Discuss the ways of keeping funeral costs within a specific budget.

Answers will vary. After their homes, automobiles, and children's educations, funerals may be American families' next largest expense. The guidelines below are helpful in arranging a funeral that meets the family's needs and remains within a budget.
1. Have a good friend go with you to arrange the funeral. Bring someone who will be able to make decisions based on reason and good sense, rather than emotions or guilt.
2. If a funeral home has not yet been selected, shop around; you can and should ask about services and costs.
3. Be aware that some cemeteries offer the plot for free but then make their profits from charging exorbitant maintenance fees, opening and closing fees, charges for monuments, and other fees.
4. Veterans are entitled to a free burial plot in a national cemetery, but the family will incur the costs of transporting the body.
5. Caskets are often the major burial expense and can range from $500 to $50,000 or more! Recognize that the type of casket you choose makes no difference to the deceased person, and tell the funeral director to show you models that fall within the price range that you are comfortable paying.