RENO, Nev.–“Financial reasons” are increasingly being cited by Americans for how they decide on their burial preferences.
In a new survey conducted by Choice Mutual, which reported its earlier survey had found the pandemic affecting burial decisions, the percentage of respondents selecting “financial reasons” for why they choose their burial plan has increased by four percentage points over its 2021 survey.
“This may be caused by the significantly increasing cost of burial and funeral expenses in recent years,” Choice Mutual said.
Among the other findings:
- Since its 2021 survey, the percentage of participants choosing a traditional burial and natural burial has remained relatively consistent. But compared to 2020, those choosing a natural burial increased by 6%.
- In 2021, traditional burial narrowly emerged as the most popular burial selection, closely followed by cremation. This year, cremation is back to being the top selection (37%), increasing by six percentage points from 2021 (32%) but still down by seven percentage points compared to 2020 results (44%).
- Those opting to donate their remains to science have decreased by four percentage points since 2021, from 11% to only 7%.
Why Americans Choose Their Burial Plans
“Although the environmental impact of burials is a growing concern, especially considering the increased death rate in recent years, only 6% of Americans responded that environmental reasons are the primary driver for their burial decision,” Choice Mutual said. “Similar to past years, Americans mostly choose their burial plans for personal reasons (24%), followed by family tradition (23%), and financial reasons (12%).”
The company noted that when it comes to planning a burial/funeral, it is important Americans educate themselves on the costs of each service and compare them across different service providers.
“Only half of Americans (49%) are aware of the Funeral Rule, a Federal Trade Commission law that requires funeral homes to provide a General Price List (GPL) to all persons who inquire about funeral arrangements,” the company noted.
The survey analysis added, “One thing that many people don’t consider is what will happen to their digital assets after they have passed. Only 39% of respondents claimed to have a plan for their online accounts to be handled. In an increasingly digital world, taking the necessary precautions can help your family access the information in your accounts and take any necessary actions.”