Budget Funerals in South Africa

Today, burying loved ones does not come cheap. In fact, a funeral can sometimes cost as much as a car. Budget funerals are not possible if you don’t have a funeral plan.

People often don’t save for funerals. They then have to find a lump-sum at one of the most difficult times in their lives. The discover that a budget funeral is impossible.

No Budget Funerals in the US

In the United States, funerals cost between $10 000 and $12 000; in South Africa, a funeral costs anywhere between R5 000 and R40 000. And industry experts say that cost is only going to go up! That’s why it makes sense to try and find an affordable

People often don’t save for funerals and are then left in the impossible position of having to find a lump-sum at one of the most difficult times in their lives. In the United States, funerals cost between $10 000 and $12 000. In South Africa, a funeral costs anywhere between R5 000 and R40 000. And industry experts say that cost is only going to go up! That’s why it makes sense to try and find an affordable funeral and to save for that inevitable day.

Budget Funerals

Budget Funerals – Why are funerals so expensive?

As in most businesses, the cemeteries and funeral homes want to try and make a profit. Large corporations own some funeral homes. Funeral directors earn commission from the sales they make; therefore, they will try and get customers to add “extras” to the funeral and suggest expensive options. Be aware that some funeral directors won’t even inform you about the cheaper options available.

Budget Funerals – You decide what you want at the funeral

If you want to have a budget funeral, then you need to make the big decisions when it comes to planning the funeral. Even though you will probably be emotionally drained, don’t let the funeral director make all the decisions.

Don’t be fooled by a “traditional” funeral offer either. A traditional funeral can mean anything, including a coffin that costs thousands of rands, an elaborate headstone, and a prime cemetery spot. Sometimes, choosing a cremation or a low-key service can be much cheaper than a “traditional” burial.

The Role of Funeral Homes

Usually, funeral homes will put a markup on their products, so shop around to find the best price before committing to one funeral home, or a particular type of coffin, etc. What is important is that you provide your loved one with a dignified funeral but also one that suits your budget. If you don’t have a lot of cash to splash, don’t worry, all coffins do the same job at the end of the day. Don’t let the offer of a “traditional” funeral fool you. A traditional funeral can mean anything, including a coffin that costs thousands of rands, an elaborate headstone, and a prime cemetery spot. Sometimes, choosing a cremation or a low-key service can be much cheaper than a “traditional” burial.

Budget Funerals – Don’t let your emotions get in the way

When a death occurs, it’s usually a very emotional time for everyone involved. It’s even more overwhelming to have to face intimidating funeral directors and at the same time make far-reaching financial decisions. Most people also have a sense of pride when it comes to organising a funeral; they don’t want to seem as if they are cheap or as if they are not prepared to do their best for the deceased. This face-saving unfortunately leads to people often accepting ludicrous charges for unnecessary services and products.

Budget Funerals – Bargain, bargain, bargain

Don’t be shy to let the funeral home know that you have shopped around and you are aware of what things should cost. Often, when you enquire, the funeral home will offer you the product or service at the same discounted price.

Get a FREE funeral cover quote now by completing and sending the form on this page

All info was correct at time of publishing