Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 23, 2026 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller Planning a Simple, Affordable Funeral Dear Savvy Senior, I’d like to make my end-of-life arrangements, but I want to keep things simple and affordable. What are my options? --86-Year-Old Dear 86, Smart thinking! Planning ahead can save your loved ones a lot of stress, and money. With a traditional burial averaging around $10,000 and a full-service cremation near $6,500, it’s easy to see why many seniors are looking for simpler, lower-cost ways to say goodbye. The good news is, there are plenty of options that are dignified, straightforward, and much easier on your wallet. Here’s a look at some choices, depending on the kind of farewell you want. Direct cremation If cremation appeals to you, a direct cremation is the simplest – and usually the least expensive – option. It includes picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself, and returning the ashes to your family. There’s no embalming, formal viewing, or casket; a simple cardboard box called an “alternative container” is used to hold the remains. Depending on where you live and which provider you choose, direct cremation typically costs $700 to $3,500. If you want extra services, ask for an itemized price list so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Funeral homes are required by law to provide this. Immediate or direct burial If burial is your preference, an immediate or direct burial is the most basic option. The body is buried in a simple container soon after death, skipping embalming, viewings, and the use of funeral facilities. Families can still hold a memorial service at the graveside, at home, or at a place of worship without the body present. These services usually run $2,000 to $3,000, not counting cemetery fees, which can add $1,000 to $3,000. Every funeral home offers direct burial. To find local providers, you can search online for “cremation” or “funeral” along with your city and state. You can also compare prices on sites like Funeralocity.com or Parting.com. Another handy approach is to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini: you can ask them to pull together lists of nearby funeral homes or cremation providers, see which services they offer, check estimated costs, and even compare options side by side – all in a matter of minutes. It’s a quick way to get a snapshot of what’s available without making a bunch of phone calls. Green burial For the environmentally minded, green burial is a simple, natural option. The body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, without embalming chemicals or a vault. Costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org, 888-9663330) maintains a state-by-state directory of cemeteries and funeral professionals who offer these services. Water cremation Also eco-friendly, water cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) uses water, chemicals, and heat instead of fire. Costs usually range from $2,000 to $3,500, and it’s legal in more than 20 states. Search “alkaline hydrolysis” to find a provider near you. Donate your body If you want the lowest-cost option, consider donating your body to science. Medical schools use donated bodies for teaching and research, then return the cremated remains to your family or bury them in a local cemetery – usually free. Some schools may charge a small transport fee. To find a program in your state, check the University of Florida’s U.S. program directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms, or call the Whole-Body Donation Referral Service at 800727-0700. Planning ahead gives you control, saves your family money, and ensures your final wishes are honored. With these options, you can choose a farewell that’s simple, meaningful, and within your budget – and doing a little homework now makes it easier for everyone later. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF TIER CLASSIFICATION 17 CHARLES STREET MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS RTN 4-0052547 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. To evaluate the release, a Phase I Initial Site Investigation was performed pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0480. The site has been classified as TIER II pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0500. On October 7, 2026, Frank Celani filed a Tier Classification Submittal with the MassDEP. To obtain more information on this disposal site, please contact Mr. William Chapman, TRC Environmental Corporation, 184 High St., 7th Floor, Boston, MA (781-419-7705). The Tier Classification Submittal and the disposal site file can be viewed on the Massachusetts Energy & Environmental Affairs Data Portal at https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/search/wastesite using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-0052547 or at MassDEP Northeast Regional Office located at 150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801. MassDEP’s Northeast Regional Office can be contacted at (978) 694-3200. Additional public involvement opportunities are available under 310 CMR 40.1403(9) and 310 CMR 40.1404 October 23, 2026 City of Malden Massachusetts City Clerk’s Office Carol Ann T. Desiderio, City Clerk cdesiderio@cityofmalden.org www.cityofmalden.org 215 Pleasant Street, Room 220 Malden, Massachusetts 02148 MALDEN CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING A Public Hearing will be held by the Malden City Council at Malden City Hall in the Herbert L. Jackson City Council Chambers located at 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA on October 27, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. The purpose of this meeting is to adopt a Residential Tax Exemption and Minimum Residential Factor for Fiscal Year 2027. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Luise, ADA Compliance Coordinator at mluise@cityofmalden.org or 781-397-7000, Ext 2005. Amanda Linehan, President Malden City Council October 15, 2026 October 23, 2026 Phone 781-397-7116 Fax 781-388-0610
11 Publizr Home