In the midst of grieving the
death of a loved one, it can be difficult to switch gears and think about
financial arrangements to pay for the funeral. However, you and your funeral
director can ensure there are no surprises by making finances a part of the
discussion throughout the process.
A licensed funeral director will
be open and transparent when discussing the costs related to planning a
meaningful tribute for your loved one. This begins when you first meet with
your funeral director. He or she will provide you with the funeral home’s General
Price List and payment policy to fully disclose the costs of the goods and
services related to planning a funeral.
Similarly, as you discuss options
with your funeral director, it is very important that you are open and honest
about your budget. Regardless of your family’s financial plan, you will be able to plan
a meaningful
tribute that beautifully memorializes the life of your loved one.
When selecting service and
merchandise options, ask yourself two questions with regard to costs:
1) Does this help me meaningfully memorialize the life of my loved one?
2) Does this fit within my
budget? If it does not, ask your funeral director to recommend similar items
that are more budget-appropriate. You can likely achieve a similar result by
spending a little less.
Remember, no one should feel
pressured into purchasing anything that does not fit within a budget or that
does not provide value to the service.
Many funeral homes have
established a uniform payment policy to serve all families fairly and to
prevent misunderstandings. It is not uncommon for funeral homes to require
partial or 100% of all expenses prior to your loved one’s service. It is
also important to know that prices of funeral products and services vary
depending upon where you live.
Payment Options
Funeral homes may offer
families the following payment options:
- Verifiable and assignable
insurance policy
- Pre-arranged funeral plan
- Cash
- Check
- Major credit cards
- Some funeral homes offer, through a third-party provider, simple and affordable financing terms with no interest on principle if paid in full within six months. One such program is offered through LendingUSA. The program offers a fast, online application with a decision in seconds and no interest on the principal if paid in full within six months. Plus, checking your rate won’t harm your credit score. Speak with your funeral director about this program or use the Merchant Search tool on the Lending USA website.
Visit the
Lending USA website to learn more.
Some expenses such as floral
arrangements, officiant honorariums and published tributes, are considered
cash advanced items. The funeral home, for your convenience, may advance
cash on those selections.
Important Information for Families of Frontline Healthcare Workers and Volunteers During the Pandemic
The Brave of Heart Fund
The Brave of Heart Fund was established by The New York Life Foundation and Cigna Foundation to provide monetary grants to eligible family members of frontline healthcare workers and healthcare volunteers who lose their lives because of COVID 19. The cash grant awards will provide basic and continuing financial support for common needs, such as funeral costs, medical care, counseling, food, educational expenses of children and other dependents currently in school, mortgage or rent payments, and immediate living expenses, as these family members manage the impact of the COVID 19 crisis and begin to move forward.
To learn more, verify eligibility or donate to the fund, visit braveofheartfund.com