We are all going to need a funeral at some point, but for those left behind to deal with the arrangements and costs, this can become a severe issue. Not everyone can afford to foot the bill of a funeral because prices have soared over the years and can become crippling for those on a budget. If the deceased had no insurance or savings to pay for the funeral, it is left to others to finance it, which is something that not everyone can afford to do.
Fortunately, there are ways in which you can save on various funeral costs, and this is something that you should try to do if you have a limited budget. While giving your loved ones the send-off they deserve is important, and this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune and end up in debt because of it. Instead, you can find ways to reduce everything from casket prices to the cost of the wake while still giving your loved one a fitting funeral. In this article, we will look at ways you can save on funeral costs.
Simple Ways to Make Savings
There are various ways to make savings when it comes to funeral costs, and it is essential to look into as many cost-cutting solutions as possible to avoid funeral debt. Some of how you can cut costs are:
Look for Online Caskets
One of the most expensive parts of the funeral is the cost of the casket, which can run into thousands of dollars in some cases. However, you can make savings on the casket price in several ways. First, make sure you look at the available casket models and casket materials, as the one you choose can make a big difference in the cost. Second, go online and compare the prices of different coffins. In addition, finding the right casket company can help you save money, and you can even find caskets on sale. Some companies, like Trusted Caskets, even offer the best price guarantee on the caskets from their online catalog and free caskets delivery to funeral homes.
Arrange the Wake at Home
Another way in which you can save money on the cost of the funeral is when it comes to the wake. If you hire a venue and lots of caterers and other professionals, the costs can spiral. However, you can make savings on the cost of the wake by holding it at home. This means that there would be no cost for hiring a venue, which can become expensive. In addition, you could do the catering yourself and keep it simple or get friends and family to help you.
Cut Back on Transportation Costs
You can even cut back on transportation to save money. For instance, rather than hiring lots of limos for large numbers of family members, see whether there are people who can drive others to and from the service and minimize the vehicles you have to hire. The same with the casket delivery- in some cases, you can save on the delivery fees by picking it up from the casket company location.
Tips to Save on Caskets:
- If you’re on a budget, you may be able to save money on caskets by buying a refurbished casket. The “refurbished” ones are commonly known as “scratch or dented” caskets. Casket companies often can offer some repaired casket with some minor defect.
- Another way to save money on caskets is to buy from wholesale casket companies. Rather than paying full price for a casket, look for companies that sell caskets in large quantities at a discount. It may take hours to weed through these sellers and find the best ones, especially if you don’t know what to look for. The internet is full of fraudulent websites, so be sure to read reviews and ratings before deciding.
- Then, you can buy caskets from “Big box” companies like, for example, Walmart or other popular stores. These caskets are often more expensive than their online counterparts because the platform itself should also profit from sales, so small companies selling their products have to raise the prices. So using the direct sites of the casket company is usually brings you to better pricing.
- The final tip for saving money on caskets is to shop around. The funeral home you choose could have discounted caskets available. They will likely have one or two display models or discontinued styles. While this option won’t be as convenient as purchasing online, it’s the perfect combination of ease and cost. And, you’ll also be saving money because there is no third party to pay for delivery or purchase.
These are some of how you can save money on the cost of a funeral and have a meaningful send-off for your loved one without breaking the bank.