In preparing for today’s post, I am reminded of the old saying, “There are two things that we cannot escape: death and taxes”. Everybody is quick to talk about how the government is taxing them to the poor house. However, very few people are quick to talk about how they are preparing for their own death.
In the past month, I have read in various consumer advocate publications, each one had some very interesting points about saving money. Especially just disposal of your body, after you are dead, will cost as little as $800. The traditional funeral cost can reach $15,000. However, the average funeral runs in the $6,000 range.
In the time of emotional grief, loved ones want to do the best for the departed. Many families are left to the mercy of the mortuary or funeral director, when it comes to items and services to include or not include in the whole funeral.
At this point, I want to say that a funeral director is a salesman or sales person, if you would like. Their job is show compassion while at the same time get the most money from you. That is why I do recommend that funeral arrangements are done while the individual is still living, This way they can have a say in what will be happening.
I don’t recommend before walking into you local mortuary and saying, “I want to plan my own funeral”, there should be some preparation. There must be some reading, examining of finances, and, talking with family members before any mortuary or funeral director is contacted.
The starting point would be two websites Funeral Planning 101 and AARP. Funeral Planning 101 starts you out what you need to consider from pre-planning through grieving process. AARP has a very extensive savvy library to assist you.
Not everyone has the same amount of money, and family culture. AARP and Funeral Planning 101 will give you a good place to start. Your local pastor, rabbi or religious leader is another source you can turn to for help.
Added note from Clark Howard refers to Funeral Consumer Alliance as a resource.
Wonderful blog, some fascinating points. I remember 2 of days ago, I have visited a similar post.