Funeral Costs

I hate to sound so morbid, but DH and I were discussing about funeral costs for our payments in the future.

My father is very ill, and not terminal. But, things don't look promising for the next few years.

Anyway, I want to ensure he gets a proper burial when the time comes as well as my inlaws.

Is there any programs that you can pay towards the cost of the casket and burial? Anyone know of any?

Re: Funeral Costs

1st I want to say I hope you dad gets better. I'll keep him in my prayers.

When my FIL passed away the cost was about $15,000 (I think) and that was in 2009. I know most funeral homes will allow you to prepay for funerals. I would just contact the funeral home you think you would use when the time comes. They should be able to give you costs including cemetary. The only thing they may not be able to give you is cost for a headstone.

Re: Funeral Costs

Oh thank you - He hasn't gotten any better, its just getting worst.

We just had an Aunt passed away in October 12 and it costs about $15K as well. It's insane how much things costs.

I told myself, I need to prepare for this now before anything.

Thank you!

Re: Funeral Costs

I'm not sure of the exact costs, but do your father and inlaws have life insurance. Usually that helps pay for funeral expenses. I know that's how my MIL paid for my FIL's funeral.

I hope your dad gets better and you don't have to worry about this for a long time.

Re: Funeral Costs

I'm so sorry to hear that your dad isn't well.

For the other posters, is that $15K including the cemetary plot?

Re: Funeral Costs

Thank you all!

I never imagined having to live to watch him like this. And last night, my DH and my inlaws were talking about the costs for a funeral. My inlaws have life insurance, but my parents don't.

I know I need to start planning this to ensure he can have a proper burial.

Re: Funeral Costs

I'm sorry your dad is ill. Any chance he's a veteran?

Re: Funeral Costs

Re: Funeral Costs

It's not morbid and don't feel embarrassed. You are making a lot of sense. Good for you! So many of us try not to think about end of life issues, but as we all are going to get there sooner or later it makes far more sense to plan ahead.

I have had to handle two funerals in the past five years, one expected and one not. The expected one was far easier as I had preplanned it.

Go to the funeral home that you plan to use, or choose one now by visiting a few, and work with them to preplan the kind of funeral your father and you would want. Planning doesn't cost anything. That way you will know pretty well what it will cost and can start socking away money in a savings account. I did that for my aunt and it was very helpful.

When you are thinking clearly and are not emotionally distressed is the best time to look at and choose the kind of casket and cement vault to put in in (if wanted), and to discuss the many costs connected to any kind of funeral service and burial, along with a headstone and the type of plot. Plots are legally considered real estate and are not be sold by funeral homes, but by the cemetaries themselves. Cemetary plots start at $4,000 in my area and a single plot might be for two. The funeral director can give you the name and phone numbers of local cemetaries for you to call.

You probably ought to talk with your mother about her wishes. Would she want to be buried with him in a single plot? Next to him? In another cemetary? Also this might be time for her to get life insurance to cover her own final expenses, or to start a saving account for herself. Perhaps if she can not, any siblings of yours might help too.

You should think about and decide on how many visitations you might want - each visitation is very expensive as state laws require a licensed funeral person to be present. There are also the costs of a flower budget, hurse, any extra cars, the church, singer, etc. to be considered. It really mounts up.

There are ways to save on funerals and now is the time to ask about - and learn about - them, not when you are under pressure. Believe it or not, you can buy a casket anywhere, they are sold on-line, and have it shipped to the funeral home of your choice. You do not need to buy what the funeral director shows you at his price. The same casket might be a thousand less elsewhere. I found that to be the case. Finding what you want for less somewhere else might enable you to get a better price at your own funeral home. It is, after all, a business.

The funeral director will walk you through everything you will need to know about a funeral and burial and should give you the breakdown of costs in writing. I was given one. You can change your mind about anything later, but at least you will be familiar with what will need to be done when the time comes and their costs as of now.

You do not need to pre-pay a funeral, although if you do you will have the costs locked in at todays prices.

My mother died unexpectedly two years ago and it was stressful trying to figure out everything at such a time. I can assure you that it would be much better for you to look into it beforehand.

Best wishes.

Message edited 3/1/2013 2:46:08 PM.

Funeral Costs

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Unfortunately, it's something people don't really plan for, but should. When my grandmother died the funeral cost somewhere between $12 and $15k without the plot. She already had one, so we didn't need to pay for that.

My Dad always tells me he's going to prepay for his funeral costs so we don't have to worry about it. I don't like discussing it with him because he's still so young, but I don't blame him for wanting to do it.

Good luck. Many prayers for your family.

Re: Funeral Costs

Thank you ALL for responding. All this information is SO helpful and will lead me into the right direction.

No one wants to plan anything like their own death or a family's one. But the reality is that it's expensive, and many people take advantage during hard times. I just want things to be properly planned and prepared.

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we unfortunately had to cremate my uncle in 2010. The costs was $6000.

sorry you have to deal with this.

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My Mom's funeral 8 years ago was $12,000, including plot.
That included transportation from my home (mom died there), body prep, one day's visitation and burial the next day, hearse to the cemetery, no limo as we drove ourselves.
Funeral homes are required to give you a price list for all the services they provide, it is a state law.

I pre-planned my mom's funeral along with my sister because mom was terminal and we didn't want to have to plan it in a hurry. Mom had no idea that we did this, she would have been terribly upset. But in the end, it was my saving grace that everything was all arranged, all we had to do is make the phone calls and order the flowers.
My dad left everything up to us.
The plot we chose is at Pinelawn, and it is a double plot. When the time comes for my dad, all we have to pay is for the opening of the grave. The marker is already there and his name and dates will be added.
We really liked that we were able to chose her plot.

My MIL liked Pinelawn and the funeral home that I chose, so she pre-planned her funeral and also pre-paid for it.
She died four years ago, and the interest that was accrued in the pre-paid account paid for the opening of the grave. Our only out of pocket expense were the flowers and meals.

DH and I have bought our plot already, also at Pinelawn. Cost for the plot was $5600 three years ago, and that includes the marker. We pay $55 per month with no interest until that amount is paid off.

I am sorry that you have to go thru this with your dad. There is nothing wrong with starting the planning process now. It's hard to pick out a casket, even harder when you have to do it in a hurry.
We shopped cemeteries, sounds morbid, but we wanted mom's place to be nice.
You can also find out what your Dad wants, is there something special he wants to wear, music that he wants played.

I hope that you still have him for a long time to come.

Funeral Costs

My mothers funeral last yr cost us $13k(funeral home total charges), plus flowers, plus a stone. So all together around 17k+

Re: Funeral Costs

So sorry about your dad - it's good to think now.

DH's long lost uncle passed away this year with not a cent to his name and DH as the next of kin (no wife or children).

We got MINIMAL cremation and it was $1000+ They ranged into $4000+ without any services.

I think for burial you need casket, grave and grave opening as well - which is $1000-2000.