The Worksheet
Grab a piece of paper and add up:
- Cremation or funeral. Direct cremation in Florida: roughly $1,000-$5,000. Traditional burial: roughly $7,000-$12,000. (Starting ranges — prices change and vary by provider.)
- Medical bills. What's likely to be left? Hospital copays, hospice, prescriptions.
- Debts you don't want passed on. Credit cards, a car loan, personal loans.
- A small cushion. Many families add $2,000-$3,000 so nobody has to pass a hat.
Add it up. Round to the nearest $5,000. That's your number. Most people land between $10,000 and $20,000.
Common Mistakes
- Buying too little. A $5,000 policy doesn't cover a $9,000 funeral. Do the worksheet first.
- Buying too much. Final expense isn't income replacement — that's what larger life insurance is for. Don't pay for coverage you don't need.
- Forgetting inflation. A funeral that costs $8,000 today will cost more in 20 years. A small cushion helps.
Prices move. Every figure on this page is a starting range based on typical Florida costs. Funeral homes set their own prices and they change over time. Use this worksheet to get close — then talk to me for current numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $10,000 enough?
For a direct cremation plus a cushion, usually yes. For a traditional burial with a service, it's tight — most families in that situation choose $15,000-$20,000.
Can I increase my coverage later?
You can usually buy an additional policy later, though it'll be priced at your older age. Some carriers allow increases with additional underwriting.
Should my spouse and I get the same amount?
Not necessarily — do the worksheet separately. Each person's debts, preferences (cremation vs burial), and existing coverage differ.