Unexpected Funeral Expenses

At some point we all incur the costs of funerals. Many times those costs are for our parents who often pre-plan and pre- pay for all their expenses - or at least they think they are. One family is not only dealing with the loss of their loved one, but the stress trying to pay for her burial. It could happen to you too. After watching her mother in law suffer with brain cancer for 6 months, Sandy Allen can finally pay their last respects. "I have been so stressed out," says Allen Not because of the cancer but because of the funeral expenses. Allens mother-in-law didnt have a lot of money but she made sure all her funeral expenses were taken care of - including her burial. She chose Oak Hill cemetery because her parents were buried here as well. They died in 1982 thats when she made the plans for her funeral. One thing was missing from those plans. $700 to open and close the grave Allens mother-in-law already paid for. "We assumed it was taken care of until we got into the planning thats when we found the open and closing costs not included." Allen didnt have enough money so she turned to the Pigeon Township Trustees office. Deputy Trustee Donna Jones Thornton helps hundreds who cant afford their loved ones funeral. She says Allens Mother-in-law had a small amount of insurance so she couldnt get help. Even if she could theres not a lot that can be done about opening and closing costs. "As a general rule, I dont think it will be included on anyones so I guess we better save our change," says Jones Thornton Allen took out a loan something she knows is against her mother-in-laws wishes. "She worked all her life she didnt take anything from anyone shed be so upset about this." Allen wants everyone to know what she didnt know so they can grieve when their loved one dies not worry about expenses. Jones-Thornton says the costs are not something that come up until burial time. She recommends everyone double checking their pre paid plans to see if its included.