How can you get financial help with funeral expences?

Many people buy life insurance exactly for this reason. If the policy is large enough, when the family member dies, his or her life insurance money covers the costs of the funeral. Sometimes friends and family members will offer to pay something to help out. Also, sometimes, family and friends will offer not necessarily financial help, but will offer to bring food and beverages to serve to visitors. If finances are an issue, you can keep the costs down by being upfront with the funeral home about your situation, and asking them to work with you in selecting a tasteful but inexpensive casket, floral arrangments, candles, and so on.