also carefully consider your headstone, another major expense. Flat markers are typically the most affordable. Traditional headstones can cost up to $10,000 depending on the material and design. Shop around and be sure to look online for potential cost-savings.
- Know where some of the additional expenses come from. Declining embalming and having a closed-casket service can help you save money, but some families prefer to see their loved one when they are saying goodbye. Additionally, having the funeral at someone’s home might make the ceremony more affordable, but it might leave bad memories for the loved ones in that home later on. Weigh the pros and cons of cutting these expenses before you decide.
The bottom line is this: decide what matters to you, then shop around. The funeral industry varies widely when it comes to costs, and you might find the same thing down the road at a much more affordable rate.
We’ll Help You Make Sure Money Isn’t the Issue
Whether you are planning for the end of your own life, money shouldn’t be an obstacle. You should have the ceremony you want to celebrate your life. Midgard Life Insurance Services can help ensure your family and friends have the funds required to carry out your final wishes. We’ll work with you to plan your funeral ahead of time and work with the funeral home directly after your passing to make sure everything is paid for in a timely manner. You deserve to have the goodbye you want; we’ll help you make sure it happens. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about our services. You can give us a call or contact us through our website.