Planning a Funeral

Do you know how much money the average funeral costs?

I just read that the average cost for a funeral in America is between $8,000 and $10,000.

We will all face the loss of loved ones and along with that comes financial implications. Since making funeral preparations will be a difficult and emotional time, planning in advance will help alleviate some stress. Solomon told us that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die.”

We can never be totally prepared for a loved one to pass,  but there are some practical steps you can take now to make it easier on you and your family.

• Contact a local funeral home as soon as possible.
• Establish a funeral spending budget before meeting with the funeral home.
• Consider taking a friend or family member with you when meeting with the funeral home to help make decisions.
• Talk with your pastor and discuss the details for the service.
• Lean on your church, friends and family for the help you will need during this time for things like meals, finances, estate planning and grief counseling.
• And be sure to spend time with your loved ones. Don’t let the busyness and details overwhelm you.

Most of all, lean on the Lord for comfort, spending time in prayer and reading His word. Solomon’s wisdom in Lamentations reminds us that “though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love”.

And remember that as Christians, death is a celebration for those who are rejoicing with our Lord and Savior.

A great step for you to take today is to align your finances with Scripture. Crown’s online MoneyLife Personal Finance study is a strong combination of biblical encouragement and practical steps to becoming a faithful steward.