How to save for your funeral and not be a burden during your end times

Death is inevitable. No matter how much we avoid the topic, all of us go there eventually. We all know that funeral costs are expensive, that is why it is essential to plan ahead. If you die without a funeral plan, this could create a financial burden to your family, especially if they are not financially prepared. Death brings stress for loved ones, so if you have established a funeral plan, it wouldn’t be that stressful for your family to deal with your passing. So if you don’t want to leave your family with a financial problem and for you to really rest in peace, here are some ideas on how to prepare for your funeral.

Plan the basics. First, decide on whether you would like to be buried, cremated, or donated. If you want to have a burial, decide on the type of casket. If you go for cremation, decide on how your remains will be stored. If you like to donate your body for scientific study, you should prepare for the necessary papers that are required. You also need to decide on whether you want to have a funeral service or not. You may like to have an interment service at your favorite church or hold it in a funeral home. Others want their loved ones to have a small celebration of life during the memorial service. Thinking about these things may be too much, and even a little sick but planning for your funeral in advance will assure you that your funeral will reflect your personal wishes. It gives you the opportunity to select the items that you want and need. The people you leave behind will also not have additional emotional strain knowing that your wishes are carried out. By planning the basic, you’ll be able to estimate the cost, put up a funeral budget, and decide how these expenses will be paid.

Determine a funeral plan budget. A funeral is a significant expense. The average funeral cost range from $2000-$9000. This includes the services from funeral homes, burial, and placing of the headstone. This is the same average cost for cremation. Cremation has gained popularity over the years; however, the traditional funeral is still preferred by many. Note that prices vary from every area and funeral homes. Additional charges may occur for added services such as putting decorations, placing an obituary in the newspaper, and other special requests. To help you allocate a budget, compare prices from your local funeral homes. It would be beneficial if you start making your funeral arrangement now because like everything else, the funeral cost is increasing. Set up a reasonable budget that you can afford based on how you envisioned your funeral. 

Pay for your funeral expenses. Many funeral homes are now accepting the prepaid funeral plan. Since the funeral cost has increased dramatically over the past years, if you pay for a funeral in advance, you can lock in the price and you are protected against the increase in the future. Visit the funeral homes in your area to check their prices and the services that they offer. If you consider this type of funeral plan, make sure to ask a copy of the contract and go through it carefully. If you have a lawyer, pass it on to him to help you read the fine print. Note that prepaid funeral plans also have some disadvantages. Most of the funeral homes offer a no refund policy. So if ever the business goes down, you won’t be getting your money back. You should make sure to ask the funeral home about this kind of scenario and things like if you die outside your area or if you relocate. Ask what will happen to your money if you prepay. They may put your money in a trust fund or life insurance. Talk with a funeral director and learn precisely the policies of your prepaid funeral plan. If you don’t want to pay in advance, you can put bank savings account allocated for your funeral expenses. Your money will earn interest, although at a lower rate but the risk is low as well. Pay for your funeral to relieve your family from financial hassle and stress.

Whatever your options are, it’s better if you talk it out with your family. Let them know of your plans and wishes. Be transparent. It’s good if there is a written document on how your funeral will be carried out. There were cases where funeral arrangements went wrong because of sudden decisions made. Many people find it hard to take in the death of a loved one. So when your time comes, you will be at ease knowing that you have not left any burden to your family brought by your funeral and at the same time, you can have the funeral you have envisioned to have.