Wal-Mart website offers caskets and urns

posted by Michael Hanson

One reason why a person might want to have life insurance is to pay for funeral expenses, which would include buying a casket or urn.

However, items relating to funerals can be rather expensive. The Associated Press is reporting that retail giant Wal-Mart has started to offer caskets and urns on its website at prices that are lower than those offered by funeral homes. The AP noted that the retailer is doing so in response from competitors like CostCo that are doing the same.

"Several online retailers offer this category on their sites," Walmart.com spokesman Ravi Jariwala said in an e-mail to the AP.

The caskets are from Star Legacy Funeral Network Inc. which is a McHenry, Illinois-based company. All but one of the caskets offered on the site can be bought for under $2,000. The AP reported that one of the goals behind offering the caskets and urns is to get people to plan ahead, with the company offering an interest-free, 12-month payment plan.

Along with considering the caskets from Walmart.com, thinking ahead could also include contemplating getting life insurance, which can help pay for funeral expenses. Furthermore, life insurance can provide for loved ones and help a person set up charitable gifts, which can be made after they die.