Issue 10.16
A newly widowed woman was discussing with her friend the expenses involved with her husband’s funeral. She explained that her husband had a $50,000 life insurance policy and the funeral, burial plots and related expenses cost $12,000. She then told her friend the remaining funds she spent on a memorial stone. Her friend was quite taken back and asked “$38,000 for a memorial stone? How big of a stone was it?”
The woman replied “Three Carats.”
Those of us who are in the funeral business are tasked with balancing the compassion we give to families and making sure we have a viable business. Helping people is our passion and we enjoy what we do. At the end of the day we still need to feed our families and make a profit. We have all heard about what a great business the funeral industry is and how there is great job security. If you have ever planned or paid for a funeral for a loved one you also may know of the costs involved.
Sometimes these costs can seem even a little extreme.
Most funeral directors are in the business because they love what they do and are blessed to be able to make a living doing what they love. We provide an essential service that has to be done. Most people genuinely appreciate the service provided.
Because of that, the funeral business is a good business to be in.
Most of us will hopefully only have to be involved in making final arrangements for a loved one a couple of times in our lifetime. There are a few things to keep in mind when being a customer in the funeral business.
First, not all funeral homes and funeral directors have the proper balance.
Sometimes what is best for the consumer is not what makes the most profit for the funeral home. As a consumer, be sure you are getting the proper balance. You have a choice and it doesn’t hurt to shop around and get the service you want. At the same time, remember that price is not always everything, and sometimes you might get what you pay for. Super low cost could mean inferior work and lack of proper dignity for your loved one. Like any other business there is a proper balance of price and service.
Second, pre-planned funeral arrangements are a good way to plan ahead for a loved one and take the emotion out of buying. As a consumer you need to remember that the funeral pre arrangement is a contract. You or your loved one has fulfilled their part of the contract by making payment. The funeral home will fulfill their end at the time of death. Make sure you are getting what was paid for sometimes years prior.
Most funeral plans are transferable. You still have a choice. Make sure that you are getting the goods and service you or your family members have already paid for.
The funeral business is a business and you have many choices as a consumer. Shop around, ask questions and be sure to get the proper balance.
Feel free to contact us at Hughes Mortuary for more information. 435-674-5000.