End of Life - How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

Of the multitude of things we examine into concerning our personal finance, investments, medical costs and such, FUNERAL is certainly not something that I would have gone around to actively find out.

But when the need comes, there is little time to think, nor are we likely to be in the optimal state of mind to weigh options carefully. There is an emotional factor at play. So I guess we would tend to just go with the flow?

So just how much does it cost? For sure, it varies over a wide range, from the basic to the exorbitant grandeur. The type of religious practice, size of family, number of days - these are all variables that will size up the cost of the entire package.

To offer a gauge, here's one sample based on the following parameters:

Religion: Buddhist
Size of Family (mourning): 15-20 pax (i.e. children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc)
Number of Days: 5

Item Description	Amount (S$)
Crematorium fee	$                50.00
Use of HDB void deck (water, electricity)	$              160.50
Drinks, peanuts and such	$          1,400.00
Funeral services package	$          8,000.00
Meals for 4 dinners, final day lunch	$          4,600.00
Clothings (15-20 pax)	$          2,000.00
Security, tables, chairs, fans	$          1,000.00
Funeral offerings, 2 buses	$          2,300.00
Claim ashes	$                20.00
Newspaper - orbituary	$          5,885.00
Ang pows and miscellaneous	$          1,000.00
Total	$        26,415.50

There will be other costs that affect various members of the family individually.

Security pertains to the hiring of 2 pax to look after the wake at the night. You could save a few hundred bucks if you're prepared to tire up family members to do so instead.

The obituary was published on both Zhao Bao (Chinese papers) and Straits Times. It is EXPENSIVE, and cannot be under-emphasised. This item alone contributed 22% of the costs.

Figures have not included the cost of the niche at the temple and other temple associated 'fees' over the post-funeral 100 days.  Most certainly a few more thousands.