Controlling the Costs of Funeral Expenses
As with any costs, the expense for funerals keeps rising. Many people worry about being able to afford the costs associated with having funerals in Kentucky funeral homes. Families that aren't able to prearrange funeral costs, or those who are hit with an unexpected death and must come up with the financing for a funeral, often look for the cheapest ways to have a funeral that is dignified and respectful. Funeral homes in Kentucky have seen a rise in the rate of cremations requested, but there is also a large sector of people that still prefer the traditional burial.
There are ways to control the costs incurred by funeral homes in Kentucky. It's a good idea to understand the laws that govern the funeral industry and knowing exactly what you do and don't need for a funeral service. Kentucky funeral homes can work with you to arrange financing or explain the necessary arrangements that you need and how much it will cost.
Understand Kentucky Laws Regarding Funeral Homes
Funeral homes in Kentucky are governed by federal laws that determine exactly how the funeral home must interact with the public. The laws that govern the transport of the deceased and the rules regarding burial and cremation are different than the laws that govern the actual operation of funeral homes in Kentucky. The laws that are in place are meant to protect the funeral home and help the consumer.
Kentucky funeral homes are required to give you itemized price lists of products and services. If you call the funeral home you will need to request itemized pricing, but if you visit in person they are required to give you itemized pricing. This can help you determine exactly what you will need to invest in the funeral and let you see which items are more expensive than other items.
There is very little required by law in order to arrange a funeral, so if Kentucky funeral homes show you a list of items that are mandatory for a funeral at their venue, they must reference the law that requires you to make the purchase. This prevents funeral homes in Kentucky and other states from making a profit off of bereaving families by selling items that aren't necessarily mandatory but just preferred by the funeral home.
Skipping Certain Products or Services
One way to save money is to skip certain products or services offered by Kentucky funeral homes. Embalming is one option that isn't mandatory in Kentucky unless you will be having a public viewing. If you will be cremating the body, you can skip the cost associated with embalming. If you are choosing cremation, but also having a viewing of the body, you do not need to purchase a casket. Most funeral homes in Kentucky offer rental caskets that are used for the viewing.
Something that you can do to save money is to provide your own casket. While the days of building caskets in the backyard have passed, you can still commission someone to build you a casket or purchase one from a discount retailer. You may find much cheaper options online, and Kentucky funeral homes will accommodate you by using the casket of your choice as opposed to one they sell you on site. If you do purchase a coffin on site, you can skip the extras offered by the funeral home. Once the body is in the ground, nothing is going to make it last forever. The lining, seals, and other accessories are only for looks. This can greatly cut back on the overall expense of a coffin.
Financing a Funeral
One option that you have to afford the funeral of your choice is to take advantage of financing. Funeral homes in Kentucky can work with you on the different financing options that you have available to you. Like any traditional financing, the Kentucky funeral home's crediting agency may run a credit history. If you have little to no credit, or bad credit, you may or may not qualify for financing. Being able to pay some of the funeral expenses off right away is ideal if you don't want to finance too much, but funeral homes in Kentucky will work with you to try and provide a funeral you can afford.
If the funeral home doesn't offer financing, you can negotiate with the funeral director to try and lower the costs. This sometimes works better with privately owned Kentucky funeral homes as opposed to large chain funeral homes. Privately owned homes strive to work with customers who are from the local area, so you may be able to negotiate either a payment plan or reduced costs on all funeral products and services. While the costs of funeral expenses will continue to rise, there are methods you can use to keep the costs as low as possible, and most funeral homes will work with you to provide an affordable service.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
