Know the figure
Funeral bills land quickly, often on a relative's credit card. Seeing the total in advance lets you choose between saving, a small policy or both.
What the tool does
Enter each cost, from service fees to flowers. It sums them, adds a 10 percent cushion and shows the monthly cost of funding that amount over ten years.
Common line items
Funeral home services, casket, preparation, cemetery plot, headstone and flowers. Cremation often removes the plot and casket costs.
Spend wisely
Request written price lists from several providers and compare. Direct cremation can cost far less than a traditional service.
Left out
Travel, receptions, medical bills and legal fees may add more.
Common questions
Is a funeral policy better than saving?
Compare total premiums with the payout. Disciplined saving can be cheaper.
Who covers it if nothing is planned?
Usually family or the estate.