| Your Final Resting Place |
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| You may not be able to take it with you, but now more than ever, it may be time to start investigating where you'll go. Cemeteries have turned into big business, and as America's population ages, the field is expected to become increasingly in demand -- and profitable. For-profit cemeteries are on the increase, and new industry trends call for building funeral homes -- and even florists -- on cemetery land for the full-service approach. Many cemeteries already offer reduced fees for pre-need or family purchases. For consumers, such trends mean that more information will be needed to make informed decisions. There are several types of cemeteries: national, state, municipal, fraternal, religious, commercial, and private. Each type -- and even each cemetery -- has different requirements and offers different services. When making decisions consider: Costs. Prices for a single grave range from $200 to $3,700 or more. Additional costs include interment, graveside services and burial vault. Burial vaults. A burial vault is a reinforced container that encloses the casket and helps to maintain ground integrity. Although commonly believed to be required by law, burial vaults are optional unless mandated by cemetery rules. Payment. All costs must be paid in full before a burial can take place. Many cemeteries will take only cash or check, but credit card options are becoming more available. Availability. While rumors have circulated for years that cemeteries are running out of room, few are nearing capacity. What is true is that they are becoming more creative with options and land use. Any particular site may, nevertheless, become unavailable. Memorials. Cemeteries are usually flexible about rules for grave identification or decoration. Be sure to check what is allowed. Pre-planning versus pre-need purchase. Pre-planning a funeral requires only a conversation or pen and paper, to ensure that your executor knows your preferences. Pre-need purchases are made in advance of death. |
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