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Funeral Biz Reels as More Opt for Cheaper Cremation

Recession takes a toll on pricey burials

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 15, 2009 9:29 AM CDT
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(Newser) – It's sometimes said that death is the only recession-proof industry, but current trends seem to prove that axiom wrong, CNN writes. Funeral homes across the country are reporting a decline in profits—not because fewer people are dying, of course, but because more people are opting for cremation and scrimping on headstones and other burial trappings.

The average cost for a funeral is more than $6000, but cremation can go for under $1000. The Cremation Association of North America estimates that 40% of people will opt for urns over caskets by next year, and cost savings are the No. 1 reason for the choice. A headstone maker notes that "this is the quietest" period he's ever seen, and the customers he does see are looking for simpler, cheaper monuments.

Cremation has been getting more popular as prices for traditional funerals seem more out of reach for recession-pinched families.
Cremation has been getting more popular as prices for traditional funerals seem more out of reach for recession-pinched families.   (Getty Images)
Fewer people are shelling out for headstones, while more go the cheaper cremation route, a trend that seems to have been sparked by the recession.
Fewer people are shelling out for headstones, while more go the cheaper cremation route, a trend that seems to have been sparked by the recession.   (©quinn.anya)
Traditional funerals cost, on average, more than $6000. These days, more people are opting instead for cremation, or choosing cheaper trappings for the funeral.
Traditional funerals cost, on average, more than $6000. These days, more people are opting instead for cremation, or choosing cheaper trappings for the funeral.   (©david_terrar)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
wwwonderer
Apr 15, 2009 3:43 AM CDT
I never understood the desire to spend thousands on a casket.
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 15, 2009 3:22 AM CDT
Business is dead.
kokuaguy
Apr 15, 2009 3:16 AM CDT
Cute, Timmyntr.

Recession changing how we die
Palm Beach Post

Funeral homes also cutting back
Miami Herald

 
cremation • recession • funeral • burial • cemetery

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