You may have seen headlines proclaiming rising funeral costs in 2024. Even though the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that funeral costs have not increased as fast as the inflation rate, they have still increased by 4.8 percent since 2022, according to Consumer Price Index data. What does that mean in real numbers? The NFDA reports that the average funeral service with casket and burial is $8,300, and the median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280.
Why do funerals cost so much? And what can be done about increased funeral expenses? Here’s what American families need to know about the cost of cremation and burial funeral services.
What You Need to Know About Rising Funeral Costs – 2024
- You can save money by planning ahead.
- Families need to realize they can compare the prices of different funeral providers and different funeral services.
- You can ask to see an itemized list of services and their prices.
- Direct cremation is typically the most cost-effective solution the funeral industry offers.
Save Money by Planning Ahead for Funeral Services
There are many benefits to planning ahead for one’s own services. Pre-planning allows you to select and record your method of disposition and the type of service and enables you to shop around for the best funeral provider in your area.
When pre-planning, ask your funeral director how much you can save by prepaying for services. By prepaying for services, you may save hundreds on funeral expenses and remove this financial burden from your family at the time of your death.
Compare Costs of Different Funeral Homes in Your Area
If the deceased did not take care of their own cremation or burial costs, it’s up to the family to choose and pay for funeral services. It’s common for families to struggle with these decisions while going through the grieving process. Understandably, emotions take over, and many families do not consider costs during such a difficult time. In fact, some families avoid conversations about pricing and costs, somehow thinking that selecting an inexpensive casket or a low-cost funeral option would be in poor taste.
Don’t feel bad about comparing prices and facilities. After all, your loved one may have been a savvy consumer during their lifetime and would want you to select the most cost-effective solution.
Ask to See a Price List
Funeral homes must provide families with an itemized price list of services provided. After viewing the price list, you can find ways to reduce costs. For example, you may reduce funeral costs by having the traditional funeral service (with visitation and funeral) in one day – instead of spreading the services across two days. You may also be able to buy a casket online to save money or complete your own tribute videos or photo collages instead of having the funeral home staff take care of this task.
Consider Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is the most cost-effective type of end-of-life service. Here’s how it works:
- The family says their goodbyes to the deceased person at the place of death.
- The body is transported to the cremation facility, where it undergoes the regular cremation process.
- The cremated remains are returned to the family.
- The family may choose to have the cremated remains at the memorial service. The ashes can then be placed in their final resting place or kept by the family.
Direct cremation is more affordable than traditional burial because there is no expensive casket. There are also reduced transportation costs and the opportunity for more affordable funeral service locations.
For affordable direct cremation services, contact Smart Cremation. With Smart Cremation, you can save up to 44% on funeral fees and receive personal delivery of your loved one’s cremated remains. Smart Cremation provides cremation services in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Nevada.
