Have you thought about how your family will pay for your final sendoff? It’s not an easy topic, but it’s an important one.

Funerals and death are subjects most people push out of their minds because there are so many “what ifs.” But neglecting to plan ahead can end up leaving a financial burden for your family. Funeral planning in advance is a caring decision that can help protect them during a tough time.

What to plan in advance for a funeral

The average funeral starts around $10,000, and can rise even higher depending on the casket, service, or other arrangements you choose. Could your loved ones, such as a spouse or child, cover those costs out of pocket without financial strain? If not, creating a budget for a funeral is the right way to go. Paying for your own funeral may be the best gift to give your loved ones when this difficult time comes.

A good way to get started is with a budget. Just like you would make a monthly budget for your family’s expenses, create one that outlines your specific needs for funeral and other financial expenses. Certain decisions, like whether to have a burial or cremation, can have a big impact on the total cost. Here’s a closer look at some of the typical funeral costs.

Funeral Home Fee

Most funeral homes charge a base fee. This fee starts at around $2,200. It covers costs such as administration, the fees for the funeral home use, and costs for coordinating care with a crematory or cemetery.

Transferring Fees

Transferring remains to the funeral home costs around $325 or more. This includes transporting remains from a hospital or home to the funeral home, and then potentially to a religious location, cemetery, or other location (the more trips, the higher the costs can be).

Embalming and Preparation Fees

A lot of work goes into the preparation of the body. This may include embalming, cleaning the body, applying makeup, dressing the body, and other preparation for a funeral. On average, this costs around $1,000.

Funeral Home Use Costs

Showings or wakes are another key part of the funeral process. This allows for your loved ones to come to pay their final respects to you. It also provides for printed materials such as prayer cards, note cards, and other materials for your loved ones to take home. On average, this costs around $1,100.

Burial Costs

You can choose the type of burial you prefer, but on average, this costs around $4,300. Burial costs often include the cemetery location, caskets, and a vault. You may need to cover the costs of entombment, markers for the gravesite, and other cemetery costs.

Cremation Costs

Cremation is an option for many people who may not want to house their remains in a cemetery. If that’s the case for you, expect to pay around $1,900. However, some people choose to be cremated and then have their ashes placed in a mausoleum, which can be much pricier.

How to cover funeral expenses

Once you decide on your final wishes, think about how to cover funeral costs. These costs can be high, and you may also want to leave money behind to help your loved ones cover medical bills or other expenses.

As you decide how to cover funeral expenses, life insurance can be an affordable solution. Final expense insurance is intended to help cover funeral expenses and other end-of-life costs. Designed for people between the ages of 50 and 85, final expense lasts for your entire lifetime and provides your family with a guaranteed payout once you die. Other benefits include:

• An easy approval process, with no medical exam required.
• Lower premium costs. Since the coverage amounts are typically lower, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, premiums are a fraction of permanent life insurance.
• Flexibility, with the ability to choose the amount you need based on your goals.

Final expense insurance can help make sure your final wishes are carried out and, most importantly, that your loved ones don’t face financial pressures once you’re gone.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Get your quote online today or call one of our agents at (855) 291-6365.

At Fidelity Life, our goal is to make life insurance simple, affordable, and understandable for everyday families. This content is intended for educational purposes only. Each post is carefully fact-checked, reviewed, and updated regularly to ensure the information is as relevant as possible.