Columnists

Costs Of Funerals Rising… Your Hedge Against Inflation

ted-spilsburyIssue 11.10

(Part 1)

The price of funerals has almost doubled in the last 15 years, and the costs continue to rise.  In 1990, the average price for a full Traditional Funeral was $3,900.00.  Today, the typical expenditure for that same funeral is about $7,500.00.  These prices may seem out of control but the truth is, the funeral profession has held costs down considerably better than other industries, merchants, facilities, and living expenses in general. 

For example, a Ford Mustang, 15 years ago, was around $9,000 to $12,000.  Today that car ranges from $28,000 and up – more than double in price. 

The average wedding 15 years ago was approximately $8,000.  Today, one could expect to spend $10,000.00 to $100,000.00, and that doesn’t include the honeymoon! 

Homes in 1990 were under $85,000, and today a starter home begins about $150,000, with many homes a million dollars or more.

It’s unbelievable to think that 15 years from now a full Traditional Funeral could cost on average $15,000.  But when you compare that increase percentage to other escalating prices, it seems quite a bargain.

Have the costs of today’s funeral services, with the accompanying goods and selections, forced families to choose options that they really don’t want?  Do families have to settle for alternative choices, where their loved ones are shuffled off to a third-party provider out of state, not knowing if protective care has been the priority?  Have they been transported through local “shuttle” services in the passenger luggage compartment?  I would hope not! 

When it comes to the care and remembrance of your family, turn to a firm of longevity and committed track record; a firm that reflects the best the industry has to offer in professionalism, staff, facilities and reputation.             (continued next issue)

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