This is something many of us don’t think about until we need to plan a service, meaning families are often shocked to learn just how much a funeral can cost.
An average funeral in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, according to Dollar Insurance. This figure consists of everything from handling the remains to burying the body.
An average funeral in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, according to Dollar Insurance. This figure consists of everything from handling the remains to burying the body.
However, given how quickly funerals are put together and a general lack of pre-planning, it can be hard for families to know if they’re paying for items they don’t want or need.
It may not be pleasant to think about, but a bit of advance planning for your own funeral could help your family avoid stress or debt when you pass. Here are five ways that could help your loved ones in the future:
Funerals are often put together on short notice. As a result, families may be unable to compare prices from one funeral home to another. One way you could help is by doing some “shopping around” for them. Ask local funeral directors for pricing, even if it’s just an estimate.
If you find a funeral home, you’re comfortable with—both the price and management—tell your family. That way, they’ll know where to go when it comes time to arrange the funeral.
Even if you take the steps above, the final funeral bill your family receives might still be more than they can afford, especially if they need to come up with the money on short notice. Click Here for funeral insurance that might be able to help.
A policy could help your family pay for a service and anything else they may need at the time. This could be a quick and affordable way for you to help fund your funeral and remove some of the financial burdens from your loved ones’ shoulders.
It may not be pleasant to think about, but a bit of advance planning for your own funeral could help your family avoid stress or debt when you pass. Here are five ways that could help your loved ones in the future:
1. Do some pre-planning.
Funerals are often put together on short notice. As a result, families may be unable to compare prices from one funeral home to another. One way you could help is by doing some “shopping around” for them. Ask local funeral directors for pricing, even if it’s just an estimate.
If you find a funeral home, you’re comfortable with—both the price and management—tell your family. That way, they’ll know where to go when it comes time to arrange the funeral.
2. Consider a funeral insurance policy.
Even if you take the steps above, the final funeral bill your family receives might still be more than they can afford, especially if they need to come up with the money on short notice. Click Here for funeral insurance that might be able to help.
A policy could help your family pay for a service and anything else they may need at the time. This could be a quick and affordable way for you to help fund your funeral and remove some of the financial burdens from your loved ones’ shoulders.
3. Choose cremation over burial.
A traditional burial can be expensive. Depending on where you’re buried, a cemetery plot and council burial fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Plus, other things typically go along with burial that can add up.
Doing the deceased’s hair and makeup for an open casket, the coffin, and a headstone. Alternatively, cremation could be more affordable. This may cost less than $1,200 and remove the need for a headstone if the ashes are scattered.
4. Decline embalming.
Whether you decide to be buried or cremated, asking that your body not be embalmed could save your family hundreds of dollars. Embalming is a process used to preserve the body and help make it presentable for viewing.
However, it’s typically only required in cases of infectious disease. If you prefer a closed casket funeral, there may be no need for this extra step.
Like any business, funeral homes need to make money. There are many trustworthy funeral directors out there, but unfortunately, some do try to sell grieving families on fancy upgrades.
Writing down your funeral wishes, including specifying anything you don’t want, could help your family save some money. This could include asking them to choose a simple casket instead of a “gasket” one, only holding one ceremony at the graveside, or saying no to flower arrangements.
Planning a funeral can be stressful for a family, but helping control the costs could make it easier for them to say goodbye in peace. Taking steps like pre-planning, choosing how you’d like your remains to be handled, or getting funeral insurance may be a smart move for people over 50.
5. Skip the fancy upgrades.
Like any business, funeral homes need to make money. There are many trustworthy funeral directors out there, but unfortunately, some do try to sell grieving families on fancy upgrades.
Writing down your funeral wishes, including specifying anything you don’t want, could help your family save some money. This could include asking them to choose a simple casket instead of a “gasket” one, only holding one ceremony at the graveside, or saying no to flower arrangements.
Planning a funeral can be stressful for a family, but helping control the costs could make it easier for them to say goodbye in peace. Taking steps like pre-planning, choosing how you’d like your remains to be handled, or getting funeral insurance may be a smart move for people over 50.
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