During the downturn in the economy, there’s still one industry with a steady supply of paying customers and business doesn’t look to end anytime soon. That’s because those in the multi-billion dollar funeral industry survive by the simple fact that people keep kicking the can, and their relatives are usually willing to dole out the dough to send Grandma Sue off in high class. But, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a traditional funeral is $7,323, which doesn’t include burial costs. Burial plots and other expenditures can push the total to $10,000 or more. That’s not cheap during thick times and it can be a downright hardship during the lean times.
That’s why some are looking for cutbacks, whether it is for themselves or for recently deceased relatives. Auctioning off burial plots, opting for carnations instead of roses, and toning down the casket from bronze to cardboard are just some of the recession-minded, budget-tightening measures that customers are taking.
I’m Sorry About Your Loss—Now Here’s the Bill
Buying a package funeral deal seems to be the easiest option for grief-stricken family members—and that’s the way it’s intended. Instead of scaling down to the necessities, many people buy an all-inclusive “traditional” funeral—an embalming, an ornate casket, open casket wake, fancy flowers, ceremony, procession, and graveside service. However, according to the Funeral Consumer’s Alliance (FCA), a consumer advocate group, this type of funeral is a fairly recent commercial invention—and not necessarily a good one.
- Early on in your discussions, ask for a general price list, which outlines costs
- Before picking out a casket, ask for a casket price list, which should include caskets around or under $500
- You should receive an outer burial container price list before selecting a grave liner or coffin vault
- If you were told that something was required by law, you should have been given that evidence in writing
- You should get an itemized statement of goods and services selected before the funeral so you know the total cost
Shop Till You Drop
Although last minute arrangements don’t lend themselves to comparison shopping, there is something to be said for looking for the best deal—on flowers, caskets, plots, etc.
Some funeral homes even advertise themselves as cheaper than the rest. For instance, Newcomer Funeral Homes and Crematories, a national chain, claims to undercut its competitors by hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even shopping around among local funeral homes and crematoriums can save money and give you a sense of what the going rate should be.
Another area where you stand to save considerable cash in on the casket. It’s no surprise that sales of the more expensive caskets—bronze, mahogany, and copper, which run from $5,000 to $10,000—are declining. What’s the point of buying the Rolls if it’s just going into the ground? Instead, simpler, inexpensive caskets are growing in popularity. A metal casket is around $1,000 and pressboard or wooden caskets are around $500. In a funeral home, the more expensive caskets might be on display, but more affordable options should be available as well. You can also order your casket online, where you’re likely to find the best deals. If you know a woodworker or artisan, you could also commission him to handcraft a personalized casket.
Ashes to Ashes: Why Cremation Is So Hot
JFK, Jr. did it. Jerry Garcia did it. Hunter S. Thompson did it. And many others, including myself, want to do it too. According to the Cremation Association of North America, in 2005, 46 percent of Americans planned to choose cremation, up from 31 percent in 1990.
