I am worried sick about having enough money to bury my mother when the time comes. My brother is well off financially but says he can't help. I live on a small widow's social security benefit and have no savings. Likewise, my mother has no savings for emergencies. I've heard all kinds of horror stories and am now trying to pay monthly for a prepaid funeral for her. The problem is she's 93 and I'm scared she could pass before the policy is paid off. Any suggestions? Thank you
I can understand when someone is younger, well-loved, honor them and remaining family, etc, or if the deceased wanted something special and pre-paid or had life insurance to cover it and left instruction, fine. But for someone who really has no one left and no way to pay for it?
Our mom also has the option to be buried in the Marine's plot with dad, which I believe is no extra cost for that (VA benefit?), and is what she indicated she wanted up to/when she was still early dementia... right now she is more focused on visiting her mother (gone about 40 years) or what her mother is doing for each major holiday... :-}
I don't know how you feel about cremation--everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But I feel sad that you are having to stress about finances regarding end of life decisions. Funerals are for the living--there are ways to say good-bye, honor your mom, and bring closure and peace to those who love her without going into major debt. You don't need or deserve the extra stress and expense that burial can bring. My heart is with you.