THE HIGH ECONOMIC COST OF GRIEVING IN AMERICA!

The high cost of grieving is an American paradox. The majority of American do not associate grieving with its actual economic costs. The entire field of grieving is an ongoing debate between the subjective nature of grieving versus clinical objective benchmarks for grieving. The majority of Americans are stuck in the mud of living in a subjective state without an awareness of the true costs of grieving. There is a growing body of scientific research that demonstrates clinical objective solutions to grieving and economic costs.

What does grieving cost in today economy? If we are to use a three-year benchmark then we can determine the cost structure of grieving. The surviving spouse usually has not adequately planned for the financial costs of grieving. The usual planning involves funeral planning and the burial costs.

What are some of the costs involved in the economic grieving cycle? We must use an objective indicator that calculates the actual costs resulting in resolved grieving. There is a state of unresolved grieving that can lead to early death. Unresolved grieving is a growth industry that capitalizes on this psychological dilemma. The majority of American men easily fall into the unresolved grieving trap. They under- estimate  the high cost of doing nothing and not preparing for the 3 year journey.

  The unresolved grieving results in a psychological disintegration which creates unresolved problems from (1) Health Problems; (2) Financial Problems; (3) Unemployment Issues; (4) Family Relationship Problems ; (5) Complicated Psychological Grieving Problems; (6) Suicide;  (7) Depression and (8) drug addiction.

The successful grieving process results in a state of Psychological Re-Integration into society. We can assume a three year period for successfully resolved grieving. We can assume a basic cost of              $ 26,000.00 and an average of 15 individuals involved in the holistic psychological economic process. What are the essential costs?




A. THE FUNERAL EXPENSES AND BURIAL COSTS ARE $8,000.00.
B. LOSS OF SPOUSAL INCOME TAX DEDUCTION OF $2,000.00.
C. PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING $2,000.00.
D. HOSPICE COUNSELING SERVICE VALUE FOR 1 YEAR $1,500.00.
E. FAMILY AND FRIENDS MEETING AND DINING COST AT $2,500.00
F. MEDICAL DRUGS AND RELATED ITEMS $450.00.
G. PSYCHOLOGICAL GRIEVING TRIPS $3,000.00
H. REMODELING OF HOME AND DECOR $3,000.00.
I. OPPORTUNITY COSTS LOSS FROM SPOUSAL DEATH $3,000.00
J. NEW CAREER ADJUSTMENT PLANNING FOR NEW LIFE $1,500.00.

The total is $26,950.00 over three years!

 This figure is based on actual receipts and conservative estimates of goods and services. The minimum grieving insurance policy needs to be at least $50,000.00. The majority of Americans do not have adequate protection and experience dealing with the grieving cycle.It takes an average of 3 years to achieve a realistic state of resolution You need a village of at least 15 individuals helping along the way to psychological resolution.  According to Confucius: "Stop thinking about the road not taken and pave over the one you took!".