Eternal frugality? Not quite, but there are plenty of ways to hold down costs from the time of your death until final disposition of your remains. Ready for a cheery post? Let’s go!
GETTING READY FOR THE END
Before the Big Event it really pays to shop around the various funeral homes and monument companies in your area and ask for price lists to get a good idea of what is offered, what it costs and to help you decide what your final wishes will be. While you might have been thinking of an elaborate send off in a fancy casket and a huge tombstone, price lists will help you to formulate a plan that you can afford. I have read that the biggest downside to prepaying for expenses is the possibility you might move, but unless that seems like a pretty sure thing a prepay option might be a good way to lock in current prices.
If you are a veteran, thank you for your service, and you and you spouse are entitled to a free burial and headstone in a national cemetery.
FRUGAL CASKET/COFFIN ALTERNATIVES
If you decide on a memorial service you can use a press board box called an alternative container. You rent a ceremonial casket that the alternate fits into for the visitation. It is removed after the service and you are buried in the press board box. Frugality by deception!
You can buy your casket from a discount casket company to avoid the large mark up by the funeral home. Check out Casket Xpress as an example and search for “discount caskets” online.
If you are even mildly handy you could just make your own coffin.
You can buy your casket from a discount casket company to avoid the large mark up by the funeral home. Check out Casket Xpress as an example and search for “discount caskets” online.
If you are even mildly handy you could just make your own coffin.
CREMATION
Cremation costs much less than burial – up to 90% less. If you don't experience an automatic icky reflex to the idea of your flesh being incinerated and then having the charred remains of your bones pulverized into powder, this might be your most frugal choice. Unless you have some room in the backyard. Check your Department of Health for state regulations.
GIVE SOME, GET SOME
Another frugal option is to donate your body to a school – they pay for transportation and final disposition of cremated remains.
Finally, don't forget to sign up to be an organ donor. Could be your final chance at spreading good Karma, if you believe in that sort of thing.
Related reading:
Just a little FYI on the national cemetery. Burial isn't totally free. There is a one-time fee of about $200 or less, if memory serves. My mother, as the wife of a vet, was interred in one. My father, when he passes on, will be placed with her.
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