Introduction
Funerals are a costly process, from selecting the right home, casket, cemetery, and even the sendoff option. Although cremations are slightly less expensive, it does not eliminate the difficulty of an already painful experience.
Funerals Are Costly Process
The average funeral cost in the U.S can range from 6000 $ to as high as 12000$. This cost is associated with the preparation of the body as well, acquiring the casket, and other service fees. The cemetery and monuments are charged separately, so the average price may be higher. Researching and planning can reduce unnecessary stress for you and your family.
Organizing a burial may be one of the most emotionally draining experiences a family can go through. Having to make financial decisions while in mourning may not be easy, and as such some funeral homes may take advantage and charge hefty prices, knowing that the family wants to get the process done. It is just as important to price shop for funeral costs to ensure one is getting the best prices and is aware of all the options before making a decision.
Saving on funeral costs.
So, how can you save on funeral costs and ensure you are getting a fair price? Take a look at the alternatives below:
Reaching out to several funeral homes.
Price shopping for other materials outside the funeral home.
Review embalming costs and ways to reduce or avoid them.
Holding the burial ceremony at a private location.
Reaching out to some funeral homes.
Funeral homes are obligated to provide you with an average price for their services. Asking around and considering several options can help you make the best choice for your family.
Price shopping for other materials outside the funeral home.
Families can shop for items such as caskets outside the funeral home and acquire them at fair prices. Outsourcing this from third parties can give families an option for a decent ceremony without breaking the bank.
Review embalming costs and ways to reduce or avoid them.
There are no states that expressly require embalming as a necessary step during the preparation of the body. Doing your research to identify alternative options could save on costs, however, you may have to consider that this may reduce the time between death and disposal.
Holding the burial ceremony at a private location.
The memorial services offered by funeral homes may be an unnecessary charge if a family has an option to hold the ceremony at a private location that will be just as good and less costly.
The funeral rule.
To decide on the best funeral option for you, it is important to weigh the costs associated with each as well-being be aware of your rights beforehand. Under the funerals rule by the Federal Trade Commission it should be a costly process you should be provided: a statement of all goods and services, a list of all casket prices, and pricing figures via phone.in addition, you reserve the right to select an alternative for the casket and urn, as well as reject embalming services.
Average cremation cost.
The estimated cost of a cremation is 7000$. This price could be lower, ranging from 1000$ to 3000$, or could rise to 8000$ depending on the alternatives selected. More families are choosing cremation as a funeral option, and as such these prices are set to keep rising with time.
Average burial cost.
The average burial cost is estimated at 9000$, not including the plot charges as well as transportation. The price could be higher and necessitates the importance of prior planning and price hunting. It is understandable that most families are grieving and may not be emotionally well to make so many decisions regarding funeral arrangements. It could be overwhelming, that is why most people are taking charge of their funeral arrangements, to lessen the burden on those left behind.
Estimated funeral cost breakdown
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the estimated cost of various funeral products and services is as below:
Funeral home 2000-2500$
Cremation 1000-8000$
Burial 9000-12000$
Embalming 500-700$, with a limit of 1000$
Flowers 500-700$
Wreath 100-200$
Funeral plot 350-5000$
Headstone 2000-5000$
Casket 2000-5000$
Funeral insurance
With the above costs in mind, families have the option of funeral insurance to help cover these costs. The federal government will typically only cover about 250$ of the funeral costs which are only provided to those individuals who qualify. That is why saving for funeral/burial insurance may be necessary. It eliminates the stress on families.
Conclusion
Death is inevitable and funerals are costly and may create a load of unnecessary stress for your family when they should be mourning and saying their final goodbyes. Planning is a smart investment and ensures that when the time does come for them to give you a proper send-off, they do so, in peace.
Frequently asked questions
Is funeral expenses tax deductible?
According to the IRS, funeral costs may be tax-deductible, but unfortunately, the majority of people will not qualify for a deductible.
Is a child’s funeral just as expensive as that of an adult’s?
The funeral costs between adults and children are typically the same. The only notable difference would be in the casket cost due to size.
