All of us will likely have to face the death of a close family member at some time in our lives. Perhaps you already have – and the painful memories are still there. In addition to grieving the loss and settling your loved one’s estate, there is also the immediate concern over funeral costs and how to pay for them. It’s a heavy weight to carry for surviving loved ones. Many of us never think about how our family will pay for our funeral. The cost may surprise you. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral in 2009 was $7,755Source and, the cost in the future could well be higher. And, this cost does not include cemetery plot, monument, flowers, obituary or other cash expenses, which could push the cost well over $10,000.
Why burden your family with these costs at a time when they already have many other concerns? You can reduce the worry your family will experience when you die by ensuring the money is there when they need it most.