Thinking about when you are no longer on this Earth is not high on anyone’s things to do list. It can be an extremely touchy and depressing topic of conversation if you get right down to it. Funerals can be extremely expensive and if those difficult conversations are not had up front, can leave your family members scrambling for funds especially if your passing is unexpected.
In 2014, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral was roughly $8,508. A noticeable increase in price from 2004, which was about $6,580. Below will give you a better estimate of some of the costs of a funeral courtesy of the NFDA. Please keep in mind these figures are just estimates of the bare minimum and do not include the cost of cemetery, flowers, obituaries or crematory fees. On average in the last 10 years the cost of a funeral increase roughly 30%.
A Final Expense Policy is one great option to help with these expenses because on top of the previously mentioned costs there are other bills that also need to be considered like the cost of the gravestone or even flowers at the funeral. Any outstanding bill that has been left by the individual who has passed will also still need to be taken care of.
• Credit card debt
• Medical bills
• Travel expenses for out of town relatives to attend the funeral
• Income loss
These items, if not accounted for can add up quickly. The best-case scenario is that the Funeral Insurance policy you purchase is able to cover all of your funeral costs as well as any outstanding bills upon your passing.
Traditional burials might not meet all of your needs. Whether they are too expensive or just not up your alley, don’t worry there are plenty of other alternatives to being buried. Here are a few alternative burial options;
Cremation – is considered one of the most popular alternatives to being buried. The primary reason being they are usually half the costs of a traditional burial. With cremation services, you allow your family and loved ones to keep your ashes in an urn or scatter them in your favorite spot.
Natural Burial – this type of burial eliminates the casket portion of a traditional burial. Since the casket tends to be one of the largest costs of a traditional burial this type of burial is also significantly less expensive. The body is wrapped in a shroud or biodegradable casket, which allows the body to decompose naturally which is always a great alternative to burial and cremation.
Bio Urns – is a neat way to allow you or your loved one to become a tree after death. The relatively newer concept allows the ashes of the deceased to be stored in a Bio Urn. The seed of the tree is germinated in the first part of the urn where the ashes are not. Once the decomposition process has begun the tree roots are strong enough to make contact with the ashes where they then grow through the urn. Allowing your loved one to be part of the tree.
Rocket Launch –is exactly what you think it is. Using a rocket, the deceased body remains is launched into space.
Eternal Reefs – using a steel sphere a person’s cremated remains can be sealed inside and ultimately become part of a living reef. The downfall of these types of burial alternatives is they come with a high price tag reaching in the upward $4,000 range.
Donate to Science – your body can be used in medical schools and anatomy labs to help educate students. If you’d like to have your body preserved in a semi-recognizable form, there’s a way to donate your body for Plastination. The process of transforming your body into plastic to be showed for display.
Cryonics – the body will be frozen in a cryopreservation tank that is used with hopes that at a later time when technology has improved can be recovered.
Memorial Diamonds – are made by pressurizing the individual’s ashes into a diamond. The process allows these gems to be made into jewelry to serve as a keepsake of a loved one
Artful Ashes – using the art of glass blowing, Artful Ashes create unique glass memorials for loved ones who have passed away. Using a tablespoon of ashes, glass blowers are able to create a one of a kind orb and keepsake for their loved ones.
Often times when it comes to your passing, many people are not prepared. Whether their final wishes were not discussed or communicated correctly their loved ones tend to be stuck with an extremely expensive bill. Don’t let this happen to you. Discuss all your options up front. Make sure you are set and have a Burial Insurance plan now so in the event of your passing your beneficiaries won’t be stuck with the cost.
At Burial Insurance Pro’s, we have the knowledge and how it relates in the life insurance world. We have helped many people find the burial insurance plan they need at a price that is affordable. Let us help you make solid recommendations that are tailored to you and your lifestyle. We know your options and we help you sort through them – answering any questions you may have along the way. You are not in this alone.