If you don’t prepare ahead, the cost of a funeral may quickly spiral out of control. Funeral homes have been criticized for taking the phrase “celebration of life” a little too literally. A funeral is a fitting way to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away and demonstrate how much their family and friends will miss them.
Funerals are not typically a topic of conversation that families want to think about, but they are an important part of life. Funerals can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on funeral costs.
Here are some tips for reducing the expense of funerals.
How To Save Money On A Funeral
- Cremation Vs. Burial: Which Is Better?
The first step in determining how to save money on a funeral is deciding on the kind of service. Cremation is often less costly than burial. However, this might vary depending on your choices. - Get Quotes From A Few Funeral Homes.
Many funeral houses don’t disclose their price lists online, making it impossible for families to compare. Request basic pricing lists from a few nearby funeral homes before deciding. This will inform you whether you’re getting a reasonable price. - A Quick Cremation Or Burial Is A Possibility.
Direct cremation or rapid burial may save money if you don’t want a viewing or ceremony. Most funeral establishments provide all-inclusive cremation and burial arrangements that include transportation, minimum body preparation, cremation, and all needed documentation. Use of a cemetery or crematory may incur extra fees. - Donate A Body To Science.
Donating to science helps medical education and research while keeping costs down. Most university anatomical donation programs include transportation and cremation costs, saving you thousands. - Leave The Embalming Procedure.
The National Funeral Directors Association estimates that embalming (placing chemicals into a dead body to stop decomposition) costs $725 on average. Avoiding embalming also minimizes the amount of formaldehyde emitted into the environment, harming human health. - Online Purchase.
Funeral caskets are among the priciest goods to buy. Most caskets offered by funeral homes are cheaper online.
Choose A Free Site For The Memorial Service.
There are numerous places where you may hold a funeral without paying a funeral home.
One approach to prevent being caught off guard by unexpected funeral expenses is to plan beforehand. If you’re arranging a funeral, funeral homes may be able to help. The funeral homes can assist you in determining what is most important to you throughout the planning phase.
Funeral Expenses: A Look At The Numbers
For those with low financial resources, the average funeral service will cost around $9,000, which is a significant financial burden for any family suffering from the death of a loved one. Funerals may cost as much as $27,000 on average, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
Another survey conducted by the National Funeral Directors Association found that the average cost of a funeral for an adult in 2012 topped $7,000 due to an inflation-adjusted 2 percent increase in the cost of burial in 2000. Some families may be unable to afford even the most basic funeral services, which typically cost about $2,000 on average. There are many possibilities for a less costly funeral, but you can still do something meaningful if you want to do so.
You can learn more about funeral homes in Baltimore, MD. Talk to us at Hari P. Close Funeral Service, P.A. to schedule a consultation and learn about funeral services. Visit our office in Baltimore or call our location.
Funeral Cost FAQ
Can you negotiate the price of a funeral?
Yes, you can negotiate the price of a funeral. In fact, it’s recommended that you do so to get the best possible deal.
Funerals are expensive, and many people don’t have the money to pay for one right away. That’s why securing a price with the funeral home is so vital. Make sure to inquire about all of the expenses involved with a funeral, including transportation, embalming, burial or cremation costs, and headstones or grave markers.
If you don’t have the money to cover funeral costs upfront, inquire about payment plans at the funeral home. More often than not, homes are willing to create a budget-friendly plan with you.
How do most people pay for a funeral?
Many people pay for funerals by saving money, credit card, borrowing money from family and friends, or taking out a loan. Life insurance policies are also used to pay for funerals in some situations. The cost of a funeral may vary significantly, so it’s vital to shop around and compare rates before making a decision. There are several strategies to save money on a funeral without sacrificing quality or service when you’re on a budget.
Is it cheaper to have a funeral during the week?
Funerals are usually more affordable on weekdays because fewer people can attend. This means that you could save money by having your funeral during the day, when costs tend to be lower anyway! Some funeral homes offer discounts for weekday services as well so remember to ask about these options if they’re available in advance or right after placing an order takes place since this will affect how much transportation is needed from afar guests who aren’t local residents.
