subject: 9 More Easy Tips For Lower Funeral Expenses [print this page] For people encountering the hardship and heartbreak of organizing a funeral for the first time, the reality of just how high funeral expenses often makes it seem like the system is kicking you while you're down. However, with a supportive family, a bit of awareness of where funeral expenses tend to mount up and some creativity, you can cut funeral expenses down to a far more manageable level. Today we look at 9 more ways to lower your funeral expenses.
1.Don't choose a funeral package
Many funeral homes offer 'packages' at set prices. If you don't have the emotional strength or family resources to do the organization yourself, one way to save costs is to tailor your funeral requirements rather than take a package, which often include things you may not consider necessary.
2.Host the funeral yourself
You don't necessarily have to have the funeral at a 'neutral' location. If you're arranging a funeral for a close family member, why not have the ceremony at your home? You may be able to borrow seating from a nearby school or hall. If you don't want to hold the funeral in your home, why not choose any publicly available area for the funeral gathering?
3.Forego embalming
Embalming is a technical and sometimes expensive process, and if you're able to hold the funeral fairly soon after the death, it may not be necessary.
4.Arrange your own make-up
'Making up' the deceased often forms a substantial part of a person's funeral expenses.
5.Arrange your own music
With some funeral homes, it may add to your funeral expenses to hire the sound system. You can cut this cost by asking any musically inclined family friend to play at the funeral.
6.Choose an unsealed casket
There is an urban myth circulating that a sealed casket will preserve the body better. This is completely untrue - sealed caskets add hundreds of dollars to your funeral expenses, but don't slow the decay process at all. If you don't want to cremate the body, you can at least cut down costs by choosing an unsealed casket.
7.Scatter the ashes
Choosing to scatter a loved one's ashes is a cheaper alternative, but it certainly doesn't have to be a second-rate one! If you have your loved ones remains cremated prior to the funeral service, you can make the ash-scattering part of the ceremony.
8.DIY your own extras
You don't have to forego the little extras like thank-you cards, memorial cards and decorations because you want to reduce the funeral expenses - simply ask family and friends to help you with making these items.
9.Consider avoiding probate where possible
If you've been named as the executor of a will, you are probably feeling simultaneously honored and very burdened. If the estate is under a certain size, you may not be required to go through the process of applying for probate. The execution should make all effort to go down this path as it can save you thousands of dollars in legal fees.
With a little forward thought, funeral expenses can be cut down to a much more manageable level.
