subject: The Cost Of A Funeral [print this page] When a loved one dies, the family faces a lot of decisions, which must be made immediately in the midst of emotional distress. Unfortunately, there are businesses out there that take advantage of families at this most difficult time. Some funeral homes charge inflated prices knowing that grieving families are not in a state to judge whether or not they are being taken advantage of. You should know that the average cost of a funeral is $6,500. Don't be swindled by funeral homes charging inflated prices for services you don't need. Below are a few things you should know before hiring a funeral home to handle your loved one's final arrangements.
The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Funeral Rule, which is a guide governing funeral homes that is intended to protect the interests of consumers. The Funeral Rule states that funeral directors must provide a list of the prices of the goods and services being offered upon request. Most funeral homes offer package funeral services, but it is your right to choose only the funeral services that you need. Thus, it is the duty of the funeral home's prices to be transparent to consumers and to inform clients if it is legally required to purchase a certain item, such as a cremation urn or casket.
Shopping around ahead of time for funeral services and comparing the prices offered by different funeral homes in your area can save a family a lot of hassle later on. Get prices from several different funeral homes beforehand, so you'll be able to make an informed decision when your loved one passes. If you have not planned ahead of time, there are still some things you can do to ensure you are not taken advantage of by an unscrupulous funeral home.
It is understandable that a family must grieve the loss of a loved one. However, even though they are grieving, families must take the time to research average funeral costs in their area before meeting with a funeral director. Funeral homes are focused on making money just like any other business, and families should treat funeral expenses as they would any other major purchase. Never meet with a funeral director alone. Take a friend or family member to the meeting with you someone you can trust to offer sound advice during a very emotional time.
Funerals can be costly, especially if the family is not prepared. Families should shop around to ensure they are receiving the most affordable funeral goods and services for their loved one. Take the time to familiarize yourself with typical funeral costs before you even step into a funeral home.
