We all want to send our friends, family or partner on their way without having to make uncomfortable compromises on price. Costs are likely a challenge whether you’re dealing with preparing a loved one’s funeral, or thinking about purchasing a plan to pay your own expenses in advance, .

The cost of burial is several times more expensive than cremation, but cost is not the only consideration. Some people have religious beliefs where a burial is preferred, and other people feel cremation is appropriate.

What’s a typical cremation likely to cost?

Data from the cremation research council suggests  the average cost of cremation is $1,100. There are some extras that increase price, such as an urn, having a memorial service, and other considerations. It is up to the people paying for the cremation to decide how elaborate the service should be and what extras might be included beyond the basic package.

In the case of a burial that includes a funeral service too, the typical cost is around $11,000. The casket on its own is often $2,000 with some options being considerably more expensive than that or those requested as custom orders.

The cost of funerals and cremation services does rise over time. The costs tracked over ten years to 2014 indicated a price adjustment of just under 30 percent which isn’t too much different to cpi inflation data over the same period. Therefore, while one should consider rising costs, they’re not galloping away as is the case with the healthcare industry.

How do costs break down?

There is the regular price for cremations and then there are the extra fees. The extras depend on what is required to pay to the home managing the cremation, and what the state or government require.

Permits for a cremation: a cremation in a county requires a permit before it can go ahead. The permit is often arranged on the customer’s behalf. The fee is usually $10-50 and is up to the county. It is for to the funeral home to decide whether they include the price in their regular quote or it is added on as an extra item to the original price quote.

Certificate of death: the executor of the estate or family will need the death certificate and a number of certified copies of it too. When dealing with the estate management, certified copies of a death certificate are often requested by a bank to close a checking or savings account, to pursue benefits on a life insurance policy that pays out in the event of the death of the insured, and other related matters.

Taxes & fees to government: there is sometimes some sales tax and other taxes connected to burial or cremation costs, plus a possibility of federal, state or local fees in connection with the death and burial or cremation service provided. These will be indicated and added to the bill in most cases.

Extras: when special requests are made that fall outside of the typical funeral service, casket or cremation requirements for a package deal, then extra charges will reflect the additional costs and fees associated with these requests. The home will discuss these issues with the person who is making the arrangement to finalize the requests and confirm what the additional costs will be in total.

Using the general price list

There is a funeral rule from the ftc which ensures that when dealing with a funeral home, it is made clear what each service will cost. Each cost of each type of burial, cremation, service and other items will be made clear in the price list. While not all extras may be included in a general price list because it’s not possible to include hundreds of possible choices open to people who wish to heavily customize their end of life experience, the list is intended to make it clear what the standard packages will cost to avoid confusion.

Making good plans for either your end of life journey or that of a loved one is the best way to be properly prepared. It often comes as a shock how much a funeral service will be depending on how elaborate it is and how many people will attend. It is best not to be making costly decisions during a time of grief.

Planning ahead by researching the costs and saving up to cover the price of a funeral that doesn’t make compromises is one of the best ideas. It’s also possible to use a funeral plan where services are paid for in advance as another way to go. Either way, making decisions when not in a state of grief and saving up towards the future cost is smart.

Shift Frequency Publication – Educational Material © 2018