-Avoid emotional overspending. It's not necessary to have the fanciest casket, or the most elaborate funeral to properly honor a loved one.

-Apply the same smart shopping techniques you use for other major purchases. You can cut costs by limiting the viewing to one day or one hour before the funeral, and by dressing your loved one in a favorite outfit instead of costly burial clothing.

-Eliminate charges for embalming and other body preparations by forgoing a viewing. You save both the expense of these procedures as well as the cost of the service that would be provided. If your state requires embalming, the funeral home must disclose that information to you in writing.

-Many states do not require that a funeral home conduct your service. Religious groups or even family is able to do this.