Many people are intimidated by the thought of planning a funeral because they are afraid it may be too expensive. While funerals can be costly, there are ways to plan a service on a budget. Funeral homes in Reading, PA can help you put your loved on to rest without causing you to go in debt or spend more than you can afford. Everyone deserves a proper funeral, and it is possible to plan one no matter what your budget.
Advanced Planning
One way you can keep funeral costs low is to plan them in advance. Whether you are planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, the sooner you get those plans arranged, the sooner you can start paying on them. This gives you a head start, and many people are able to have their funerals paid in full before they or a loved one passes away. Advanced planning is a good way to lock in low rates so no matter how prices go up in the years leading up to the actual funeral, the cost won’t increase. It also allows you to have more control over your final wishes.
Cremation Services
Some of the most expensive aspects of a funeral can be avoided with cremation services. Traditional burials require the purchase of a burial plot, a casket, headstone, and the embalming process. Cremation is a more straightforward process that is quicker and more affordable. The body doesn’t’ have to be embalmed before cremation so there’s no cost for chemicals or embalming fluid. While family members are free to have a memorial service and even a burial with cremation, they also have the ability to choose an urn instead.
Donations
If you are not able to pay for your funeral or a loved one’s on your own, there is a good chance family members and friends are willing to help. You can ask for donations to the funeral home instead of flowers or in general. Many people want to help and don’t know where to send the money. The funeral home can accept the donations and put them towards the funeral costs so you or your family have less to worry about while grieving and planning other arrangements.
If you are working on estate planning or need to plan the funeral of a loved one, you may be looking for funeral homes in Reading, PA. The Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home is happy to help you plan your funeral on a budget. Give us a call today at (610) 374-0962. You can also stop by and talk to us in person at 444 N 9th St, Reading, PA 19601. We understand that planning a funeral is important and often stressful, but we strive to make it as easy as possible. If you are on a budget, we can offer several options to help you give your loved ones a peaceful, final resting spot that you can afford.