How to Save Money on the Cost of a Funeral

Nobody wants to talk about this issue, but in today's economy it's reality. We all want our loved ones to have a proper funeral or burial. The cost of a funeral doesn't have to put you in debt. It's not free, but it's certainly can be less expensive.

Instructions

1. 

   Comparison shop between funeral homes. Call funeral homes, by law, they must give you a breakdown of all funeral costs. Funeral Directors may want you to buy everything from them, but you don't have to. You can pick and choose the services you would like. You can even buy a casket from one funeral home to be used at another.

2. Caskets are very expensive. Funeral Directors will show you the most expensive ones first. Ask to see the less expensive models. Outside of the finish or material of a casket, there is no real difference between expensive and cheap caskets. They offer a body the same protection.

3. Do not prolong the wake or visitation any longer than necessary. One viewing is usually sufficient. If you have to wait for relative from out of town, delay the wake by a day.

4. Cemetery plots are also very expensive. Comparison shop for plot costs. Mausoleums are more expensive than in ground burial.

5. 

   Depending on your religion and beliefs, cremation is the most economical way to go.

6. Another cost to consider is embalming. Embalming is not required by law. In most cases embalming is not necessary. Embalming does not preserve a body, it just slows down the decomposition slightly. There are some circumstances where embalming is required such as if the body is being sent to another state.

7. Consider not having hair and make-up professionally done. The cost of hair and makeup is usually a minimum of $750.00 or more depending on where you live.

8. 

   Skip the flowers. Flowers are a very expensive part of a funeral. Honestly, why do we need flowers?

9. 

   Skip the limousine. If you are too upset to drive ask a friend or family member to be a part of the funeral procession.

10. 

    Shop around for a smaller less ornate headstone.

11. If you absolutely cannot afford any part of a funeral, contact your church or a charitable organization. The Funeral Director can give you the names of local charities.