How to Divide Funeral Costs
Even as the numbers of at-home funerals is increasing, according to MSNBC News, the cost of a funeral can still be high. With only a few exceptions, the average cost of a funeral in the United States has steadily risen each year since the National Funeral Directors Association began tabulating costs in 1960---and according to the association, the funeral service industry generates a whopping $11 billion in revenue every year. While dividing up the costs among family and friends is typically unpleasant, the financials need to be taken care of promptly to assure smooth, well-funded, respectful funeral service. With a little basic math, dividing up the costs can be simple, letting you put the financial issues behind you faster so you can return to grieving the loss and celebrating the person's life.
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Instructions
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Do not use ballpark numbers when determining the total cost of the funeral. Add up every fee charged for every detail of the funeral, making sure nothing is left out. Money can quickly come between family if a relative pays for a certain item that is left off the final tab, giving the family member reason to feel that he or she was asked to unjustly contribute more than the others.
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Use basic division to calculate even shares when the family and friends financing the funeral agree to pay equal portions. Simply add up the costs into one lump sum and then divide that sum by the number of people splitting the bill; this will give you a figure for each person's payment.
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Use percentages when you're not using even division. While an even split works well for some families, relatives with great income disparities may be asked to contribute a smaller or greater percentage based on their available funds. Have a frank talk with the entire family to reach a holistic consensus concerning percentages; make sure every involved party is included in the talk so there is no bad-blood later on. When you've figured out percentages, simply turn that percentage into a decimal and multiply by the total sum. For example, if a person is going to pay 35 percent of the funeral costs, then you'd multiply 0.35 by the total funeral costs to determine that person's share.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you hastily agreed to an even split, only to find that the funeral is much more expensive than you thought it would be, do not hesitate to ask contributing family or friends if you can pay a smaller percentage based on your income restrictions. You're already hurting enough from the loss of a loved one without having to deal with undue financial stress. Consider putting up a small donation box at the funeral to help offset costs. While you will not be able to pay for the entire funeral this way, it can alleviate some of the financial burden. It also has the added perk of giving extended family and friends a chance to contribute and feel involved in the funeral service and remembrance.
References
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