From MarketWatch:

Dying is an expensive endeavor no matter what path you take. In 2023, the median cost of burials was $9,995, while cremation costs were $6,280, both showing significant increases from 2021. The US inflation rate was 13.6% over this same period. Most people prefer to still have some sort of ceremony or service to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. This drives a demand for green funeral options, but awareness of these alternatives remains low. People can still face financial burden from funeral costs, despite some lower-cost options available.

The diversification of preferences in the U.S. funeral industry affects what individuals and families do post-death. Among the ongoing dialogues about ‘is life insurance necessary?’ Whether at an older age or earlier, a guide to understanding the importance of life insurance and wills is provided. Engaging in conversation aids in formulating one’s comprehensive approach to end-of-life planning.



Read more: Here’s how much funeral costs have risen