Having to plan a funeral when you are grieving is challenging. This can be made worse if the costs involved lead to financial issues. Before you embark on this process, here are five things to consider so you can avoid running into money problems.

1. Compare the Costs

Before you make any commitments to funeral service providers, do your homework. Shop around and explore your options, as you might find another person or place who can give you a better deal, helping you cut costs. This doesn’t just apply to the planning of an end-of-life event, but also when you are shopping for funeral cover. There are many insurers and different packages to choose from.

2. Plan in Advance

It might seem morbid, but planning a funeral before the death of you or a loved one can be beneficial. This gives you time to discuss arrangements with your family, and you can also lock in prices. By purchasing funeral insurance with 21st Century Funeral Services, you can have peace of mind knowing that the cost of the service, unveiling, burial, tombstone, catering and more are sorted, based on your chosen cover.

3. Simplify the Service

Having an elaborate and extravagant funeral service is not an indication of how much you loved the deceased. And cutting costs doesn’t determine the value of someone’s life. Consider keeping your service small but meaningful. Instead of a fancy affair, you can make the event heartfelt and poignant with speeches and by sharing treasured memories. With a 21st Century Funeral plan, your casket and decor options will be covered.

4. Don’t Add Extras

In the end-of-life business, there are all sorts of upgrades and add-ons you can choose. Speak to your family to establish what’s really important to everyone when it comes to the decor, food and a headstone for honouring the deceased. There’s a difference between excessive expenses and touching tributes, the latter of which can be achieved on a budget. And having a funeral plan will cover a lot of these necessary expenses.

5. Seek Out Support

In difficult times, sometimes we need to lean on others. If you are struggling or worried about falling into financial hardship when organising a funeral, reach out to your network and ask if people can help. This doesn’t have to be in the form of cash, but they might be able to assist with catering or finding a suitable event venue. They can also be a support to you emotionally in trying times.