Planning a Funeral on a Budget
By M. Kotch
Image source: Flickr.com
Financial worries have plagued many of us in the past few years. The bills keep piling up, we’re getting less bang for our buck and yet we’re trying to provide more with less. Unfortunately, the sadness that results from a loved one’s death does not offset the financial obligations when planning a funeral or memorial service.
The grief of losing a loved one compounded with the burden of paying for an appropriate funeral can be overwhelming. The best way to begin is by realizing that planning a funeral on a budget need not disrespect the deceased’s memory or cheapen it. Thanks to modern day conveniences and online marketplaces, you can plan a respectful, graceful funeral for your loved one without breaking the bank.
Here are tips on how to plan a funeral on a budget:
• Be wary of funeral scams and don’t be fooled into purchasing goods or services that you are not interested in—the law prohibits it
• Create a free online obituary instead of paying for a newspaper notice
• Not interested in a viewing and traditional burial? Plan a green burial that prohibits embalming or choose cremation instead
• Is a dishonest funeral director twisting your arm to purchase an expensive casket? Buy an affordable one directly. It is illegal for any funeral home to refuse your casket or suggest added services that you do not want or need
• Is family pressure mounting to buy “appropriate,” i.e. expensive and elaborate, flowers? Simplify the arrangements or share the cost with other family members
• Candles can be a great alternative to flowers during a memorial or funeral service
• Choose a place of worship, private residence or public space (such as a park) for the memorial service; a funeral home is not your only location choice
• Scattering a loved one’s cremated remains? Skip the purchase of an elaborate urn and choose a simpler one instead
• If your property is large enough (and your local/state laws allow) skip a cemetery burial, as well as the purchase of a plot, and lay your loved one to rest on your own land
• Those with carpentry skills can make a simple casket instead of purchasing one
• Many states do not require embalming prior to burial
• If you (or a friend) drive a large car or truck, transport the remains and casket to the burial site instead of renting a hearse and services of a driver
• Select the deceased’s burial attire from his or her own closet in lieu of purchasing a new outfit
• Skip catering, elaborate food or expensive drinks and ask friends and family to participate in a potluck. Think of it as a way to answer those who’ve asked: “is there anything I can do?” and rest assured that they will be happy to help
• Consider body donation as it is associated with little to no costs
April 14th, 2010
These are great tips; the most important thing is that your loved one is remembered and celebrated in the instance of his or her passing – not how much money is spent. We also recommend trying to find a funeral director who promises a pre-arrangement price agreement, so your service won’t be affected by inflation or rising costs.