Every day, roughly 8,000 people die in the United states and leave behind grieving loved ones who may not be financially prepared for a funeral. In Nebraska, the average funeral cost can range between 7,000 and $12,000. Due to the emotional impact of losing a loved one, families tend to overspend on funerals because of clouded judgment or inexperience.

To avoid a higher cost of funeral expenses and emotional and financial stress, individuals should plan ahead for their own funerals or their loved ones. Doing so gives people the time they need to compare costs and learn their rights.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, there are crucial funeral costs you should plan for and what you can expect to pay.

• Casket Price: $2,000 to $5,000
• Embalming: $500 to $1,000
• Preparing the body for viewing: $250
• Headstone: $1,000 to $5,000
• Flowers: $500 to $700
• Transportation to the funeral home: $325
• Facilities and staff to manage a viewing: $425
• Facilities and staff to manage a funeral: $500

Consider cremation instead of burial

The costs of a burial can add up to a pretty high amount. Some of these costs can include a plot, casket, vault, and headstone and can be upwards of $10,000. While knowing that, the average cost of a direct cremation costs about $2000 depending on the place. Knowing what you want ahead of time can save your family a lot of stress.

Shop around

Planning your funeral ahead of time comes with lots of benefits. You get to choose what you want, where you want to be buried, and so much more. Pre-planning gives you the opportunity to choose where your funeral will take place. Search around or visit several funeral homes and insist on seeing complete price lists. You can print out funeral checklists to take with you to write down prices. Don’t make a decision until you’ve compared at least 3 different places.

Save money on flowers

Funeral homes will give you the choice of providing flower arrangements for the funeral. If you are expecting family members or friends to send flowers, you can save hundreds of dollars by denying the ones that the funeral homes offer.

Look for cheaper caskets

You have the right to choose ahead of time on the casket that you want. Caskets sold at funeral homes can be higher in price than those found online. You’re not required to purchase ones offered by funeral homes. Instead, shop around online, compare prices, and feel free to take all the time you need to find the one that meets your needs and budget.

Skip the Embalming Process

Embalming is an optional service and is rarely required by law. Some state regulators even require that funeral directors tell you this. The fees associated with embalming, preparation, and transportation can add up. If you have a funeral plan that includes embalming, you might consider skipping this expensive process and save yourself hundreds of dollars.

Decline a Casket if it’s a Cremation

If you’re opting for a direct cremation, there’s no rule stating that you have to have a casket present at the funeral. Instead you can simply feature an urn or box that the ashes are placed in.

Consider a Funeral at Home

You can save quite a bit of money by not using a funeral home for a memorial service. Instead, you can hold a service or gathering at someone’s home or meaningful spot that’s inexpensive.