The funeral costs no one talks about

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4 days ago

Planning a funeral can be difficult enough emotionally without factoring in financial matters.
"This is one of the most important parts of estate planning that many people may not think much about, as they are generally focused on who gets the money and who will take care of the kids," says Laura Cowan, an estate planning attorney and founder of 2-Hour Lifestyle Lawyer. "My clients often tell me they find great comfort in making these important decisions and getting it in writing, knowing it will ease the burdens of their loved ones when they are gone."
Regardless of whether you're factoring in a funeral in your estate planning or organizing one for a loved one who has recently died, here's what financial experts want you to know about funeral costs, and how to use a funeral to meaningfully honor someone even if you're on a tight budget.
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What is the most expensive part of a funeral?
Average caskets run between $2,000 and $5,000 in the United States, but some made of mahogany, bronze or copper can cost upward of $10,000, according to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Consumer Advice department.
"A casket is generally the most expensive part of a funeral, assuming you are planning for a traditional full-service burial," Cowan says.
The FTC warns that funeral directors are required to show you a full list of the caskets they sell, complete with prices and descriptions, prior to actually showing you the caskets in real life, to ensure that you aren't steered away from the opportunity to purchase lower-priced models.
Funeral home fees are also high up on the list of costs, Cowan says. They "generally start at around $2,000 and can go up significantly depending on the provider."
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How much does a funeral cost?
In total, funerals in the United States usually cost between $3,000 and $5,000, Cowan says, noting the final price tag is "based on additional factors like location, type of service and practical considerations, including floral arrangements or casket selection."
If those costs seem overwhelming or even impossible, there are some ways to receive assistance, or at least bring some of the costs down:
Eliminating an embalming service. While many funeral homes require embalming "if you're planning a viewing or visitation," the FTC notes it's generally "not necessary or legally required if the body is buried or cremated shortly after death."
Purchase an outer burial container from a third party. A burial vault or grave liner is traditionally placed in the ground before burial, serving as a buffer between the coffin and the ground, which can help prevent the ground from caving in when the coffin begins to deteriorate, per the FTC. Your funeral provider is required to show you a list of descriptions and prices, just like with coffins. For outer burial containers, you may be able to get a better deal by comparing prices outside of the funeral home or cemetery.
Consider cremation rather than a traditional, full-service burial. "Simple cremation" is generally the least expensive option, Cowan notes, while traditional burials are usually the most expensive.
Look into financial assistance programs. "Various charities and organizations exist to either assist with understanding your options and getting quality information so you can make good choices, or possibly even providing financial assistance as well for those who qualify," Cowan says. And "some states may offer burial assistance through social service programs."
Above all, Cowan says, it's important to focus on honoring the "stories and life experiences" of the deceased, which doesn't need to cost a fortune.
"One option for doing this is to host a gathering for friends and family to share stories and memories of your loved one," she says. "Planting a tree or garden as a living memorial can be a lovely, lasting tribute. And simply incorporating the values your loved one passed on as well as important lessons learned in your own life can be very meaningful."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How much does a funeral cost? Financial experts discuss.