In the past, the most common thing to do was a traditional burial, but that is no longer the case. According to the report, the majority of Americans now plan on being cremated (44%), with traditional burials coming in second (35%).<\/p>\n
That leaves one in five Americans (21%) who have other plans for their body.<\/p>\n
Some (6%) choose to donate their bodies to science, while others (4%) opt for a natural burial being buried without a casket, directly in the ground.<\/p>\n
Others have opted for more unique arrangements, such as mummification, having their ashes launched into space or being turned into a memorial diamond. Such options are not cheap.<\/p>\n
Mummification a lengthy process in which a persons skin and flesh are preserved is the costliest, starting at $67,000 (all figures in U.S. dollars).<\/p>\n
Plastination a process in which the body is drained of all fluids and filled with a plastic-like substance starts at $40,000.<\/p>\n
Cryonics which will freeze your clients body at a temperature low enough that the body wont decompose is a relative bargain, starting at only $20,000.<\/p>\n
The average cost for a traditional burial is $7,360 and thats without a burial plot or headstone. Cremation is a slightly cheaper option, coming in at $6,260, but that doesnt include the cost of a viewing and memorial services.<\/p>\n
If your client is looking for a more affordable option, donating their body to science is free.<\/p>\n
While cremation has become the most common option, what people are doing with their ashes varies.<\/p>\n
The most popular option among respondents was having their ashes spread in a specific location (40%), followed by having their family keep the ashes (36%).<\/p>\n
Ten per cent of respondents chose to mix their ashes with soil and be planted as a tree, while 14% chose something more creative, such as being painted onto a canvas, turned into a coral reef, compressed into a diamond, mixed with ink and used for a tattoo or used in fireworks.<\/p>\n
Having your ashes launched into space costs upward of $2,500, and having them planted as a tree starts at $50.<\/p>\n
Thirteen per cent of respondents said financial reasons influenced their burial plans. More people were influenced by personal beliefs (47%) and family traditions (24%).Yet, nearly one-third of respondents (30%) said they would choose differently if they did not have to take these factors into account.<\/p>\n
Choice Mutual surveyed 1,500 people in the United States about their burial plans and preferences. Read the full report here. <\/p>\n
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Mummification or being launched into space? Burial options for your client - Investment Executive<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the past, the most common thing to do was a traditional burial, but that is no longer the case. According to the report, the majority of Americans now plan on being cremated (44%), with traditional burials coming in second (35%) Continue reading