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Plan now and cut funeral costs later

Posted at 3:00 PM, Sep 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 20:30:31-04

Funerals can cost thousands of dollars.

They could also cost a lot less, depending on what you want and knowing where to look.

TheFuneral Consumers Alliance of Arizona has a new study of all state funeral home prices.

They found in Phoenix, cremation prices from $600 to $3600 for the same thing.

The key is talking about your wishes with your family now.

Too many times, vulnerable relatives can pay much more if they wait until a loved one dies.

Ask yourself, do you want to be cremated or buried?

Do you want a religious service or no service?

How will the expenses be paid?

Ruth Bennett, with the Alliance, says pre-payment funeral plans are not a great idea.

In some cases, they cannot be transferred or refunded.

And they can drop in value.

Instead, put money aside, possibly in a bank account designated to pay for funeral expenses when needed.

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Arizona also has arrangements for lower cost burials and cremations with certain funeral homes.

They are a great resource for time-of-death help.

The membership fee is just $30 and yearly renewals are only $15.

Click here to find out much more from the Alliance website.