Pre-planning for Funeral Expenses

May 10, 2016

Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”

Preplanning your funeral is a choice to give. Choosing to plan ahead frames your life in a personal design and allows family and friends to celebrate the life you shared with them.

Planning a Budget

The average cost of funerals ranges between $5,000 to $13,000, depending on the needs and the desires of the individual preplanning. In the first 24 hours after death there are about 70 details that will need addressed. Here are some of the major items to think about when planning a budget.

  • Funeral Director Fees
  • Casket
  • Grave site and grave opening
  • Grave liner or burial container
  • Headstone

Why Count the Cost Now?

Taking the time to check into different resources and do some preplanning for your funeral has some cost saving values. Loved ones under emotional stress will have the tendency to make unnecessary purchases; by preplanning, you will get what you need and want as you take your time and plan in a calm hour of your life.

Inflation takes its toll on everything-even the cost of a funeral. Pay now and make sure the price is locked in for the future and save money.

The greatest gift to leave your family, besides the memories, would be to free them up of any extra financial burdens that come with the closing of our lives.

Pre-planning is a Healthy Option

There are several options available to prefund your services and lock in today’s costs.  Some families set up a pre-need Trust fund with the funeral home, others purchase a special insurance policy through the funeral home to pay for funeral expenses, and still others choose to assign an existing insurance policy to be used when the time comes.  There are even “same as cash”  interest free payment options that allow you to pay for your services over time.

There are pros and cons to the various choices and the best plan is to meet with a preneed director at a funeral home you trust and review your options. At Tharp Funeral Home, we have preneed directors available at each of our locations. They can even meet you in the comfort of your own home. There will never be any pressure placed on you to prefund your funeral when you’re working with Tharp. Your options will be presented, and you will have time to think about what best fits your situation and make a decision only when you are ready.

Pre-planning Meal Seminars

For more information on the preplanning process, we invite you to one of our free meal seminars where we’ll discuss the information you need to know as you make these decisions. You’ll enjoy a free meal while you meet with our compassionate staff. Learn more here .




funeral planning workbook




March 31, 2026
Planning ahead isn’t always something we naturally gravitate toward—especially when it comes to end-of-life decisions. It’s easy to put off, to say “someday,” or to assume there will always be more time. But preplanning your funeral or cremation arrangements is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can leave behind for the people you love. What Is Preplanning? Preplanning is simply the process of making your final wishes known ahead of time. This can include decisions about burial or cremation, the type of service you’d like, music, readings, and even the small personal touches that reflect your life. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, even a simple plan written down can provide clarity and comfort when it’s needed most. Why More Families Are Choosing to Plan Ahead 1. It Relieves Emotional Burden When a loved one passes, families are often faced with dozens of decisions in a very short time, many of them while navigating deep grief. By preplanning, you remove that weight. Your family won’t have to wonder what you would have wanted, they’ll already know. 2. It Protects Your Family Financially Funeral costs can add up quickly depending on services selected. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to guarantee certain services and merchandise, avoid future inflation, and prevent overspending during emotional decision-making. 3. It Ensures Your Wishes Are Honored Every life is unique and every service should reflect that. When you plan ahead, you can choose burial or cremation, select meaningful music or readings, and include personal touches that tell your story. 4. It Gives You Time and Control Planning in advance allows you to make decisions thoughtfully and without pressure. There’s no urgency. No rushed decisions. Just clarity and confidence. 5. It Brings Peace of Mind Knowing everything is taken care of allows you to focus on what matters most: living fully and spending time with loved ones. Preplanning Doesn’t Have to Mean Prepaying You have options: document your wishes, set aside funds gradually, or explore pre-need plans or insurance options. Families are guided through these choices with no pressure—just support and information. A Simple Step Today Can Make All the Difference Tomorrow Preplanning is about easing the path for those you love. It gives them space to grieve, remember, and heal—without added stress. Ready to Learn More? Click here to get started. Whether you’re ready to start a plan or simply have questions, speaking with a preplanning specialist can help you explore your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. Because the greatest gift you can leave behind isn’t just memories—it’s peace of mind.
By Missy Hardenburg February 9, 2026
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