Today the average funeral in the United States costs about $6000. However, this figure differs based on the region of the country in which you are located. This includes the funeral home's services, the casket, plus miscellaneous costs such as flowers, obituary notices, death certificates and honorariums, etc. You can spend much less than this or much more depending on the choices you make. Since each funeral is unique, the costs will vary.

What can your family afford to spend? Consider this before beginning to plan a funeral. Remember to account for employee benefits, life insurance and other death benefits. Planning a final tribute that is both affordable and meaningful is the goal.

Whatever you spend to create a personalized ceremony in honor of the person who died is money well spent. A meaningful funeral is not necessarily an expensive one. Those special touches that make a funeral truly personalized - such as displaying photos of the person who died and offering opportunities for friends and family to share memories - are often free.