When a family is mourning the loss of a loved one, financial challenges shouldn’t be clouding their fond memories of the deceased. However, many find that these customary occasions can involve unexpectedly high costs. That’s why it’s important to remember that affordable funerals are still possible with help from experienced professionals. If you’re looking to keep these expenses to a minimum, here are five funeral planning tips to keep in mind.

How to Reduce Funeral Costs

1. Choose a Direct Burial

Embalming—the process that helps preserve the deceased for viewing—can add to the funeral costs considerably. Opting for direct burial can help you avoid these fees, as it allows the mortuary to inter the non-embalmed body in a modest casket soon after the deceased has been processed.

2. Consider Cremation  

If burial isn’t a required element, talk to your funeral director about cremation. In this increasingly popular aftercare method, the deceased is converted into a collection of ashes that can be stored in a decorative urn, placed in a columbarium, or scattered in a special place.

In addition to eliminating embalming costs, cremation can also help you avoid cemetery plot fees that are typically associated with traditional burials.  

3. Utilize Veterans Benefits

Honorably discharged members of the US military receive several aftercare benefits that can help cover funeral planning costs for themselves, as well as their spouse.

To claim these benefits, simply provide your funeral director with the appropriate DD Form 214. If you don’t have this form, the Veteran’s Administration should be able to provide it.   

4. Donate Your Body

If you’re arranging a funeral for yourself, opting to donate your body to science will provide you with a free method of disposal. This donation allows medical professionals to further their knowledge and develop health solutions for the future. After research has taken place, your body will be cremated and returned to your family.

5. Pre-Plan

Even if you want your own funeral to involve high-end elements, pre-planning can help you take care of these costs ahead of time and save your family from the financial burden.

Through this approach, you’ll work with a funeral director to plan out every aspect of aftercare. While you can always pay the sum upfront, many mortuaries will allow individuals to pay for these services in installments.

Supporting the Cincinnati, OH, community since 1932, Frederick Funeral Home maintains a strong commitment to providing services that suit many different budgets. Whether you’re interested in a traditional burial or cremation, these caring funeral directors will take a personalized approach to ensure you or your loved one’s wishes are met in a respectful fashion. To learn more about their affordable funeral planning services, visit this family-owned provider online or call (513) 522-3700.