Pre-Planning A Funeral Within Budget – How To Save & Prepare Your Loved Ones

Planning a funeral can be an emotionally and financially taxing process. In Singapore, where the cost of living is high, funerals can also come with a hefty price tag.

However, with thoughtful pre-planning, it is possible to manage costs effectively while ensuring that your loved one’s farewell is dignified and meaningful.

This article outlines strategies to pre-plan a funeral within budget in Singapore, helping you save and prepare for this inevitable life event.

5 Steps to Pre-Plan a Budget-Friendly Funeral

1. Set a Budget and Identify Essential Services

The first step in pre-planning a budget-friendly funeral is to set a clear budget and identify the essential services you need. Understanding the basic components of a funeral in Singapore can help you allocate your funds effectively. 

• Wake Services: These are gatherings held before the burial or cremation, typically lasting three to five days.
• Funeral Services: The ceremony that occurs before the final disposition.
• Final Disposition: This includes either burial or cremation, followed by the storage of ashes in a columbarium or scattering at sea.

By listing these components, you can determine which services are necessary and which can be modified or omitted to fit your budget.

2. Research Funeral Service Providers and Packages

Singapore has several funeral service providers offering a range of packages that cater to different needs and budgets.

Research and compare these packages to find one that meets your requirements without unnecessary extras.

Look for customizable options that allow you to select only the services you need, which can significantly reduce costs. Consider reaching out to multiple providers to get quotes and details about what each package includes.

3. Opt for Cost-Effective Choices

Making cost-effective choices in various aspects of the funeral can help you stay within budget. It’s the thoughts and well-wishes that counts more than just money.

• Venue for Wake Services: Holding the wake at a void deck or at home can be more economical than renting a funeral parlour. Town councils in Singapore typically charge a nominal fee for using void decks.
• Coffin or Casket: Choose a basic yet dignified coffin or casket. Funeral homes offer a range of options, and selecting a simpler model can help manage costs.
• Cremation vs. Burial: Cremation is generally more affordable than burial. The cost of cremation at Mandai Crematorium, for instance, is lower compared to burial expenses. After cremation, ashes can be store.

4. Pre-pay for Funeral Services 

Pre-paying for funeral services can be a practical way to manage costs and ease the financial burden on your family.

Many funeral homes in Singapore offer pre-payment plans that allow you to pay for services in advance, locking in current prices and protecting against future inflation. Here’s how to approach pre-payment: 

• Understand the Terms: Ensure you thoroughly understand the terms of the pre-payment plan, including what services are covered and any potential additional costs.
• Flexibility: Look for plans that offer flexibility in terms of service adjustments, should your preferences change over time.
• Financial Security: Verify that the funeral home is reputable and that the funds are secured in a trust or similar financial arrangement to ensure they are available when needed. 

5. Explore Government Assistance and Community Resources 

Singapore offers several forms of financial assistance and community resources that can help manage funeral costs.

Social assistance scheme is one such example. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provides financial assistance for funerals to low-income families. This can help cover essential expenses and alleviate financial strain.

Additionally, seeking advice from a financial planner can help you allocate funds effectively and create a savings plan specifically for funeral expenses. They can guide you in setting aside the necessary amount over time, ensuring that you are financially prepared when the time comes.

Plan A Respectable Funeral In Singapore With A Funeral Director

At Simplicity Casket, we offer a wide range of affordable funeral services and funeral packages for families to ensure they give their loved one a heartfelt and dignified farewell.

Our funeral directors have the experience to help you choose the right casket from our wide range of selections for an affordable, respectable and dignified burial.

In addition, we can help prepare, arrange and conduct funeral wakes and handle every aspect of the funeral as well – from tentage and embalming to hearse and transportation as well as parlour hall bookings.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us or call us at +65 6456 7423. We are open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.