Funerals are a growth industry. As baby boomers age the U.S. death rate slowly creeps up. Not only is the death rate increasing, but funeral prices are now outpacing inflation (currently at 5%).

Since the average family plans a funeral only once every 15 years, many are shocked when they learn the typical funeral now costs more than $7,000…with many funeral services topping $10,000.

Rising funeral prices have become an even greater burden for a typical family already struggling with high gas and food prices. The souring economy has made it even harder for Americans to manage the financial toll created by expensive funerals.

However, thanks to a new breed of professional, more families are able to better control funeral expenses. For many people, these new professionals have given them a much needed financial lifeline when facing one of life’s most stressful events.

Enter the “funeral accountant”. While still a relatively rare occupation, a funeral accountant is a certified public accountant that specializes in helping families reduce their funeral expenses. Working with a funeral accountant can often reduce a family’s funeral expenses by 50% or more….saving thousands in the process.

This article shares some basic tips from America’s best known funeral accountant, Michael Testa, CPA. Michael is the creator of the successful website.

These simple strategies can be used by just about any family that wants (or needs!) to substantially lower the high cost of funeral or cremation services.

Tip #1 Find out what funeral options and prices are available in your area. Spending time to familiarize yourself with local offerings allows you to compare services and prices to ensure you find just what you need at the most reasonable cost.

Tip #2 Find out which funeral goods and services are required and which are optional. Simple ignorance causes the vast majority of families to pay for items that they not only didn’t want, but that they weren’t even required to buy. They simply bought what the funeral director told them they “needed” to buy. Remember: many funeral directors now work on a commission basis. The more you buy, the more they make. So funeral homes are not likely to offer you lower price options or point out items that aren’t required.

Tip #3 Find out who else sells the funeral goods you might need to buy. Simply knowing of other available purchase options gives you the leverage you need to negotiate a discount from your local funeral home. Knowing how much things should cost (and where the item can be purchased at a more reasonable price) can be enough to motivate your funeral director to reduce his prices to ensure he keeps the sale.

There are actually quite a few things you can do to reduce and control run-away funeral costs. This article only touched on a few of the more obvious strategies. You can find more money-saving tips and strategies by visiting