Estimating funeral costs has never been more difficult as costs vary so much between various funeral homes. The problem with estimating costs is that it differs for each area. This guide will show you how to get a rough idea of how much your funeral will cost you.
Figure Out What You Want
Ideally, you should speak to the loved one in question before they die. If they have any specific wishes, incorporate these into the list of ‘must haves’ for the funeral. Take note that cremation is always cheaper than a burial because you don’t have to pay for any prime real estate.
Shop Around Funeral Homes
Make sure you shop around the various providers of funerals. You should give them an itemized list of what you want at the funeral. They should provide you with a rough idea of what each one costs. This will help you compare the various funeral homes. Immediately, you should have a ballpark figure ready.
The Smaller Items
The services of a funeral home are charged via a flat fee. These costs can be estimated through a simple consultation, but where it gets complex is in the little things. The size and type of coffin, for example can make costs vary significantly. Generally, with anything that goes in the ground it’s better to opt for the cheapest option. The coffin will decay over time anyway, regardless of whether it’s simple wood or one with an expensive mahogany finish.
Do You Have Burial Insurance?
Estimating funeral cost becomes less pressing when you or your loved one has burial insurance. This is a type of policy designed specifically to pay for the costs of the funeral. Burial insurance is relatively inexpensive and many people take it out with the same company that provides their life insurance policy. Check to see whether the policy covers all costs or just a partial amount.
Getting the Most Value on a Funeral
The cost of a funeral boils down to two things; the funeral home you choose and any added extras you decide upon. It’s important to take the wishes of the deceased into account, but it’s worth shopping around as the costs of burial are just so expensive these days. To get the most value from your funeral, sit down one afternoon (preferably before the death) and start shopping around for deals. Many funeral homes will even provide discounts if you reserve with them years in advance.
This article gives significant pointers for those who have loses someone. When my father-in-law passed away. It’s difficult to make smart financial choices when you’re grieving and emotional, so thinking about arrangements in advance is really helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Pauline, this funeral cost is always overlooked and I think this should be taken care of as early as possible. It’s really better to be prepared than not.
This gives us that it is really better to be prepared than not. I think that everyone should consider getting funeral insurance.
Pauline, thanks for teaching us how to estimate funeral cots. It helps me a lot.
My brother passed unexpectedly and the funeral costs really add up. I like that you mentioned the cost of caskets, they were much more expensive than I thought. I know there are ways to save by shopping outside the funeral home.
It seems like the cost of a funeral hinges completely on which funeral home you end up going with. I would definitely take time to shop around before making this big decisions. Since time is of the essence, this is probably something I should start thinking now!
I like your advice to talk to your loved ones about their wishes before they day. It’s better to know for sure what a person wants instead of trying to guess once they’ve passed away. Plus, knowing exactly what a person wants will allow you to get more accurate figures from funeral homes when shopping around. Thanks for the article.
These are some great tips for preparing for a funeral. I like how you brought up the danger of the “smaller items”. You are right, these little things can add up to be a big expense, so it’s important to do what you said and go with the cheaper option.
I liked that you said that it is important to take the wishes of the deceased into account, but it’s worth shopping around as the costs of burial are just so expensive these days. My granny has just passed away, and she told me once that she wanted a modest funeral. I will make sure to fulfill this wish of hers and find a burial service which could plan everything stylish and modest at the same time.
It’s good to know this about planning a funeral. I’m trying to plan one for my mom, so I really appreciate your advice. I’ll start shopping around for a good funeral home to help us and give us an itemized cost list, like you said.
Very great tips for a funeral.
It’s a must to know things like this, because you never know when you need this.