Funeral planning

Is it good value to pay for your funeral before you die?

Yes it is, according to funeral plan adviser, Peter Camrass of Camrass Wills. The cost of funerals has gone up by more than the rate of inflation for many years and shows no signs of stopping. The average cost of a funeral was around £1,200 in 1997 and is now over £4,000 according to the Sun Life Cost of Dying Report. It is expected to increase to over £7,000 by 2024.

Peter goes on to say that there are other benefits also.

Cash flow during probate. Very often, the family will not have access to your savings until well after the funeral because Probate, the legal process which takes place after a death, can take several months. This means relatives have to find the money for the funeral from their own funds. If you have a pre-paid funeral this difficulty is avoided.

Funeral wishes in your Will. Even though you have stated preferences in your Will, e.g. burial or cremation, eco-friendly coffin etc., it is up to the executors of the Will to arrange the funeral and they are not legally obliged to follow your instructions. With a pre-paid funeral, you have already instructed the funeral director and so your wishes will be honoured.

Peace of mind. Setting up your own funeral plan not only protects your loved ones from rising funeral costs, but also spares them the distress of having to make difficult decisions at an emotional time.

For more information, prices and to create your own funeral plan, click here.