The Hidden Costs of Dying (And How to Avoid Them)

Dying is Expensive. And the Hidden Fees? Even Worse.

If you thought funerals were expensive, wait until you see the extra fees funeral homes tack on. Because it’s not just the casket or cremation—it’s the "required services" they don’t mention upfront.

Here’s a fun little reality check: Even a basic funeral can cost $7,000 to $12,000, but that’s before the surprise charges start rolling in (these are general numbers, prices are different everywhere)

• ⚰️ Basic Casket: $2,000+ (Want a nice one? Double or triple that price.)

• 🪦 Burial Plot & Headstone: $3,000+ (And that’s if you don’t need a vault—yes, that’s extra.)

• 🚗 Transport Fees: $500+ (Because moving a body is apparently like booking a luxury ride.)

• 📄 Paperwork & Death Certificates: $100-$500 (Because even dying requires admin fees.)

• 💐 Funeral Home “Service Fee”: $2,000+ (They don’t explain this, but you have to pay it.)

And let’s not forget embalming, floral arrangements, obituary notices, and the rental fee for the space itself. By the time it’s all added up, your family could be paying $15,000 or more—just to say goodbye.

Why Does This Happen?

Because funeral homes know most people don’t plan ahead. When a loved one dies, families are in shock, grief-stricken, and exhausted. They don’t have the emotional energy to call around for better prices or negotiate fees and they feel guilty for not giving their loved ones the very best.

So they sign the paperwork and hope for the best—only to get stuck with a staggering bill.

How to Avoid Overpaying (And Save Thousands Instead)

You don’t have to get caught in this financial trap. The key? Plan ahead. When you take control now, you can:

✅ Compare prices and find the most affordable, ethical providers.

✅ Avoid unnecessary services (do you really need embalming? Probably not).

✅ Choose budget-friendly, eco-conscious options (green burial, anyone?).

✅ Make sure your family isn’t scrambling—because that’s the last thing they need.

Let’s Make a Plan

I help people cut through the bullshit and create a plan that saves thousands while making sure everything is exactly how they want it.

Because let’s be real—you wouldn’t spend $15,000 on a car without researching first, right? So why let your loved ones overspend on your final send-off?

📞 Book a call with me today. You’ll thank me later.

And if you want to learn how to do this with other families, let's talk.