When it comes to planning a funeral when funds are limited, you may feel as though you aren't able to give your loved one the tribute he or she deserves. However, there are many ways to provide a respectful and loving funeral without incurring a significant amount of debt. Here are some things you can do to help ensure your loved one gets a proper funeral while still sticking to a budget.
Seek Assistance From Clergy
Some churches, synagogues, and mosques offer help for families struggling to cover funeral costs. There may be a separate fund to help pay for the services, or there may be discounts the clergy can help you find to make the entire service more affordable. In some cases, your local house of worship may even be able to provide the sanctuary and multipurpose room for the funeral at no cost. This means you can use the money you do have to pay for a casket, cremation services, or other portions of the funeral.
Consider Cremation
While cremation isn't an option for all individuals, it can be a more affordable choice for some families. With cremation, you don't have to pay for a casket, burial plot, or headstone. The cost of direct cremation, for example, runs between $1,000 and $2,000, on average. Direct cremation means there is no visitation or actual funeral service included. This option is ideal if you want to have a memorial service at a later date. Cremation that includes a memorial and scattering service averages between $3,000 and $5,000. By comparison, a metal casket for a traditional burial can cost between $1,200 and $5,000.
Compare Prices
As with any other good or service you pay for, it's a good idea to compare prices when looking at funeral homes. The funeral home director at each location should be able to offer you an itemized price list. This list can be helpful when determining which services you want and which ones don't fit in your budget. For example, you may not need to pay for limousines for the family, or you may choose not to have flowers at the service. However, remember that you may be able to negotiate on pricing. If you find a funeral home that you feel more comfortable with, schedule an appointment with the director. Be honest about your budget constraints. He or she may be willing to work with you to help create a funeral that honors your loved one while still fitting within your price range.
It's also a good idea to talk to the rest of your family before planning the funeral. You may find that some relatives are willing to pool money to help cover the costs of the service.
Share16 May 2019
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