The cost of
funerals has almost doubled in the last 15 years...and the costs continues to
rise. In 1990, the average cost of a
full Traditional Funeral was $3,900. Today, the average cost for that funeral
is $7,500. It may seem out of control,
but the truth of the matter is that the funeral industry has held costs
considerably better than other professions, merchants, and living expenses, in
general. At the same time, we provide
better care, facilities, and service.
For example, a Ford Mustang, 15 years ago, was
approximately $9,000-$12,000. Today, the
Mustang ranges from $28,000 and up – more than doubling in price. The average
wedding, 15 years ago, was approximately $8,000, and today weddings range from
a minimum of $10,000 to $100,000 on the high end, and that does not take into
consideration the honeymoon. Homes, in
1990, were under $85,000, and today a starter home begins at $150,000, with
many homes over the $1,000,000 mark.
It is
unbelievable to think that 15 years from now a full Traditional Funeral will,
on average, cost about $15,000. And,
quite frankly, it seems like quite a bargain when compared to other escalating
prices.
Has the cost
of funeral services today, along with
other goods and services, forced families to choose options that they
truly do not want? Are families settling
for alternative options where their loved ones are shuffled off to third-party
providers out of state, not truly knowing if their loved one’s protective care
has been a priority? Have they been
transported through local shuttle services in its passenger luggage
compartment? I would hope not!
When it comes
to our loved ones care and memorialization, families should turn to firms of
longevity and track record; firms that reflect the best the industry has to
offer in staff, facilities and reputation.
May I share a
story of a true experience that happened to me?
A middle-aged father passed away.
He had divorced three times and, at the time, lived alone, separated
from children for many years. In
conversation through the years he had mentioned, “When I die, just dispose of
me the cheapest possible way you can.
Cremate me and spread my ashes wherever.” Well, he died and his family was seriously
considering a minimum disposal. As I
counseled with them, I pointed out that most likely he had expressed his desire
for minimum disposal because of the expense.
He had no idea that his family truly needed to see, hear, and feel their
dad’s farewell.
What is the
value of this story? Plan ahead, talk
things over with your children, and let them help plan your funeral. When it comes to your family sentiments are
real and rising to the occasion seems duty as well as natural. We all need a meaningful moment to say
goodbye. Everyone is different, but when
it comes to Mom and Dad, family and friends, we are all pretty much alike. Our memories come alive as we reflect and pay
respect to those whom we love.
Saying goodby
in a dignified manner is the “wink of approval” we all so need. It is a feeling of well-being a time-out,
allowing us as family and friends a short lived opportunity to heal
together. Following our tender
farewells, it is “back to living.”
Finances play
an important role in planning a tribute to the life of your loved one. I strongly encourage planning ahead. It is not a question of if, but a matter
of when.
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