Things like that just irritate the crap out of me! Funerals are waaay overpriced and people are taken advantage of at a most vulnerable time.
There are some groups that help people with these things. They are called
Funeral Consumer Alliances (FACs) FACs are national nonprofit, non-sectarian 501 (c) (3) organizations dedicated soley to protecting the public's right to choose meaningful, dignified and affordable funeral arrangements. They are all volunteer run.
In Austin this organization is called AMBIS (Austin Memorial & Burial Information Society). You join AMBIS (joining is FREE) and then you use the funeral home associated with AMBIS and you have set contracted prices:
cremation $595
immediate Burial $945
full funeral with metal casket $1595
Here is a link to the national organization
Welcome to the Funeral Consumers Alliance! You can find the local group in your area or community.