Low-Cost Funeral Options
The funeral home business has always been looked at as a recession-proof business. However, over the last few years, many funeral homes have had to change the way they do business as families seek low-cost funeral options for their deceased loved ones. Families seek dignified and inexpensive ways to say memorialize their loved ones.
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Hold No Services
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There are some funeral homes that offer a no services option. This means the deceased is retrieved from the home, hospital or morgue and either buried or cremated without benefit of a funeral service. Some families find this option is a way to save money in this area so they can continue paying a mortgage or other bill for a few more months. Some of these funeral homes also subcontract with larger funeral homes to use their embalming room and crematorium to keep their overhead low.
Purchase the Urn or Casket Separately
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Seek out a funeral director that sells low-cost urns and lower-end style caskets. Purchase higher-end caskets from large retail stores like COSTCO for the funeral. As of 2011, prices for COSTCO caskets begin at $1,299.99. This is a less-expensive option than purchasing a similar casket from a funeral home that will drastically mark-up the price.
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Cremation Instead of Burial
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Cremation services are becoming more popular for many reasons. It is better for the environment due to land usage. The cost is much lower than a funeral service with burial. A cremation without a funeral service eliminates the need to purchase a casket and pay for services.
A cremation process from beginning to the end, or scattering of the ashes, can run a family around $1,000, as compared to the thousands they would spend on a traditional funeral with casket and burial.
Burial Options
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When purchasing the grave location, choose a grave liner for the burial container rather than a burial vault which is more expensive.
Shop around for grave markers also known as headstones. Many funeral homes sell headstones and will mark-up the price and limit options. Consult with local monument companies to find the best deal.
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References
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