Dear Savvy Senior,
I’d like to make my end-of-life arrangements, but I want to keep things simple and affordable. What are my options?
–86-Year-Old
Dear 86,
Smart thinking. Planning ahead can save your loved ones a lot of stress, and money. With a traditional burial averaging around $10,000 and a full-service cremation near $6,500, it’s easy to see why many seniors are looking for simpler, lower-cost ways to say goodbye.
The good news is, there are plenty of options that are dignified, straightforward, and much easier on your wallet. Here’s a look at some choices, depending on the kind of farewell you want.
Direct cremation
If cremation appeals to you, a direct cremation is the simplest – and usually the least expensive – option. It includes picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself, and returning the ashes to your family. There’s no embalming, formal viewing, or casket; a simple cardboard box called an “alternative container” is used to hold the remains.
Depending on where you live and which provider you choose, direct cremation typically costs $700 to $3,500. If you want extra services, ask for an itemized price list so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Funeral homes are required by law to provide this.
Immediate or direct burial
If burial is your preference, an immediate or direct burial is the most basic option. The body is buried in a simple container soon after death, skipping embalming, viewings, and the use of funeral facilities. Families can still hold a memorial service at the graveside, at home, or at a place of worship without the body present.
These services usually run $2,000 to $3,000, not counting cemetery fees, which can add $1,000 to $3,000. Every funeral home offers direct burial.
To find local providers, you can search online for “cremation” or “funeral” along with your city and state. You can also compare prices on sites like Funeralocity.com or Parting.com. Another handy approach is to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini: you can ask them to pull together lists of nearby funeral homes or cremation providers, see which services they offer, check estimated costs, and even compare options side by side – all in a matter of minutes. It’s a quick way to get a snapshot of what’s available without making a bunch of phone calls.
Green burial
For the environmentally minded, green burial is a simple, natural option. The body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, without embalming chemicals or a vault. Costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.
The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org, 888-966-3330) maintains a state-by-state directory of cemeteries and funeral professionals who offer these services.
Water cremation
Also eco-friendly, water cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) uses water, chemicals, and heat instead of fire. Costs usually range from $2,000 to $3,500, and it’s legal in more than 20 states. Search “alkaline hydrolysis” to find a provider near you.
Donate your body
If you want the lowest-cost option, consider donating your body to science. Medical schools use donated bodies for teaching and research, then return the cremated remains to your family or bury them in a local cemetery – usually free. Some schools may charge a small transport fee.
To find a program in your state, check the University of Florida’s U.S. program directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms, or call the Whole-Body Donation Referral Service at 800-727-0700.
Planning ahead gives you control, saves your family money, and ensures your final wishes are honored. With these options, you can choose a farewell that’s simple, meaningful, and within your budget – and doing a little homework now makes it easier for everyone later.
Send your questions or comments to [email protected], or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
