The Cost of Becoming an Angel

I recently came across an article with a headline that immediately caught my attention: "Unable to Afford a Burial, This Mother’s Grief is Compounded with Her Daughter Lying in a Freezer." It was a stark and unsettling reminder of the harsh realities that many families face when a loved one passes away without the necessary financial preparations. Intrigued, I decided to read on, and what I discovered left a lasting impact on me.

In summary, the story revolved around a grieving mother who had lost her daughter. Tragically, the family didn’t have the financial means to give her a proper send-off. They couldn’t afford the $4,000 needed for a basic cremation or the $10,000 required for a traditional funeral. As a result, the daughter’s body was kept in a freezer until the family could gather enough funds to proceed with the burial. Eventually, through the kindness of strangers and generous donations, they were able to raise enough money to give the daughter a proper farewell and finally lay her to rest.

This story struck a chord with me for two reasons. First, it was heartwarming to see humanity at play, with people coming together to support this grieving family in their time of need. It was a beautiful reminder that there are still good people in the world who are willing to give whatever they can to help others. However, the second reason was more sobering: with better financial planning, this mother wouldn’t have had to endure the added pain of seeing her daughter’s body left in a freezer due to lack of funds.

This tragic story underscores the importance of being financially prepared for life’s inevitable events, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through life insurance.

The Inevitable Reality of Death

Death is an inevitable event, a certainty that every one of us will face. Yet, many people fail to plan for it adequately, leaving their loved ones to deal with the emotional and financial burdens of their passing. As much as we may not want to think about it, the truth is that disposing of a deceased body is mandatory, and it comes with a cost—often a significant one.

According to the Funeral Service Association of Canada, the average cost of a funeral in Canada ranges between $5,000 and $10,000. This includes the basic services of a funeral home, transportation, a casket, and burial. However, depending on the services chosen and the location, these costs can quickly rise. For example, the price of a burial plot alone can vary widely, with urban areas typically being more expensive.

For cremation, the costs are generally lower, but still substantial, averaging around $2,500 to $5,000. This amount includes the cremation itself, a simple urn, and basic services, but does not account for additional expenses such as a memorial service or interment of the ashes.

These are not small amounts of money, especially for families who may already be struggling financially. Unfortunately, when we pass away, these costs don’t disappear; they are passed on to our loved ones. The last thing anyone wants is to leave their family in a position where they have to choose between paying for a proper burial or covering their day-to-day living expenses.

The Burden We Leave Behind

The unfortunate reality is that when we pass away, we leave behind more than just memories—we also leave behind a financial burden. Funeral costs, medical bills, outstanding debts, and other expenses can quickly add up, leaving our loved ones in a difficult financial situation. This burden is compounded by the emotional pain of losing a loved one, making it an incredibly challenging time for those left behind.

As we saw in the story I mentioned earlier, this burden can be overwhelming. The mother in that story had to deal with the grief of losing her daughter while also facing the harsh reality that she didn’t have the money to give her a proper burial. This is a situation that no one should have to experience.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little planning and foresight, you can ensure that your loved ones are not left in such a difficult position. One of the most effective ways to do this is by purchasing life insurance.

Life Insurance: A Selfless Act of Love

Life insurance is often misunderstood or overlooked, but it is one of the most important financial products you can have. At its core, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company, where you agree to pay a premium, and in return, the company agrees to pay a specified amount of money to your beneficiaries upon your death. This money can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debts, or provide financial support to your loved ones.

One of the reasons life insurance is so important is that it is a selfless act—an act of love. By purchasing life insurance, you are taking a proactive step to ensure that your family is taken care of after you’re gone. It’s a way of telling them that you care about them and that you want to make sure they are not left in a difficult financial situation.

Consider this: a $25,000 permanent life insurance policy for someone in their 30s can start as low as $30 per month for a healthy non-smoker male and $27 per month for a healthy non-smoker female. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones will be taken care of when you’re no longer here.

Why $25,000 in Life Insurance?

You might be wondering why I believe everyone should have at least $25,000 in life insurance coverage. The reason is simple: this amount is typically enough to cover most, if not all, of the final expenses associated with a person’s passing. It ensures that your loved ones won’t have to dip into their savings, take out loans, or rely on the generosity of others to cover these costs.

A $25,000 policy can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other immediate costs that arise after death. It can also provide a small financial cushion for your loved ones as they navigate the difficult period following your passing. While it’s not a large amount of money, it can make a significant difference in easing the financial burden on your family.

Some people may argue that instead of purchasing life insurance, they’ll save and invest money to cover their final expenses. While becoming self-insured is a great idea and an admirable goal, the reality is that it takes time to accumulate enough savings to cover these costs. In the meantime, life insurance can provide the necessary coverage to ensure your loved ones are protected.

Think of life insurance as a safety net—a way to protect your family while you work towards becoming self-insured. Even if you’re disciplined with your savings and investments, unexpected events can derail your plans. Life insurance provides a guaranteed payout that can help your loved ones cover immediate expenses, giving you peace of mind knowing they’ll be taken care of no matter what.

Life Insurance: A Simple, Affordable Solution

One of the misconceptions about life insurance is that it’s expensive or complicated. However, the reality is that life insurance is both simple and affordable. With a wide range of policies available, you can find a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs.

For example, as mentioned earlier, a $25,000 permanent life insurance policy can be very affordable, especially for younger, healthier individuals. Even if you have health issues or are older, there are still options available that can provide the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

The key is to start planning early and to choose a policy that aligns with your financial goals and needs. By doing so, you can ensure that your loved ones are protected, and you can avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with leaving these important decisions until it’s too late.

The Peace of Mind Life Insurance Provides

At the end of the day, life insurance is about providing peace of mind. It’s about knowing that your loved ones won’t have to worry about how they’ll pay for your funeral or cover your outstanding debts. It’s about giving them the time and space they need to grieve without the added stress of financial worries.

In the story I shared earlier, the mother’s grief was compounded by the financial burden of not being able to afford her daughter’s burial. This is a situation that no one should have to face. By purchasing life insurance, you can ensure that your loved ones won’t have to go through the same experience. It’s a simple, affordable way to show them that you care and that you want to make sure they’re taken care of after you’re gone.

Conclusion

If you haven’t already, now is the time to consider purchasing life insurance. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your family’s future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now to ensure that your loved ones are protected.

I invite you to book a call with me to get a free life insurance quote in less than 5 minutes. We’ll discuss your needs, explore your options, and find a plan that works for you. Click the link below to schedule your appointment, and let’s take the first step towards securing your family’s future.

Book a Free Life Insurance Quote

By planning ahead and securing life insurance, you’re not just protecting your family financially—you’re also giving them the peace of mind they need to navigate one of life’s most difficult challenges. Don’t leave your loved ones in a position where they have to worry about how they’ll cover your final expenses. Take action today, and give them the gift of financial security and peace of mind.