How to Save Money on Funeral Expenses
There are a number of ways to save money when it comes to funeral expenses, whether planned or unplanned. Today in 2021, the average funeral cost across the United States is somewhere between $7,000 and $9,000. This can be a sticker shock to those who are inexperienced in planning such a ceremony, and even more so if you haven’t had a chance to save for it. While this does vary quite a bit between states, knowing the options in your local area is one great way to start gathering information on what you can expect to pay for a funeral. In Indiana for example, the average cost sits around $6,900. Contact funeral homes in New Castle, IN to get specific costs and start planning today.
Comparison Shopping Goes a Long Way
The idea of comparison shopping when it comes to such a delicate subject is not something people typically spend a lot of time on when the situation arises, especially unexpectedly. But there are several websites created for this purpose precisely. In the same way you can compare car insurance quotes or homeowners’ insurance, you can also compare the cost of funeral services in your area and any extras that might be part of the ceremony. One great website for this is funeraldecisions.com.
Are You Considering Cremation?
Many go the route of having their or their loved one’s remains cremated instead of a burial. If you are considering this option, then purchasing a casket isn’t necessarily needed. You can instead go with an inexpensive wooden box or similar container. There aren’t typically laws in place that require caskets to be used for direct cremations and so this is a major way to save some money.
Donating the Body to a Medical School
If you are looking to cut out basically all costs, then one option is to donate the deceased to a medical school for educational purposes. Typically costs for handling and transportation are covered if this option is chosen. The downside of going this route is that there is less time, if any, to have an immediate funeral service, though some schools do provide the option to coordinate something later on. At the end of a medical school’s study, the cremated remains of the deceased are generally returned to the family. This can be a year or two later.
Use Your Home as the Funeral Location
Most states allow families and friends to say their goodbyes at home. You would still need to complete a death certificate with an official examiner’s certification (e.g. Doctor), then file it, and care for the body yourself until you take it to its resting place. This wasn’t uncommon in the past before funeral services were readily available.
While there are a number of ways to save money for funeral expenses, the best way is to be knowledgeable about potential costs.
You can learn more about funeral homes in New Castle, IN. Talk to us at Sproles Family Funeral Home to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Indiana or call our locations.
