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How to Save Money on Cremation by Asking for “Direct Cremation”If you are reading this article you are probably dealing with or about to deal with a lovedone’s death. I’m sure you have enough on your plate and you just want someone tohandle you loved one at this point with professionalism and dignity. My goal is to giveyou advice that will help you do both.The first thing I recommend is, if you can before the death occurs shop around for pricesand services for cremation. Many people recommend preplanning for the death but don’t prepay. You will want to check with cremation societies, Neptune societies (keep in mindthey are owned by a major funeral corporation) as well as your local funeral homes. Youalso may want to inquire if the funeral home is independently owned or corporate owned.Most people find better service and often better prices with independently owned funeralhomes or cremation societies.If you want a basic cremation and you plan to handle the memorial service, funeral or lifecelebration on your own then use the key words “Direct Cremation”. By saying thosetwo words you can save in some cases up to 50%. “I would like to know your cost for a“Direct Cremation” please.” Also, confirm what this price includes. For example, whatkind of urn is provided? Most likely if you don’t purchase an urn you will receive a plastic brown or black box with your loved ones remains inside. Not very nice at all but if you are scattering the remains or traveling on an airplane the plastic box will do just fine.You can also find reasonable options on the Costco.com or thewww.nextgenmemorials.comwebsite.Ask if the price includes a casket or cardboard box to cremate the body in. The majorityof the time you will be charged additionally for a box that resembles a refrigerator box.You may also be offered nicer, higher end caskets. These cremation caskets can costseveral hundred dollars and keep in mind they are going to burn it up. However, if itgives you more peace of mind than by all means get the casket that makes you feel better.You may also want to ask if they have a crematorium on site or if they outsource thecremation. Ask where the crematorium is located. Often several funeral homes andcremation societies will use the same crematorium. I’d then call the crematorium directlyand ask for a “Direct Cremation”. Now you will be going direct and cutting out themiddle man.Also, consider asking if they will be picking up the body or if they send a service. It may be worth the extra money to have a Funeral Director whom you may know and respect pick up your loved one. Many funeral homes and cremation societies also outsource thisservice to a local guy who does the pick up. Often people don’t die at convenient timesand the Funeral Director doesn’t want to be awakened at 3AM to get a body out of a four story walk up apartment. I must say I don’t blame them. It’s just another question to ask.
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