How Much Do Funerals Cost?

Insight on Funeral Expenses From Robin Schwind of Legacy of Love

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) the average cost of a funeral in the US typically ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on the specific services chosen and location. According to a NFDA 2023 study, the median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was $8,300. This figure represents an increase of 5.8% from their 2021 study. The median cost of a funeral with a viewing and cremation was $6,280. This shows an 8.1% increase from 2021.

The $7,000 to $12,000 price range typically covers the viewing, burial, transportation, casket, embalming, and other preparation services. However, costs can vary significantly, with some funerals exceeding $25,000 due to factors like casket selection, cemetery plots, and other personalized options. This makes the concept of planning your funeral in advance with Robin Schwind even more critical.

The median funeral cost of $8,300 generally includes:

• Non-declinable basic services fee
• Removal / transfer of remains to funeral home
• Embalming
• Other preparation of the body
• Use of facilities/staff for viewing and funeral ceremony
• Hearse
• Service car/van
• Basic memorial printed package
• Metal burial casket ($2,500 median)

Here's a more detailed breakdown of what a funeral may cost:

Factors Affecting Funeral Costs

• Type of Funeral Service: A traditional funeral with burial tends to be more expensive than a cremation service. Direct cremation, which involves no viewing or ceremony, is the most affordable option.
• Location: Funeral costs can vary by state and even by region within a state.
• Services and Merchandise: The specific services and merchandise selected (e.g., casket, urn, flowers, memorial headstone, obituary notices) significantly impact the final cost.
• Casket: Caskets can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the material and style.
• Cemetery Costs: Burial plots, vaults, and headstones can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost.
• Other Expenses: Additional costs can include transportation, embalming, viewing arrangements, memorial service fees, and even obituary notices.

Funeral Cost-Saving Options

• Direct Cremation: This type of funeral option is generally the most affordable, as it involves cremation without a viewing or ceremony. If a viewing is desired, make this wish known to your Legacy of Love funeral planning concierge.
• Pre Planning: Planning your funeral in advance can help you make informed decisions and potentially save money by avoiding decisions made under stress and "emotional overspending." This is exactly why Legacy of Love's funeral planning service exists.
• Compare Costs: Gathering price estimates from different funeral homes can help you find the most cost-effective options. Pre-planning your funeral with Legacy of Love allows you to make cost comparisons well in advance under less stressful circumstances.
• Consider Alternatives: Explore options like memorial services, scattering ashes, or green burials, which may be less expensive than traditional funerals.
• Financial Assistance: A Pre-Need Insurance policy is one option that can help cover funeral expenses. There are important differences between preneed insurance and final expense insurance, so it makes sense to compare the two options. A pre need insurance policy with Legacy of Love doesn't require a medical exam, pays its benefit to your chosen beneficiary - not a funeral home, so it's portable and can be used at any funeral home. Final Expense Insurance: This type of insurance is specifically designed to cover funeral and other end-of-life costs.
• Savings Accounts: You can also consider setting aside funds in a savings account specifically for funeral expenses.

How To Save 20% to 40% on Funeral Costs
According to the NFDA, families who do not pre-plan their funerals often spend 20% to 40% more than those who do plan their funeral. With the $8,300 median cost previously cited, that can mean $1,500 to $3,500 in additional costs. Lacking pre-planning and making hasty decisions while under stress can lead to emotional overspending on types of services, caskets, and various add-ons offered by funeral providers.

The Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC) and NFDA counsel that funeral planning in advance gives families the ability to comparison shop—something that more urgent situations typically don't allow. As you'll experience in the Legacy of Love pre-planning process, price guarantees and bundled discounts can be explored. Once your plan is finalized and costs identified, you can formulate a plan to pay over time or upfront at today's rates. Additionally, Robin Schwind can consult with you on pre-need insurance or burial insurance solutions to fund your funeral plan.

Have further questions about how much a funeral may cost? We would be happy to help. Call 410-688-5963 or fill out our online form.

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