Tag: Eco-Friendly Funerals

Most people already know about purchasing life insurance policies, but there are alternative methods of saving for a funeral. A simple alternative to life insurance is to open a savings account and regularly deposit money in it for funeral expenses. One can also earmark certain investment profits for funeral costs so that one does not have to pay life insurance premiums. An essential means of controlling a funeral and burial’s cost is to plan a funeral oneself ahead of time. A person can select elements of a funeral service and burial plan before death and can even prepay for the expenses before they depart this life.

When one makes the effort to plan a funeral, family members are spared the necessity of making tough decisions while in an emotional state. There are numerous bits of fat one can trim from a typical funeral that will save loved ones money. Some ways are obvious, such as choosing a cheaper casket or opting for cremation. In addition to these methods, one can often do away with such elements as a funeral director and funeral announcements without too much fuss. In fact, many elements of a funeral can be conducted without the aid of a professional; there is no need to book a professional singer when a willing family member steps forward.

For those who wish to take more unorthodox steps to remove the financial burden of funeral costs, one could decide to donate his or her body to science. Medical and forensics students always need corpses on which to practice, and many such places will take bodies at no cost. So-called “Green Cemeteries” are springing up as more people become more environmentally-conscious and want to dispose of their bodies in as ecologically friendly manner as possible.

Planning a funeral is a highly personal affair, but one should make sure that the responsibility rests with oneself rather than family.