The word “cheap” doesn’t always carry a positive connotation. It is often associated with being “nasty.” Of course, finding a sale where the price is lower can be positive. Briscoe’s reputation is for always having a sale. Mitre 10 promises to beat any advertised price by 15%. And we all know where to go where “everyone gets a bargain.”
No Such Thing as a Cheap Funeral
There are less expensive funerals. Even a DIY funeral can be quite costly. Cremation or cemetery expenses continue to rise. Fortunately, WINZ does offer a grant, but the amount has not kept pace with the increase in other costs over recent years.
Regardless, funeral expenses are not cheap. However, they can sometimes be more expensive than necessary.
Funeral Home Prices
SDF was established because finding out the cost of a funeral from a funeral home was challenging. Even today, many websites still don’t provide prices. There is a reason for this: families can be manipulated into spending more.
One tactic involves presenting simple, low-cost funerals to attract people. Then the price gradually and quietly increases. Recently, a family came to me after arranging everything with another firm. They expressed concern that the costs kept rising.
The reality is that funeral homes cannot afford to offer cheaper funerals. So the goal is to “suggest” more options (at a cost).
Costs vs. Service
If there is a cheaper option, the services are usually limited. Consequently, anything extra will incur additional costs. This includes attending after-hours or providing a viewing (if desired). Some firms only offer the family the opportunity to come to the funeral home to complete paperwork while the firm collects the deceased and arranges the cremation, allowing the family to collect the ashes—AFTER paying the invoice.
Essentially, the funeral home limits their costs as much as possible. However, a direct cremation is the last option they really want to offer, as there is a minimal profit margin in it.
Cheap Doesn’t Mean Nasty
Many families today do not wish to spend excessively on a funeral service. Often, this aligns with the wishes of the deceased as well. This choice isn’t a reflection of a lack of love or respect for the individual, nor does it indicate that their life is any less important.
Families often choose to commemorate the occasion in their own way since the formal funeral setting may not appeal to them.
What the family decides to do—be it a simple gathering at home or something else—tends to be much more meaningful to them.
Conclusion
I remember my grandfather’s funeral many years ago. It was a large, formal service. The only thing I truly recall is one person speaking too long about themselves rather than my grandfather. However, I do remember afterwards, the immediate family going to the cemetery to inter the ashes with Grandma. We sat around, told stories, made jokes, and were simply together. This was a special time.
So remember, saving on funeral expenses does not reflect the value you place on a person. Often, it’s quite the opposite.
