My Mom Expects Me To Pay $25k For Her Funeral

The caller's mother, on a limited income of $1,600 a month from social security, recently visited a funeral home and received a quote of $25,000-$26,000 for afterlife plans. The funeral home suggested a payment plan of $600 a month for five years, which the caller finds excessive and is unsure if their mother has that much time left. The mother owns a house in poor condition, and while the caller hopes it could cover the funeral costs, they are reluctant to pay out of their own pocket for such an extravagant funeral. The host believes the mother was "sold" by a salesman, highlighting additional charges like a $400 video with pictures. The host advises against spending an exorbitant amount on a funeral, stating, "you did not live your life in a Mercedes and you shouldn't die in a Mercedes." They suggest selling the mother's house after her death to cover a more reasonable funeral cost. The host warns against prepaying for a funeral, emphasizing that it offers zero return on investment and that money could be better used. They recommend pre-planning a funeral, including choosing a plot and casket and outlining desired services, as a gift to loved ones, but not writing a check to the funeral home beforehand. The host suggests finding a different funeral home and aiming for a budget of $5,000-$6,000, noting the national average is $7,800-$8,500. They propose the caller could pay this amount and be reimbursed when the house sells, provided there's a will confirming this. The host vehemently opposes the $25,000 quote, calling it irresponsible and immoral to sell someone something they cannot afford. They reiterate that a funeral should be appropriate to one's situation, and there is no spiritual gain in overspending. The host also points out the significant opportunity cost of prepaying for a funeral, especially for younger individuals, comparing it to losing out on potential investment growth.