Planning an Affordable Funeral While Honoring Your Loved One

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Planning an Affordable Funeral While Honoring Your Loved One

Funerals are expensive. Cremations, considered an affordable option when compared to funerals, are not quite as expensive but still a significant outlay that many people aren’t prepared for. Although the funeral industry is trying to find more affordable solutions to consumer demands, there’s also a perception that it is undignified to ask about costs and to have a funeral budget. When you’re spending so much money, you should make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and that you choose what you really want. Let’s dispel the myths about money and funerals and discuss some affordable options. 

Is a Budget-Friendly Funeral or Memorial Service Disrespectful to Your Loved One? 

Funerals are often considered the final celebration for a person, which means you shouldn’t scrimp or save. The truth is that most families remember their loved ones for many years, on their birthdays, at holidays and on the anniversary of the death. The funeral is a vital part of the grieving process, but it is in no way the last time you will honor the deceased. You can respect your loved one without spending thousands of dollars. With some planning, you can have a dignified service. 

3 Tips for Keeping Funeral Costs Low 

When you’re grieving, you may not feel like dealing with budgets, planning and all the legwork involved with a funeral. It is a lot easier to go along with whatever the funeral home recommends. Set your budget. Do some advance planning to avoid upsells at the funeral home. 

Consider What Kind of Service You Want 

Before talking to the professionals, have an idea of what kind of service you want. Are you planning on a burial or cremation? Where do you really want to hold the service — at the funeral home, the cemetery, a church, or in your backyard? Are you interested in a green burial? Do you have cultural or religious beliefs that you need to follow? Make a list of your priorities to help you stay focused on what is important to you. You may want to check with the VA to see if your loved one has any military benefits. 

Do Some Research 

It is okay to call around to get funeral costs before you decide on a funeral home. Funeral homes and cremation services are starting to publish costs online, which can make it easier. If you’re not up to the task, ask a couple of friends to help. A few phone calls could save you hundreds of dollars. It’s not disrespectful to shop around. 

Don’t Buy the Package Deal 

Funeral homes often package their services, but you don’t have to buy anything you don’t want. You can get flowers at any flower shop or purchase them online. You can also print your own memorial cards. There are no rules that you must hold the service at the funeral home. A family friend could officiate the service. Ask a musical friend to play music. 

Know That Funeral Planning Is Going To Be Difficult 

Even in the best of circumstances, when money isn’t an issue, planning the funeral of a loved one is stressful. When you’re dealing with financial issues, the tension can mount up. Remember that you have more time than you think. There may be pressure from the hospital to make arrangements, but you do have time to explore your options. It can help to talk to someone who has been through the process, or your clergy or a spiritual counselor.

Discussing death and funeral arrangements is uncomfortable, but it is part of the cycle of life. You don’t have to feel guilty for considering your budget during this difficult time. Honor your loved one to the best of your ability without putting your financial future at risk. 

Planning an Affordable Funeral While Honoring Your Loved One

Funerals are expensive. Cremations, considered an affordable option when compared to funerals, are not quite as expensive but still a significant outlay that many people aren’t prepared for. Although the funeral industry is trying to find more affordable solutions to consumer demands, there’s also a perception that it is undignified to ask about costs and to have a funeral budget. When you’re spending so much money, you should make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and that you choose what you really want. Let’s dispel the myths about money and funerals and discuss some affordable options. 

Is a Budget-Friendly Funeral or Memorial Service Disrespectful to Your Loved One? 

Funerals are often considered the final celebration for a person, which means you shouldn’t scrimp or save. The truth is that most families remember their loved ones for many years, on their birthdays, at holidays and on the anniversary of the death. The funeral is a vital part of the grieving process, but it is in no way the last time you will honor the deceased. You can respect your loved one without spending thousands of dollars. With some planning, you can have a dignified service. 

3 Tips for Keeping Funeral Costs Low 

When you’re grieving, you may not feel like dealing with budgets, planning and all the legwork involved with a funeral. It is a lot easier to go along with whatever the funeral home recommends. Set your budget. Do some advance planning to avoid upsells at the funeral home. 

Consider What Kind of Service You Want 

Before talking to the professionals, have an idea of what kind of service you want. Are you planning on a burial or cremation? Where do you really want to hold the service — at the funeral home, the cemetery, a church, or in your backyard? Are you interested in a green burial? Do you have cultural or religious beliefs that you need to follow? Make a list of your priorities to help you stay focused on what is important to you. You may want to check with the VA to see if your loved one has any military benefits. 

Do Some Research 

It is okay to call around to get funeral costs before you decide on a funeral home. Funeral homes and cremation services are starting to publish costs online, which can make it easier. If you’re not up to the task, ask a couple of friends to help. A few phone calls could save you hundreds of dollars. It’s not disrespectful to shop around. 

Don’t Buy the Package Deal 

Funeral homes often package their services, but you don’t have to buy anything you don’t want. You can get flowers at any flower shop or purchase them online. You can also print your own memorial cards. There are no rules that you must hold the service at the funeral home. A family friend could officiate the service. Ask a musical friend to play music. 

Know That Funeral Planning Is Going To Be Difficult 

Even in the best of circumstances, when money isn’t an issue, planning the funeral of a loved one is stressful. When you’re dealing with financial issues, the tension can mount up. Remember that you have more time than you think. There may be pressure from the hospital to make arrangements, but you do have time to explore your options. It can help to talk to someone who has been through the process, or your clergy or a spiritual counselor.

Discussing death and funeral arrangements is uncomfortable, but it is part of the cycle of life. You don’t have to feel guilty for considering your budget during this difficult time. Honor your loved one to the best of your ability without putting your financial future at risk. 

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