How Much Does A Funeral Cost?
November 18, 2008 – 5:35 am
I’m not trying to be morbid, but I’ve been thinking about this on and off after a conversation my wife and I had with my in-laws a week ago.
According to the Association of Funeral Directors, in 2004 the average cost of a funeral was $6,500. An average is just a number though, and according to one source a simple cremation in Seattle can cost $425 or $2,800 depending on the company you choose.
The intent of this post is not “how to save money on a funeral”. I’m simply intersted in knowing what an average funeral costs, and does pre-paying for such services make sense?
My research, and a bit of common sense, has led me to the conclusion that pre-paying for funeral services and plots is a bad idea. According to numerous sources many of these service contracts overcharge customers, have dangerous fine print, are non-transferrable, and have hidden fees that may cause your loved ones to end up paying even more. There is also a risk that the mortuary you choose will be out of business in the future. Many of these business are family-owned small businesses, and the risk of any one morturary going out of business is entirely likely over an extended period of time.
If you are in need of funeral services in the future, please know that “The Funeral Rule“, which is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral home directors to give you itemized prices IF YOU ASK (both in person and over the phone).
Additional resources:
- My initial research took me to this site (which arguable could be the most ugly-looking site on the internet). I came to the site through The Motley Fool though, so I have some faith that the information is legit.
- this recent Washington Post article offers a good summary of funeral home costs and choices.
- www.funeralswithlove.com (also has an excel cost calculator)
- MSNMoney has a good article on the topic as well.
Image Credit: puroticorico
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9 Responses to “How Much Does A Funeral Cost?”
As an educator in the funeral industry (I write a blog for funeral directors and teach classes at conferences) I’m glad to see that you are seeking out information so you can be prepared. However, I’m also disheartened that the sites you chose to highlight range from slightly paranoid about being ripped-off to completely, over-the-top paranoia.
The “Funeral Ripoff” site is so full of utter lies and spurius statements that it’s hard for someone like me, who has given so much of my life to helping families in need, to read it without my blood pressure going through the roof.
The writer(s) would have you believe that there are 20,000 evil companies out there who are eager to drain you of every last penny. In fact, industry statistics will show you that typical funeral home profit has dropped to less than 10% of sales in the last few decades. If anything, funeral directors are either becoming more honest or they’re stupid enough to own companies in an industry that regularly makes less profit than a typical retail store.
No one should ever pay more for a service than they can afford or are comfortable paying. But to paint funeral professionals (many are required to attain 4-year degrees, complete an apprenticeship and maintain state licensing) all as greedy people who would love nothing better than sucking your bank account dry is just scandalous.
But back to your main point, typical funerals will, of course, vary by region and expected services. I’d suggest calling several funeral homes in the expected area and asking them to quote a price for services you’re considering. If you make five or six of these calls, you should get a fair range. Of course, you can’t judge a funeral home by just a phone call, so if you get a price that’s either much higher or lower than the others, consider what factors might be influencing this price. Are they in a “ritzy” area? Maybe they’re cheap because they use off-brand caskets (yes, they exist!) or because they’re new to the market and they’re trying to gain a foothold.
Because funeral homes are small, regional businesses (except for a few large corporations – 10% of the market), there can be big differences based upon geography and the local economy. Do some research; you won’t regret it.
By Timothy Totten on Nov 19, 2008
Thanks for the clarification and feedback timothy. I was hoping someone with some real-world expertise would chime in.
By todd on Nov 19, 2008
My mothers funeral this past July was $9,000 and the burial was another $10,000.
They will have to tie a brick to my ankle and let me sink.
By Kim on Nov 19, 2008
Your Post is quite good sending folks to the Washington Post, Msn article and funerals with love all good resources, funerals-ripoffs is not reputable… The NFDA calls the Average cost of a traditional funeral to be $7,323.00 USD in 2006. In 2008 it is safe to say that the average cost of a funeral is $8,000+ USD
Your Funeral Guy Author, Rest in Peace.
By R.Brian Burkhardt on Dec 19, 2008
i know that my death will be coming around soon and my wife will be paying for my funeral and burial. i need help finding a way to make that easy for her. any ideas?
By fernando torres on May 15, 2009
any help available for my wife to be able to bury me and have a funeral for me as well?
By fernando torres on May 15, 2009
I would recommend not looking at this dilemma in isolation. If you’re living on a budget is there some other area that could be cut in order to save the funds necessary to meet your needs?
By todd on May 16, 2009
Hi Fernando, I know this is a delicate subject, so I hope this doesn’t sound bad to you. Have you ever thought about turning yourself into a diamond? I don’t know if you are totally against creamation, but if you aren’t you could take the money you would spend on a casket & put it towards a precious gem for your wife. My grandmother died 2 years ago & we found that cremation was the cheapest and least stressful thing to do, luckily that’s what she wanted. Rather than spending the money on a plot and casket, we had a small family funeral (since all her friends had passed before her) and spread her ashes in the place she was born. When I go, I will leave diamonds for my kids to have as keepsakes.
By Jamie on May 20, 2009
I believe this will also save precious land.
By Jamie on May 20, 2009