Control Funeral Costs by Planning Ahead

How does planning for your funeral in advance save you money? Doesn’t it just let the funeral home make money on your money? How big a part should emotion play in your funeral selections?


First, let’s be honest. Emotion is not a bad thing. Some life events should move us emotionally.


Marriage, birth, and death all appropriately tug at our heartstrings. But the cost of all three can also get out of hand if you make all the decisions when emotions are running high.


Put the word “wedding” in front of anything and the cost doubles. If you’ve ever planned a wedding you know that the dress will cost you half as much if you buy it far in advance instead of just before you need it. The same is true of funerals.


When you and your spouse sit down together with the funeral director, well in advance, you’ll feel a little emotion as you consider the reality of your death.


But that little tug is nothing compared to what your husband or wife will feel if you don’t prepare in advance and they’re making those decisions alone hours after you’ve died.


Emotional overspending happens. Funeral directors don’t make it happen. In fact, they don’t like it either.


Advance planning allows you to make all the decisions that determine the final cost. Making them together with cool heads and warm hearts saves dollars.


Planning ahead eliminates the excessive spending that can occur when someone is in a heightened emotional state.


Think back to wedding planning.


Starting early can also help you absorb the cost over a longer period of time. That means you don’t drag the wedding debt into your brand new marriage.


When you plan your funeral in advance, you will also have the option of paying for it over time. That means you don’t have to take money from your savings or investments and your survivors won’t have the financial burden of paying for your funeral days after your passing. Advance planning eliminates the need for a lump sum payment when death occurs.


All money set aside in advance for a funeral should be held with a third party. Nearly all funeral homes participate in programs that hold the dollars in either insurance or a trust product until the death occurs.


The funeral home should not have access to your funds and the insurance products they use should have an increasing death benefit to help offset inflation, providing a cushion for increasing funeral costs.


Consult with an advance planning specialist for more details.

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LYNN — Paul Buonfiglio, a funeral director at Buonfiglio Funeral Home in Revere, received the 2023 Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association President’s Award at North Shore Community College’s recent funeral services pinning ceremony.
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A man in a suit and tie is smiling for the camera

Paul Buonfiglio Awarded MA. Funeral Directors Award at NSCC

October 29, 2023
LYNN — Paul Buonfiglio, a funeral director at Buonfiglio Funeral Home in Revere, received the 2023 Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association President’s Award at North Shore Community College’s recent funeral services pinning ceremony.
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October 6, 2023
Why is food such a fundamental part of any funeral? Food provides comfort and strength. A gift of food shows that we care. It’s natural to connect food with the healing process of a funeral. When should you give food? What’s helpful without being overwhelming? How do you accept food graciously without having to buy a second refrigerator?
A group of people standing in a field with a quote that says what you wear is less important than being there

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October 6, 2023
First, understand that what you wear to the funeral is much less important than actually going to the funeral or gathering. Don’t underestimate the value of your presence. Your kind words, shared stories, or even just a hug will mean a great deal to friends and family when there has been a death. Don’t let not having a pair of dress shoes keep you from offering your support.
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A pink flower in a bowl that says breathe & relax

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We’ve all been there. Going to a funeral can be a little daunting, especially if it’s your first or if it’s been awhile since you attended one. Let’s talk a little bit about some of the terms you will hear and what you can expect in general.
Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower peta

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It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home? Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.
A man in a suit and tie is smiling for the camera

Paul Buonfiglio Awarded MA. Funeral Directors Award at NSCC

October 29, 2023
LYNN — Paul Buonfiglio, a funeral director at Buonfiglio Funeral Home in Revere, received the 2023 Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association President’s Award at North Shore Community College’s recent funeral services pinning ceremony.
A gift of food shows that i care

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October 6, 2023
Why is food such a fundamental part of any funeral? Food provides comfort and strength. A gift of food shows that we care. It’s natural to connect food with the healing process of a funeral. When should you give food? What’s helpful without being overwhelming? How do you accept food graciously without having to buy a second refrigerator?
A group of people standing in a field with a quote that says what you wear is less important than being there

How to Dress for a Funeral

October 6, 2023
First, understand that what you wear to the funeral is much less important than actually going to the funeral or gathering. Don’t underestimate the value of your presence. Your kind words, shared stories, or even just a hug will mean a great deal to friends and family when there has been a death. Don’t let not having a pair of dress shoes keep you from offering your support.
An american flag with the words veterans day it 's history

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October 6, 2023
Veterans Day, a national and state holiday, serves as a day for Americans to come together to show their deep respect and appreciation for the military veterans of our country. It is the one day a year when we pause, reflect and show our gratitude to all those who are serving or have ever served in our military. So how did it come to be?
A pink flower in a bowl that says breathe & relax

How to Say the Right Thing at a Funeral

October 6, 2023
First, take a deep breath and relax. We all worry that we’ll say the wrong thing. Second, know that you don’t have to be eloquent. While we wish it were so, you can’t make everything all better with a few words. Here are a few simple ideas to keep in mind to be sure you say the right thing when attending a funeral.
A picture of blue flowers with a quote that says you have more options than ever when it comes to celebrating your loved one

What to Expect at a Funeral

October 6, 2023
We’ve all been there. Going to a funeral can be a little daunting, especially if it’s your first or if it’s been awhile since you attended one. Let’s talk a little bit about some of the terms you will hear and what you can expect in general.
Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower peta

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

October 6, 2023
It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home? Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.
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