Costco Members Are Saving Hundreds of Dollars on This Unexpected Find

Costco is an ideal place to shop if you enjoy getting a discount. You probably already know about some of the most popular items you can buy at Costco. Groceries, toiletries, electronics, beauty products, clothes, furniture, and home accessories are some of the most well-known items sold at the warehouse club. But there's another item you may be surprised to learn you can save money on by using your Costco membership card. 

Costco can save you money on this funeral expense 

Believe it or not, you can buy a casket from Costco. The retailer has several casket options, and they're all affordable. Knowing that you can buy one at Costco before needing to plan a funeral can be helpful, especially if you want to avoid overspending. 

Most of us spend our time thinking about the expenses that need to be paid during our lifetimes. As morbid as it may sound, planning for your funeral costs while alive is not a bad idea. While it may be uncomfortable to think about, it can be helpful to your family and friends.  

Planning for this expense before you die can ensure you have enough money in your savings account to cover the cost so your loved ones don't have to carry the financial burden. 

You could save hundreds of dollars or more on a casket 

How much will a casket from the warehouse club cost you? It depends on which one you choose. Caskets listed on the Costco website range in price from $1,149.99 to $1,599.99. While that may sound expensive, it's not when considering the cost of buying a casket elsewhere. 

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the national median cost of a metal casket in 2021 was $2,500. The national median price for a wood casket that same year was $3,000. It's not unheard of to pay even more than that when buying a casket directly from a funeral provider. Whether purchasing a casket for your eventual funeral or getting one for someone you recently lost, buying it at Costco could help you avoid credit card debt. 

Costco delivers caskets to funeral homes 

Here's something else you may not realize. Costco delivers caskets to funeral homes. Not worrying about transporting it yourself can help reduce stress during a difficult time. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to accept any casket purchased from an outside source, so you don't need to buy it directly from the funeral home. It's also illegal for funeral providers to charge extra fees to handle a casket purchased elsewhere. 

On its website, Costco states that caskets can be shipped free of additional shipping charges to 48 states and the District of Columbia. But caskets can't be shipped to Hawaii or Alaska. 

Here's what you need to know about Costco's delivery timelines: Orders placed before 10 a.m. P.T. are delivered by 5 p.m. local time after three business days. This is important information if you're currently making funeral arrangements and are short on time. 

Don't neglect to prepare for funeral costs 

A casket is only one potential cost associated with a funeral. Research from The Ascent shows that it's not uncommon for funerals to cost between $10,000 and $12,000. Are you wondering how to finance a funeral? One way to prepare for your future funeral costs is by purchasing a life insurance policy and designating a beneficiary to manage the funds after you die. 

When life gets busy, it can be too easy to focus on only the present. But don't forget to consider funeral planning expenses. As part of your personal finance strategy, you can prepare for these costs during your lifetime so your loved ones can focus on grieving your loss when you're gone.