Unexpected Life Events - Affording Funeral Costs

The inflated costs of funerals can be a burden for many folks. Burial and associated costs can vary widely, and grief can affect decision-making, often resulting in hasty and expensive results.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, you will pay around $7000 for a funeral in Los Angeles, but this estimate does not include cemetery fees. A better estimate might be between $7,000 and $12,000 when you factor in viewing, burial, service fees, transport, casket, embalming, and other prep. Add to that a monument, marker, or things like flowers, and you are looking at actual costs.

The best course of action is, of course, to plan ahead and take care of some major costs when death is a hypothetical discussion. However, most Americans do not have savings, and many, living month to month, cannot save for even the rainiest of days. In this case, there are a few tips that may help:

Shop around: You are under pressure because it is an emotional time, but funerals' costs vary based on kind, location, and service. Do not be afraid to shop on price. You can create a loving and respectful funeral at a meaningful savings.

Be sure to ask: Most funeral directors are willing to give discounts to families that ask in an appropriate manner. Many goods and services provided by a funeral home can easily be discounted by several hundred (or even several thousand) dollars.

Non-Profit Funeral Cost Loans

Consider applying for an interest-free loan: Jewish Free Loan offers interest-free loans for up to $12,000 for personal needs and emergencies of all kinds. All interest-free loans through JFLA are available to residents of LA and Ventura counties without incurring any interest charges or transaction fees. Put differently, JFLA is a non-profit, here to help, and never profits from its clients. You can apply online, get approved quickly, and find a bit of (financial) relief in a difficult moment. Click here to see if you are eligibile.