Are you planning a funeral for a loved one? Are you working with a tight budget? Funerals can often be costly, which can be problematic for families who have a limited amount of money to spend. Maybe your loved one didn't have much life insurance to cover funeral expenses. Perhaps you need money to cover medical expenses, taxes, probate costs, and other bills related to their estate. You probably want to give them a nice memorial, but can't afford to break the bank in the process. The good news is that you have options. Here are three tips to help you plan a touching funeral while also staying within budget:
1. Save on the casket. The casket will likely be one of the biggest expenses you have to deal with during the funeral planning process. It may be tempting to get one of the nicest caskets available as a memorial to your loved one. However, it's wise to think of the practical use of the casket. Other than at the visitation or memorial service, no one will ever see the casket again.
You may want to consider a casket that has a nice outward appearance but isn't at the top-end of the price range. For example, instead of getting a casket that is full mahogany or bronze, get one that has a mahogany-looking shell plastered over a pine structure. Also, skip the casket sealants. These are rubber gaskets that are meant to keep out bugs and other elements. However, even with these seals, it's likely only a matter of time before the outside elements make their way into the casket.
2. Have a service at home. One of the major costs of a funeral is having the funeral home reserved for a visitation or memorial. Often, people will have the visitation one day and then a graveside service the next. Instead, just have a graveside service and then follow it with a memorial or open house in your home or the loved one's home. You'll save on the cost of renting out the funeral home and you may even find that your house provides a more comfortable and casual atmosphere.
3. Ask for the itemized list. Many funeral homes offer packages to make planning simple and convenient. However, funeral homes also usually have itemized lists that allow you to pick and choose services. Most funeral home directors will show you the itemized list upfront so you can decide whether you'd like to choose your own services or go with a package. If you don't see an itemized list, be sure to ask for one. You may find that it's significantly cheaper to choose only the services that you really need rather than buying several services pre-bundled together.
For more information, visit a funeral home in your area like Elmwood Meunier Funeral Home. The directors there can help you plan a service that fits your budget.
Share19 August 2015
When my father passed away a year ago, my mother didn't have any problems with the funeral or burial. My father planned his funeral in advance. He didn't want to burden my mom with any problems during her time of grieving. That hit me. I realized that I didn't have any plans for my own future, which would make it even harder on my wife and kids. So, I contacted a funeral home online and requested information about burial services. The funeral home provided me with many options that I could afford to pay over time or upfront. My wife also helped select burial plots for us because we didn't want to be separated — even after death. I encourage you to read through my blog. It offers great tips and advice on how to plan for your own future. Don't wait. You never know what life holds for you.