What To Do When You Can't Afford a Funeral

 

Advice from Josh Slocum, FCA executive director  

 

"The most important thing to remember is that a meaningful, heartfelt memorial doesn't need to cost more than your family can afford. Whether you spend $600 or $10,000, you'll love and miss the deceased just as much. It's the coming together of family and friends to laugh, cry, and love each other that makes a funeral meaningful, not the amount of money it costs. 

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And this is crucial: there is no charity or government organization that will pay off any debt you've accrued if you arrange a  funeral that's beyond your means. It's your family's responsibility to spend within its budget. Funeral homes are not required to let you pay in installments; many these days are asking for payment upfront. While this might seem frustrating, it's a responsible business practice and it prevents many grieving people from falling into a financial trap when they're not thinking clearly. Sweating the monthly bills six months after the death because the funeral payments are high does not, I assure you, help lift the burden of grief." 

 

There are some suggestions for creative ways to economize, and otherwise pay for funeral or memorial expenses on the FCA web site:  www.funerals.org