Choosing To Expand Our Family

When it comes to paying for your loved one's funeral, you may find that he or she did not have a life insurance policy to cover the costs. This can leave you and your family worried about how to pay for the services. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can pay for a funeral, and many funeral directors are willing to work with families to help ensure their loved ones get the services they deserve. Here are a few suggestions for how to fund your loved one's funeral

Crowdfunding

Some families turn to crowdfunding sites to raise money for funeral costs. These sites let you post to social media, which makes it easier for friends and family to donate what they can. When choosing a crowdfunding site, be sure to read the fine print. Some will only pay out if you meet your goal, while others allow you to collect whatever was raised, even if it's less than the initial goal. Set a reasonable target amount, and let people know what you will do with any money raised beyond the goal.

Emergency Line Of Credit

Banks and credit card companies will sometimes extend emergency lines of credit to families needing to pay for a funeral. If your account with your banking institution or credit card company is in good standing, call and explain your situation. It's a good idea to have an estimated amount from the funeral home so you know how much to ask for. In some cases, the bank may ask for proof of the expenses. You can have your funeral home director provide an estimate form for this purpose.

Financing

Ask your funeral home director about any financing options available. Payment plans and small loans are sometimes available through funeral homes to cover the cost of the services and burial. Your funeral home director will help you determine which burial benefits your loved one is eligible for, and then he or she will help you arrange financing for the rest of the total amount due. Be sure you understand the terms of the financing agreement so you know whether or not you can afford the monthly payments that will follow.

If cost is a concern, you can also work with your funeral service director to find ways to save on the total price of the funeral and burial. Funeral homes are often willing to find ways to reduce costs to help ensure families are able to honor their loved ones without accumulating a lot of debt.