If you feel funerals and final services are expensive, you are not alone. It is also nothing new. For generations, families have tried to offset these costs through life insurance. Premiums could be as little as a few cents per week.
One of the reasons funerals can be expensive is because of the voluntary choices families make. Without preplanning, many of these choices may be made under the stress of grief.
If you wish to save money on final expenses, one of the best ways is to preplan. It is also important to be an informed consumer. This starts by knowing what is and isn’t required. Here are some extras you can save on.
Embalming
This is one of the most misunderstood processes and procedures in the industry. Embalming is not required legally by any state. It is considered a cosmetic and temporary procedure that can help preserve a body for up to two weeks. While funeral homes may strongly suggest it or even require it when public viewings are involved, it is not a legal requirement. It is also not always necessary in cremations.
Rubber Gaskets and Casket Sealing
It can be easy to get caught up in conversations about body preservation and keeping a person’s remains away from the elements. The fact is, there is no permanent solution to preserving a body. Gaskets and sealers and other upgrades may slightly delay the process, but eventually, it is inevitable. These added expenses can be skipped for those looking to save.
Expensive Headstones
Elaborately customized headstones today can include graphics and photographic images. They can also be extremely expensive. Even if the grave is visited frequently, it is an added expense you probably can do without.
Cremation Caskets
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a “cremation casket” that a loved one will be cremated in. Any inexpensive wood product container or even cardboard will suffice. This is an area where savings can be realized even when cremation is involved.
Funeral Planning Services
Some funeral homes may offer concierge-style funeral planning services that can relieve some pressure on grieving families. The fact is, there are decisions you want to be directly involved in, and a funeral home is there to help facilitate those wishes. Planning services are generally an unnecessary option.
At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory, we provide everything from customized, full-service funerals to final services for the budget-minded. We operate the only privately owned crematory in Greater Cincinnati. We have a caring, experienced, and professional staff and would be honored to serve as your family’s funeral home. Thank you for your consideration.
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