Suppose you
summarize the funeral or cremation cost. In that case, you would
understand that the total price can be divided into three categories: the Basic
Memorial Service fee, additional goods and services, and cash advances. A
profound understanding of the average pricing will help you avoid a more
depressing state. Your situation now is emotionally exhausting; you do not want
to worsen it by spending more than you can afford. Here is a comprehensive
guide to help you during this difficult time.
The Basic Funeral Service and
Cremation Cost
This fee is
intended for the necessary services combined with the overhead cost related to
the funeral service. The basic price
is an integral part of every funeral ceremony, but the charge may vary from
various companies. It may include processing the documents, securing a death
certificate and essential permits, storing the remains properly, coordinating
with the crematory, cemetery and other third-party service providers, and additional
overhead costs associated with the operation and facility.
For the burial and
the cremation cost, they may offer
you a flat rate where the price will not change regardless of the arrangement you
prefer. However, there are different instances where the basic funeral service can change, such as
·
Opting for a direct cremation or direct burial
·
If the only responsibility of the funeral service is to forward the
remains
·
If the only responsibility of the funeral home is to receive the remains
Your basic fee
will probably be lower than usual in the above-stated instances. Nonetheless, funeral
homes also charge a flat rate regardless of the situation.
Extra Goods and Services
Funeral homes
offer additional goods and services
for an extra cost. You may avail of this based on your judgment and preference.
Some services and goods may include cosmetic preparation, embalming, using a
cemetery chapel or funeral home for cremation service or memorial service, vehicles
such as limousine, urn or casket, and burial clothing. Based on the existing
funeral rule by the Federal Trade Commission, the funeral home should not
charge you for the cost of the goods if you choose to avail it in other means.
But some funeral homes will require conducting extra services based on the funeral service you acquire. For
instance, they may require embalming if you choose to use the funeral home for
viewing; this will also come with extra funeral and cremation cost.
Cash Advances
These are the fee
that will be charged for the services and goods that the funeral homes avail on
your behalf. Cash advances may include flowers, obituary filing, car rentals,
musician, clergy, and crematory charges. Remember that the company should fully
disclose the funeral and cremation cost that they are charging. They
should also divulge any refunds or discounts that they received for their
suppliers on the cash advance goods and services.
By understanding
the average funeral service and cremation cost, you will be able to
plan a good but affordable memorial service for your loved one.
What to Do if I Can't Afford a
Funeral
The funeral and cremation
cost can get very expensive. It can even increase when you hire the service
of a Funeral Director, purchase a casket, have a memorial service, and other
related services. Expenses associated with a funeral can start from $12,000 and
increase immensely. However, you need to remember the true essence of holding a
memorial service. It is a way to celebrate the deceased's life; it is an opportunity
to grieve with others, start the healing process, and pay tribute to the dead.
How much you spend on the funeral will not reflect how you care about the
deceased. Here's a short guide to help you in a situation wherein you can't afford
the funeral service and cremation cost.
Is There Any Help Available?
You should
understand that there is a minimum level of help available for the families of the deceased. It is the family's responsibility to arrange a funeral that is
suitable for their budget. The available charitable assistance from the funeral
industry has been reduced due to the uncertainties looming in the economy. The
average funeral home will require an upfront fee, while the remaining amount
will be settled after the conclusion of the funeral service. An increasing
number of funeral homes require a complete payment, especially if the family is
requesting additional services. Remember that these funeral companies are not
in any way responsible for offering you an installment package. It is also
legally appropriate for them to insist on a full payment after signing the
contract.
What to do if I can't afford a funeral?
Fortunately, there
are still ways you can use to finance the funeral, such as using your benefits
on social security. Funeral loans will require you to undergo a comprehensive
credit check before receiving approval. This method may prove difficult,
especially when you need immediate cash to settle the cost of funeral service.
Financing is only ideal and suitable for those individuals with a great credit
standing. The state of the burial assistance is also discouraging. Some states
also have an existing indigent program only intended for the homeless and
indigent people who died in a healthcare institution. Even if you qualify, the
state will only shoulder the basic funeral and cremation cost.
Consider the more Affordable
Alternatives
The direct cremation
cost can be arranged for only a nominal amount. The cost of the direct
cremation can range from $700 up to $900. This means that your family can
arrange a basic disposition at a very reasonable price and conduct a noble
memorial ceremony. Natural burial is also more affordable compared to traditional
burial. Most states allow individuals to bury their deceased at their property without
legally availing the lavish casket. A home funeral can cost at a low price of $
1,000 only.
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