Does Burial or Cremation Make More Financial Sense?
Thinking about money is the last thing you want to do after the death of a loved one, but you need to decide on its final disposition. For centuries, burial was the most common option, but in recent years cremation has become very popular. It’s easier and less expensive than a traditional burial, which often comes with a long list of additional fees that most people don’t expect.
However, here’s a closer look at the financial aspect of each option.
Burial usually costs more than cremation
Many people mistakenly believe that when a loved one dies, they only need to purchase a casket and pay a fee to the funeral home to bury them. In fact, a Burial comes with a long list of expenses Which often costs more than a used car.
The cost of burial can exceed the cost of cremation by thousands of dollars, depending on the options you choose. For example, adding a display to a funeral will increase the funeral home’s fees, and choosing a sophisticated casket or elaborate headstone can result in significantly higher total expenses than a cremation. The most expensive piece is the casket.
The casket will be your largest expense
If you are choosing a traditional burial, you will need a casket. Although caskets are largely a cultural tool that provides a dignified means of transporting bodies, they are also practical. The casket, along with the grave liner, prevents the soil from collapsing under the weight of lawn mowers and other heavy equipment used to maintain the cemetery grounds. For this reason, most cemeteries require both a casket and a grave liner, and this is where funeral homes make big money. Where you buy the casket is important. If you buy one from a funeral home, you can expect to pay a large markup. You will do it Save more money By purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
The cost of a burial plot varies depending on location
Once you calculate the cost of a casket, you will need to be strategic about the burial area. It makes sense to bury your loved one nearby so you can visit them, but the cost of burial sites varies greatly, and it’s worth shopping around. For example, the average plot of land in a rural area can cost between $500 and $5,000, but in some urban areas the cost can reach between $9,000 and $20,000. It all depends on where the plot of land is located. Private gardens and premium parks will come at a hefty price.
At the end of the day, a basic burial can cost you between $10,000 and $15,000. When you compare this cost to cremation, you’ll understand why more people are skipping traditional burials.
Cremation costs less than burial even with extras
Compared to traditional burials that come with a host of expenses and fees, cremation is much easier and much less expensive. Although you can still opt for a funeral and viewing if it’s within your budget, direct cremation is less expensive. In this case, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a direct cremation plus the cost of the urn, which is much less than even the simplest burial. If you wish to provide a memorial service, the cost will be more, but it will still be less than a burial. For example, a cremation with a memorial service may cost you $3,000 to $7,000 in total.
The value of cremation extends beyond saving money
As with any big decision, Cost is a factorBut there is another benefit to cremation. In fact, many people choose cremation so that they can keep their loved ones’ ashes to honor them in different ways. For example, many people place some ashes in jewelry or in the paint an artist uses to create a memorial plaque.
“When a family chooses cremation, they are not only choosing the least expensive option, they are choosing flexibility that allows them to honor their lives in a personal way.” Susan Fraser, founder of In The Light Urns, says: Who has guided families through memorial decisions since 2001.
“I’ve worked with thousands of families to balance budgets and meaning. Cremation costs are typically much lower than a traditional burial. There is no plot to purchase, no vault fees, and none of the additional expenses that drive up burial costs. Families can put that difference into a personalized urn or keepsake that actually reflects the person. It doesn’t replace grief, but it takes the financial stress away so the healing can begin.”
finally, CChoosing between burial and cremation is a financial and personal choice. Whether you choose a traditional burial or cremation, you won’t need to spend a fortune on closure.
Photo by Sandy Millar: Unsplash
