If you are thinking of getting a funeral plan or you might just be curious why funerals are so expensive, then you came to the right place. In planning a funeral, there is a lot to take into account such as the following the will of the deceased while staying within the budget. Much to a lot of people’s surprise, funerals actually are quite expensive. At an average, it costs about $7000 to $10000 according to research. These numbers leave a lot of people confused and asking what is with funerals that are so costly. Isn’t it supposed to be just burying a dead body? Unfortunately, it is not, and it actually has to be planned and saved for so that you will not leave any burden on your family when you pass away.
Which is better: Burial vs Cremation
The comparison between a burial and a cremation is probably the most asked question with regard to the funeral. Recent times has made changes in the way people choose what to do with their bodies after death. Unlike before, more and more are opting a funeral plan that caters to cremation and there are certain factors in why they do so.
- The Difference – In cremation, the body is turned into ash in just a matter of hours whereas a burial would take the body months and years to decompose. Recent times has shown a preference with cremation because it is portable. It provides a better memorialization to the body because the urn can be taken anywhere unlike burial where the body is likely to settle in one place.
- Cost – Recently, living expenses have been skyrocketing to the point that people simply want to always go for a cheaper option. With regards to what happens to our body after death, choosing cremation is certainly way cheaper than going for a burial. Based on statistics and research, average burial costs more than $1000 more than a direct cremation will. In addition, cremation has been said to be more environmentally friendlier than burial as it will not take any land space.
- Religion – It is without a doubt that religion plays a large role in determining how to take care of a deceased body. Generally, funerals are required by traditional religion since it comes with the whole memorial service and it does not go against any religion. However, many modern people still opt to go for cremation because it is cheaper and is not too much of a hassle. Although in the end, what must decide is the will of the deceased. So, if you still haven’t planned anything, you better make it clear to your family and closed relatives how you want your body to be cared for.
How much does a funeral cost?
Burial and cremation expenses make up most of why funerals are so expensive. However, there are also other minor incidental costs, which if added up, might cost a lot. Excluding funeral services cost, caskets, cremation services, and urn, there are other expenses which might leave your pocket a little bit lighter.
- Clothing – When you opt for a burial service, a deceased body needs to have nice clothing and makeup. At an average, a burial clothing costs at about $100 to $1000. If you want to save, you can always go sentimental and decide to wear clothing that is your favorite and meant a lot to you. Cosmetic preparations are also needed. However, many funeral services have an all-in package for about $250 to $500 including hairdressing service.
- Funeral Flowers – Funeral flowers are always found in any funeral services. Prices vary depending on the size and type of flowers. Based on our statistics, condolence flowers range at a price between $30 to $500. There are also complete funeral floral packages which will cost you at about $200 to $800. If you like to be practical, you really do not need to spend too much on funeral flowers.
What is funeral insurance?
Funeral insurance is a very effective method to lessen any financial burden on your family when you pass away. It covers any expenses incurred on your funerals such as funeral home services, church, and burial services. There are many reasons and benefits when you get financial insurance and here are why.
- Easy application – Applying and qualifying in funeral insurance is absolutely simpler than getting life insurance. Funeral insurance does not need any medical requirements which might cause you do not qualify. Even if you do not have perfect health, most funeral insurance policies still will accept your application.
- Cost effective – Funeral insurance policies are also cheaper than other life insurances. This will help your family and loved ones ease any financial burdens when you pass away. Funerals are certainly not cheap that is why you better start saving now.
Certainly, funerals are not cheap. That is why you really need to go past feeling uncomfortable on planning your own funeral. Leaving a financial burden on your family when they should be healing from grieving is not something that you would not want to do. Funeral insurance policies are available everywhere. In selecting one, make sure that it is something that you can afford and pay from time to time. It has always been a responsible thing to prepare for your funeral and there is definitely a funeral insurance policy that suits your needs and wants. We hope this list of FAQ’s have convinced you to take funeral insurance so that you will help your family even after death.
