Trying to determine how to pay funeral costs while you are grieving can feel like a monumental task. It’s something to plan ahead of time if possible, but even if you are arranging a funeral as you mourn, there are a few ways to make the process simpler.
The Cost of a Funeral
The first thing you need to know is how much a funeral will cost. From there, you can work on how to pay for it. Unfortunately, you’ll usually need to pay everything upfront, so it can be a considerable challenge. It’s easy to overspend when you are trying to make instant decisions and have to deal with heavy grief.
On average, funerals cost between $8,000 and $20,000. This is broken down into multiple fees, however, some of which you may be able to eliminate if you choose cremation.
Transport: The remains of your loved one will need to be moved to the funeral home. This costs around $400 to $800.
Funeral home base fee: Most funeral homes will charge a base fee that is non-negotiable, regardless of the type of funeral chosen. This costs around $3,000.
Embalming: The embalming process helps preserve the body and is standard. This costs about $800 to $1000.
Styling the body: Hair and makeup are handled by the funeral home. This service should be roughly $600.
Viewing: The cost of staff to manage the viewing at the funeral will usually run you around $800 to $1000.
Hearse: The hearse, used to carry the body in the casket to the cemetery will usually cost around $500 to $600 to rent. You may also rent a service car which will be around half that price.
Casket: On the low end, caskets cost around $2,000, but they can be many thousands more for a more elegant option.
Flowers: Expect to pay at least $500 for arrangements. A funeral wreath to place on the casket will cost from $200 to $1000.
Grave plot: A burial space ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on location. You may also pay up to $2500 for an open and close fee for the grave.
Grave Marker: Headstones will cost up to $5,000, while flat markers are about $1,000.
Cremation: If you go with cremation, you eliminate many of the above costs associated with burial. The average cost for cremation is anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000.
Death is a blow in many ways, including financially.
How to Pay Funeral Costs
Once you know how much the funeral will be, you’ll need to pay for it. You have a few options.
Life Insurance
If the deceased had life insurance, this may cover funeral costs. This may take too long to receive payment, so check with the funeral home to see if they can work with you.
Credit Card
While a credit card payment means you could end up with interest on the total, it is one method of paying.
Loan
You may want to look into a funeral loan. Some institutions allow you to take out a funeral loan with no interest for the first three or more months. The funeral director should have information on this option.
Crowdfunding
It’s become common now to set up a GoFundMe or similar to allow other people to help chip in for the cost of a funeral.
Planning ahead is the best course of action, so consider setting everything up for your own funeral now, before it’s needed. This can save your family a lot of heartache and pain.
Contact us now to learn more about our cremation plans.