Planning Inexpensive Funerals

Perhaps the hardest thing one must do is plan funeral services for a loved one. In the midst of one's grief, there is so much that must be done in a timely fashion, which may seem overwhelming at the time. However, it's for the best that the grief-stricken relatives have a task to focus on and something to keep them from succumbing to the rip tide of negative emotions associated with mourning. While planning funerals, it's important that the family keep a relatively sober mind and realize that the ceremony could cause financial grief for months after the fact, if they don't make wise decisions along the way.

The National Funeral Directors Association said that the average US funeral costs a whopping $6,500! The AARP warns that once burial plot, flowers and other costs are factored in, that number could reach close to $10,000. However, dignified and cathartic funerals can be planned for less than $800, if the right options are considered. The first thing you should know is that funeral homes vary greatly in prices and types of services offered, so it's smart to check around, instead of just snagging the nearest place.

Today, cremation is the choice for a third of all deaths. A 2007 survey of 170 funeral homes in Washington, found that the price for cremation ranged from $425 to over $2,800. A "direct cremation" is the least expensive and quickest way to handle the deceased, without viewings or a ceremony. A fair price for this process is around $600.

Ask if the cremation includes the transport of the body, or if there will be an additional "cremation fee" (which may cost an extra $200 or so). Caskets and embalming are not necessary for the cremated. If you choose a viewing prior to cremation, you can often rent a coffin.

The next question is what to do with the ashes. Some people purchase urns to keep on the mantel or pay to have the ashes set in a burial plot with a tombstone, but these can be quite expensive. Other options include: artistic pottery and keeping them at home or scattering the ashes in the ocean or on a mountain.

If you'd like a burial for your loved one, there are options to keep you out of debt. "Direct burials" bypass public viewings, embalming, cosmetology and a ceremony, moving the body quickly to the burial plot. Caskets are what really hurts many people. Metal caskets cost $2,000! Many caskets offer "special seals," but this is generally considered wasteful, especially since no one is going to check the guarantee after several years!

You can surf the web for deals on caskets, headstones and monuments that will typically ship overnight. Pine costs 5% of what the bronze or mahogany coffins cost. Sometimes people get suckered into purchasing expensive grave liners, concrete walls to keep the ground from settling or burial vaults - which are all relatively unnecessary.

When planning the memorial service, decide whether you want a formal church or informal home or outdoor gathering. Don't be afraid to reach out to others. Chances are, people will be asking you if there is anything they can do. Have everyone bring a dish to the post-memorial brunch or bring flowers to the funeral home. Making a collage of the deceased is a nice way to celebrate his or her life. Like funerals, it's the gathering - not the flowers or cost of the casket - that will stick in people's minds.

Whether you're cremating or holding a service, funerals don't need to bankrupt you. Unfortunately, we all will die one day. If your spouse, children or dependents are particularly strapped for cash, you may want to look into a prepaid funeral or a Totten Trust. However, many consumer advocate groups point out that prepaid funeral regulations vary from state to state and some people find that there is little to no protection once the person had passed away. Totten trusts set up at your bank are generally a better bet and will give your beneficiary an extra non-taxed lump sum to help them through difficult times.

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