pre-planning/paying funeral arrangements

[ktb Profile]

Ok so, this is probably not the most popular topic to discuss but, my husband and I are trying to get "our house in order" and this is one thing we want to do. Years ago, Larry Burkett (of what is now known as Crown Financial) mentioned joining a funeral society as they allowed you to prepay-much cheaper and also removes the burden from remaining family. Has anyone in NC done this and with who? we are interested in being cremated and want only cremation-no frills or special boxes. Any ideas how much this will cost?

I think this would be a great topic for Sue Stock to do a series on....

Thanks
Kate

[prendermac Profile]

My mom passed away in November. We had a definitely "no frills" cremation (no viewing, fancy urns, etc) I'm not definite on the cost, but it was around $2500. I thought that was high considering what we did NOT purchase. Of course, we didn't really have time to shop around. I would definitely call several funeral homes to get quotes. Hope this helps.

[KATIEPIE123 Profile]

MY DAD DID THIS IN TEXAS WHEN HE WAS DX WITH CANCER AND EVEN THOUGH HE PASSED TH EDAY HE MAILED HIS CHECK they honored it and saved us a bundle. there is a national cremation and funeral home society you can join to do this i cannot think of the name right now, it is cheaper and the local funeral home guy cannot add "fru-fru fees" when you are grieving and probably not in the clearest state of mind. plus if you win the lotto and happen to be in hawaii or montana or whatever it is recognized everywhere so you don't have to make arrangements to go back home with a coffin . morbid i know ,but this is a good thing just do your research about the company/organization kate too

[mjw0726 Profile]

I'm currently in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class - and we just discussed this.....and Dave Ramsey recommends NOT doing this. He said that you would be better off to invest the money or at least put it in an interest bearing account - where it's bound to be way more than what you've started with in the beginning. He said nothing wrong with pre-planning and getting together exactly what you want done for the funeral/burial - but not to prepay.

[KATIEPIE123 Profile]

I guess this should be an individual decision. While Mr. Ramsey offers good advice I know my husband would not know the first thing about planning all of this and if it's set up in advance then he makes one phone call and it is done . Definitely get the information and then make a decision for your family needs.

[lindacheema Profile]

http://www.cremationsocietync.com/

This is the society we are familiar with. Maybe you can inquire with them.