Grieving on a budget: practical tips for families who've lost a loved one

Grieving is a difficult and lengthy process that, unfortunately, can be exacerbated by financial constraints. Whether they are used or not, everyone should have access to resources that can aid the grieving process, such as grief counseling, the ability to put up a memorial, or hosting a funeral that honors those who’ve passed while remaining within one’s means. This article covers some ways to access beneficial services after the loss of a loved one, even on a tight budget. 

Grief Counseling

Grief counseling can be a helpful way to process emotions or just have a space to share feelings after the loss of a loved one. It can help you deal with isolation and loneliness while in the company of someone trained to listen and support the healing process.

Betterhelp, an organization dedicated to providing affordable counseling, is a great resource for getting the right grief counseling. Instead of paying by the hour as with a typical counselor, you instead purchase a subscription plan with Betterhelp (which starts at $40 a week) and are matched with one of their trained counselors based on a short description of some of your specific needs and challenges. You can switch counselors anytime, and you get to decide how you contact your counselor: text, phone, or video. 

Because losing a loved one can be especially hard on young children or teenagers, you might want to consider finding grief counseling to help them through their complex emotions. Betterhelp allows you to make an account for your child as well, so both you and your child can have access to quality counseling. 

Although Betterhelp is a good resource for cheap counseling, there are other options that you can find more locally. Click here to find more general information on finding affordable counseling near you, either with insurance or without. 

Memorials

Memorials make those who are grieving feel more connected with those they’ve lost. Remembering and honoring loved ones with a consistent and permanent site can bring comfort and a sense of peace to grieving families. For some, a memorial is a plaque that is placed over the loved ones’ burial site, while for others, a memorial is a statue placed next to the loved ones’ burial site, and for other people, a memorial can be a shrine to the loved one in the home.

Whatever memorializing means to you, there are plenty of ways to honor those who have passed without spending exorbitant amounts. For example, many people memorialize the loved one’s Facebook page, as a way to permanently immortalize their loved one’s life, where friends and family can see it, even if they live far away. For more details on what that means and how to do it, click here. (You may also be interested in reading about how to post or comment about a death on social media.)

If you want a memorial in a physical as opposed to virtual space, creating a shrine is a good option. Shrines are displays of items that remind you of the lost loved one. These can be pictures, their favorite plant, or maybe their most prized possession. Here are some instructions for making a shrine that both honors your loved one and aids the healing process.  

Funerals

The most expensive part of the grieving process is the funeral, which can cost between $7,000 and $12,000. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate this cost while still giving your loved one a proper and respectful funeral. Visit here to see a detailed list of low-cost funeral options and further help for making the right decision for your family. 

Grief is not one straightforward process; instead it is a complex path that each individual has to navigate. But that does not mean you have to do it alone. If you have any questions or require additional assistance, please consult our concierge service here at Peacefully. The concierge service can help with referrals to trusted professionals, offering case-specific advice, recommendations, and coordination for you. For more about our concierge service or to schedule a free consultation, click here.

— Avery Tamura