The loss of a loved one can be a difficult experience to go through. To make matters worse, the costs of a funeral are typically quite high. If you’re already living on a tight budget, an unexpected death in the family can seem like an impossible expense to handle. From selecting a casket to paying for the services, there are plenty of costs involved. Thankfully, there are several solutions available. By approaching the task from the right perspective, you can give your loved one a proper sendoff without depleting your bank account.
Research Your Options
One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face when planning a funeral is working through your emotions. Depending on the relationship you shared with the departed, you might find yourself in a fugue state, moving through motions without fully grasping the reality of it all. This detachment can force you to make decisions that are convenient, rather than practical or affordable. Instead of opting for the first funeral home you look into, shop around and price out the best fit. Be honest with the funeral home about your budget to be provided with the most appropriate services for your means.
Work With Your Church
If you or your loved one were active members of a particular church, then speaking with the clergy can often prove beneficial. Some churches are able to offer discounts or provide no-cost services to individuals who dedicated themselves to the organization. While immediate help might not be possible, a priest or representative of the church will likely be able to point you in an appropriate direction.
Understand Your Loved One’s Wishes
Many people preplan for their funerals. Before you assume you need to make all of the big decisions on your own, consult with your loved one’s lawyer and look into whether a will exists. In most cases, a will provides details on how a person wishes for his or her remains to be handled. The document also contains information on whether or not the costs of these services have already been handled by the deceased. Unfortunately, if a will does not exist, it falls to you to make all the decisions.
Talk to the Family
Other members of your family should also be consulted when you’re planning a funeral. While you might have had a better relationship with the deceased than others, you don’t need to assume you’ll be solely responsible for the costs. By reaching out to others, you may be able to share the financial burden and lean on each other while mourning the loss.
Cremation
It is also important to note that cremation is a more affordable service than a burial. Cremation doesn’t involve the expenses of selecting a casket, choosing a burial site, and having the body embalmed and entombed. As long as you feel your loved one would appreciate this option, cremation is definitely a practical way to keep a funeral budget sensible. You can use the money you save on the burial to host a memorial and say goodbye to your loved one in a more personal way.
Final Considerations
There are several additional ways to save money while planning. If you’re having a viewing but plan on cremating the body in the end, for example, consider renting the casket that will be used during the services. You may also wish to provide flowers for the funeral on your own, rather than spending money with a florist. Supplying your own pallbearers is another simple way to save on the services you’ll require. Consider all angles to ensure you’re saving as much as you can.
When you are focused on the expenses related to a funeral, it can be hard to find the time to grieve. Find simple ways to save and give yourself the opportunity to say goodbye to your loved one in the most fitting way possible.
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