[OGDEN - 11/24/2017] - The cost of funeral services in America has increased alarmingly, Business Insider reports. The article cited data from the National Funeral Directors Association which revealed that the cost of a funeral with viewing and burial in 2014 was $7,181 and $6,078 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Today, the average cost for funerals in general range from $7,000 to $10,000.

Financial Shock in American Households

The Pew Charitable Trust defines financial shock as an unexpected expense or loss of income due to events like job loss, an illness that requires hospitalization, or funeral expenses.

In a survey, the organization discovered that a financial shock had destabilized sixty-percent of American households, and a third of that number had experienced two or more. For these households, the median spending for an unexpected expense ranged from $800 to $2,000.

Prices for Funeral Services Are Undisclosed

Compounding the problem of financial shock is the fact that funeral homes and services rarely disclose their prices. In 2015, New York Times reported that only a quarter of funeral homes displayed their prices on their websites. Most services had to be phoned or e-mailed, but others did not disclose prices at all even after being contacted.

The same situation persists in 2017, making it difficult for families – especially those who have had to face the sudden or violent death of a loved one – to shop around for funeral services they could afford.

The Importance of Pre-Planning

Discussing funeral plans ahead of time is not always easy. According to a Huffington Post article, people fail to plan and have conversations about funeral services because of the nature of the topic and the society. As a result, the family or funeral home rarely carry out the funeral wishes of the deceased.

The article added that 55% of Americans with children do not leave a will and do not name a legal guardian for their children below 18.

Cutting Costs and Granting Wishes

Aaron’s Mortuary, a funeral service based in Utah, offers pre-arrangement plans that help ease the burdens of families and lessen the possibility of financial shock. Their services also fulfill the wishes of the family member.

According to Aaron’s Mortuary: “We will help you through the process of planning your funeral, covering everything: traditional viewing, funeral and burial, as well as graveside funeral services, cremation, direct cremations, and other services. You have complete control over how you want to arrange your funeral. We will walk you through the process and provide you with packages based on your preferences.”

About Aaron’s Mortuary

Aaron’s Mortuary is a funeral service in Ogden, Utah that also extends services to the rest of the US. They arrange both religious and non-religious services and offer a variety of options that fit the preference of their customers. They provide veteran funeral services, obituaries, and grief support as well.

To learn more about Aaron’s Mortuary, visit http://www.aaronsmortuary.com.