What Should I Expect to Pay for Funeral and Burial Expenses
What Should I Expect to Pay for Funeral and Burial Expenses
A common goal among many aging seniors and their families is to put money aside for funeral and burial expenses. Most, however, are unsure how much to save and how prepared to be in the event of a death. It is certainly easier for one's family if arrangements through estate planning, funeral pre-planning and funeral trusts are made. We encourage this. Even then, many unforeseen details and expenses can burden the family of the deceased.
A common tendency among families in the days and weeks leading up to a death is neglecting to find an affordable funeral provider. Another challenge is finding ways to fund all of the various expenses involved with a funeral and burial. Generally, this is due to emotional stresses and a simple lack of time and preparation. Most often, families will use the same funeral services their relatives have used. Time constraints will force many to overlook important questions like, "are we paying too much for this" or "is this best for the deceased and their survivors?"
Others, who have lost a veteran or their survivor, believe the Department of Veterans Affairs will cover all the costs associated with a funeral and burial. Although there are several allowances and benefits available to veterans and their survivors for funeral and burial, these will not cover the entire cost. Read the Senior Veterans Service Alliance's article on VA Burial Allowances for rates and more information.
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6,700 people pass away in the U.S. every day. Although funeral costs can easily be upward in the 10s of thousands of dollars, the average cost nationwide in the United States for a traditional funeral (including embalming and a metal casket) in 2013 was $6,000, according to data from the National Funeral Directors Association. In 2014, the national average cost rose to $7,181. Currently, the average cost for a traditional funeral is over $10,000.
Types of Funerals
- Traditional Funeral Services
Traditional funeral services usually include embalming, dressing of the body, funeral home rental, a viewing, body transportation (via a hearse) to the funeral site, casket cost, and a cemetery plot or crypt. This is the most expensive type of funeral because many types of services and additional add-ons are available.
- Direct Burial
This burial is a simpler version of a traditional service. A direct burial would likely include a simple container, no viewing or visitation, and no embalming. A memorial service would still be held at the graveside if desired.
- Cremation
The body is cremated after death without embalming. Remains are kept as the family desires. Costs are compounded as services are added.
To see a more detailed breakdown of costs, you can read the full article at:
February 26, 2016 | by Valerie Michel Buck and Jed Winegar of the NCPC
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