What if You Can’t Afford a Funeral for Your Loved One? Here are Five Important Things to Know

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Friday, November 19, 2021

When a loved one passes away, it’s understandable to want to send them off in the most respectful and loving way possible.

A funeral service helps you to pay tribute to the departed and can be important to the healing process, too. Although an elaborate funeral may match your outsized feelings for the one who passed on, it may not be realistic for your financial situation. You may find that you can’t afford funeral or burial services at all. If so, there are options for you to consider.

Below are five things to know when you can’t afford a funeral for your loved one.

You are not alone.

A 2019 study by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council found that 69% of adults over the age of 40 indicated they would like to pre-arrange their own service, but only 17% had actually made arrangements. The reasons can vary from reluctance to face death, insufficient funds, or simply a lack of follow-through. Funerals in the United States generally cost between $7,000 and $12,000, a price tag that many people find surprising.

Be upfront about the situation.

If you have no money for funeral expenses, be honest with yourself. Taking on the costs of a funeral you can’t afford can cause you emotional stress and financial hardship. Review your finances and the finances of the departed to see if what is feasible. Discuss your options with your funeral home. By law, you must be provided with a pricing list during your appointment. Let the funeral director know about your budget from the start so they can present the most feasible options.

You can ask for help.

Often, there is a wealth of love and support following a death. Reach out to trusted family and friends about your situation. If you can’t afford a funeral on your own, say so and be clear with family and friends about what you will need in terms of financial support. If you are uncomfortable asking for financial assistance, assign this task to someone else in your inner circle. Crowd-sourcing for donations online has become increasingly popular. When you have no money for funeral expenses, small donations from your loved one’s church community, neighbors, friends, and relatives can add up and help you to cover costs. This type of fundraising can be particularly helpful if the loss was sudden or unexpected.

The bank may be able to loan you the money.

If you are seeking a particular type of funeral and/or burial for your loved one and have good credit, you can work with your bank or credit union to secure a personal loan. A loan can help you afford a funeral now and pay it off later. Be sure that you can reasonably afford to repay the loan, as interest rates over time can add significantly to the cost.

You have options.

Just like people, no two funerals are alike. How much you spend does not correlate to the person’s worth or the size of your love for them. There are a variety of ways for you to be creative without making the funeral or memorial service feel cheap. The cost varies greatly and there are many funeral options to choose from, such as full/traditional service; graveside service; viewing service; visitation service; wake; memorial service/celebration of life. You can keep the costs down by opting for a green burial, cremation, considering a whole-body donation, or selecting an affordable casket or urn. If you simply can’t afford burial services, your county coroner’s office should be able to help with a state cremation or burial.

There is no one best way to pay for a funeral. If you are left with the planning but aren’t able to afford a funeral, you do have options. Explore the suggestions above and keep in mind that your love for the departed is measured by much more than the type of funeral service that you have for them.

If you would like to learn more about funeral pre-planning, end-of-life planning, or how to afford a loved one’s funeral, please reach out to us. One of our knowledgeable and caring team members is always available to discuss your unique situation.

About Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services: As a leading African American-owned and operated funeral and cremation organization, Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services has provided a ministry of care to thousands of grieving families. We promise to provide our highest level of distinguished service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. In all aspects of the funeral process, we strive to be the absolute best and are honored to help preserve our clients’ legacies for future generations. With two convenient locations serving North and West Philadelphia, it is always our pleasure to be of service. Please visit our website for more information.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How to Sort Through Your Departed Loved One’s Belongings and Keep their Memory Alive

Going through a loved one’s belongings after they have passed away is often difficult but you can make the process easier. Just as there is no right way to grieve, there is no specific time that y...

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing The Warning Signs Could Save Your Life.

This year, recognize Stroke Awareness Month by learning more about stroke prevention and detection. When it comes to strokes, every second counts! Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a ...

If You Can’t Sleep, These Seven Surprising Culprits Might Be to Blame

Do you find yourself lying awake in bed or tossing and turning all night? If you can’t sleep, these sneaky slumber thieves could be the cause. Sleep disorders affect an estimated 33% of Americans....

How Much Do You Know About Senior Home Safety?

While familiar surroundings can be comforting as we grow older, home safety measures require extra attention. Changes that come with the aging process like declining vision, hearing, and bone dens...

Honor Your Departed Loved One with These Creative Outdoor Memorial Ideas

Outdoor memorial ideas can range from basic stones to elaborate gardens. Finding a special way to pay tribute to a departed loved one can bring great comfort. Think about the one who passed on and...

It’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Here are Seven Important Things to Know.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million adults in the United States and those numbers are growing. MS is both a complex disease of the central nervous system and an autoimmune condition. ...

Do You Know the Rules for Legally Scattering Ashes?

As more and more people choose cremation, questions about legally scattering ashes are on the rise, too.   Ash scattering has become an increasingly popular way to remember the departed. It p...

Four Important Things to Know About the Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Pennsylvania

The tax issues when losing a spouse in Pennsylvania are varied and complex. Losing a spouse or life partner is challenging on many levels. In addition to the deep emotional grief and personal loss...

Hobbies and Five Other Activities That Can Help Create a Healthier Brain

Can a healthier brain be as close as your chessboard? The experts say yes. As we age, the structure of the brain changes, which can adversely affect memory and cognition. It can be challenging to ...

Six Helpful Tips for Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Your Family

The most crucial conversations are often the hardest, and discussing your funeral plans with loved ones is a prime example. Talking about your funeral preferences with a spouse, parent, or child i...