A funeral can be expensive, and it is hard for most families to make good decisions about costs in the emotional period right after a death. But you can plan for those costs and control expenses with a little advance planning. Although it may still be difficult emotionally, planning now gives you the chance to move through the process carefully and at your own pace. You can get help with the process from family, friends or a social worker.
The best way to make good choices about funeral expenses is to compare prices from a number of funeral homes that have good reputations in your community. When you look at the prices make sure you are looking at the whole package. That means:
the
services offered at the funeral home like care of the body and
use of the building for viewings and a memorial ceremony
caskets and grave liners or vaults (products that can sometimes
be ordered from a separate company like a manufacturer or distributor
at lower cost)
And be aware that funeral home products and services do not include the cost of a burial plot, which is arranged with the cemetery.
A funeral home should show you a price list for all its services and products from simple, low-cost choices on up. The differences can amount to thousands of dollars and you and your family can decide what expenses are appropriate. Lower-cost options include cremation and immediate burial where there is no viewing and no ceremony. Remember that making a less expensive choice doesn’t say anything about how good a person you are or how much your family loves you.
As part of planning in advance you can also make arrangements to pay ahead of time. Just be certain you have an agreement from the funeral home that states very clearly what services the charges will cover.
It is also possible to plan a "do-it-yourself" funeral that doesn’t require the services of a funeral home.
