Families forced into debt as funeral costs surge

Recent research has shown that the cost of death is soaring, with funerals becoming more expensive than ever before.

The report suggests that some funeral director fees are rising above the rate of inflation, with burials costing almost £5,500 on average – up by more than a quarter in five years.

Cremation costs have also increased by a third – rising from £2,896 in 2012 to £3,894 in 2017.

Funeral costs can vary significantly depending on where you live in the UK, the circumstance of death and your requirements for the funeral.

Typically, half of burial costs go towards a coffin, a gravedigger and buying the lease for a plot, while a third of a cremation bill goes on the use of a crematorium and the service itself.

If funeral costs continue to increase at the current rate then many ordinary families may face significant debt at a time of great stress and emotional upheaval.

Pre-paid Funeral Plans offer a solution. A pre-paid Funeral Plan lets you arrange and pay for a funeral in advance.

It’s an easy way to get your funeral arranged whilst protecting your loved ones from rising costs and uncertainty about your final wishes. The Plans allow you to go into as much or as little detail as you like, from funeral vehicles and funeral flowers to your favourite music and alternative burial locations.

We also work in partnership with estate administration specialists who can cover the cost of a funeral up front, before cash assets in an estate are realised.

Those costs can be recovered back from the estate at a later date, so that you and your family don’t need to worry about funding the costs yourself.  Given that this could save you thousands of pounds, it’s worth considering now so that you have a plan in place for your family.

So whether you wish to secure your funeral wishes in advance by payment now, or you wish to ensure your family have the means to pay for your funeral from your estate, we can help. Please contact us to find out more.

Ashton Grace – Specialists in Peace of Mind