Average Funeral Cost
The type of burial you choose can have a huge impact on how much a funeral costs. While the average national funeral with a view and burial costs $7,840, average funeral costs skyrocket to more than $8,000 when a vault is included. A cremation, on the other hand, averages only $370, as most funeral homes can handle this in-house.
That could be why by 2025, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) expects 63 percent of funerals to be handled by cremation instead of the projected 31 percent for traditional burials.
Average Funeral Cost
There is a lot to consider for a funeral and it is not cheap. Worse still, it comes at a time when your head and heart often prefer to be elsewhere. We can help.
A direct burial is the least expensive burial option for the funeral director. The cost will vary depending on the funeral home, but it is fair to say that a direct burial can be arranged in the region of $ 1,200 to $ 1,600. The cost of the casket can make a difference in the final average burial cost of the funeral.
Funeral insurance costs to consider
There are many fees associated with a funeral:
Basic Service Fee – This is a standard service fee that is associated with a funeral. This covers the average funeral cost of planning fees, including permits and administrative fees.
Merchandise and Service Fees: These cover things like transportation, preparation, and embalming of the body, as well as funeral home fees for viewing or funeral and any equipment or services required for graveside service. You will also need to pay for a casket or burial container or required services necessary for cremation or burial.
Cash Advances – There are some services your funeral can provide. Such as funeral flowers, clergy, and organists. You may pay an additional service fee or marked prices to account for the funeral home’s efforts, but under the Funeral Rule, these additional fees must be communicated to you in writing.
What is the average cost of funeral expenses?
The average casket costs around $2,000, while other premium caskets made from mahogany, fiberglass, wood, and plastic can cost up to $10,000.
Some buyers have had more luck buying their own caskets independently to supply to the funeral home, as they can avoid third-party profit margins. However, you will be responsible for sending the casket to the funeral home. And those fees can be quite expensive.
Prepaid Cremation Option
If you choose cremation, you can avoid the cost of a new casket. Most funeral homes will rent you a casket for you to use if you plan to visit or for the funeral. It is a much more profitable prepaid cremation option for those who do not plan to bury their loved one in a coffin.
Here are some of the average costs you may incur for a average funeral cost. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
- Funeral Service Fee: $ 2,100
- Burial Funeral Home Rent: $ 500
- Funeral home staff: $ 500
- Vault: $ 1,395
- Cremation casket: $ 1,000
- Embalming: $ 725
- Urn: $ 275
- Cosmetic services: $ 250
- Hearse: $ 325
- Transportation: $ 325
- Family Transportation: $ 150
- Brochures and materials: $ 160
The Federal Trade Commission provides a funeral pricing checklist to help you navigate the process.
How much does the average burial cost?
The average cost of a funeral for a burial is $ 7,840, but this depends on many factors that can easily affect the price. Funeral home fees, staff, and services can vary wildly, depending on where you live, so you should always research your options before choosing a funeral home or special service.
How much does the average cremation cost?
Cremations are much more affordable than burials, averaging just $370. However, there may be additional services you need, including funeral home staff and average funeral cost service fees, as well as renting a casket for viewing. .
What is the cheapest funeral?
Many funeral homes often mark their services to account for your time and work. Which accounts for a large portion of funeral expenses. But you can avoid these unnecessary costs by cutting out the middleman. Try to do as much as you can yourself or designate a team of friends or family who can help.
How to prepare for funeral expenses?
For many, death comes without warning, and while their loved ones are in mourning, they must also grapple with how to pay for such a huge unexpected expense. This is why financial planning is so important before you die.
A average funeral cost policy is an easy way to contribute to your funeral expenses while you are still alive. Although it sounds morbid, we all die. A life insurance policy can be a way to help your loved ones after you have prepaid your funeral costs through your monthly premiums.
You can use a traditional savings account, but these are often subject to delays in legalization. An account payable on death (POD) may be a better bet. This allows you to set up a special funeral savings account. You designate the person you want to control the funds after your death, and that person can access those funds simply by showing a valid death certificate.
Funeral Life Insurance
There are other ways to pay for a funeral if there is no life insurance policy. Military members are eligible for special burial benefits, while others may opt for a bank loan or prepaid plan through a funeral home of their choice.
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