By abcmoney.co.uk
Across the UK, rising living expenses are making it more important than ever to plan for the financial implications of death.
Sadly, many families are hit with high and avoidable costs – often totalling tens of thousands of pounds – simply because the right plans weren’t made in time.
To help people take control and ease the burden on their families, Rebecca Peach, founder of The Farewell Guide, is sharing essential advice on preparing for the realities of funeral costs.
Rushed Funeral Arrangements – thousands of pounds
Funerals are one of the biggest immediate costs following a death. The average price of a basic funeral in the UK reached £4,285 in 2024, which is around £1,000 more than a decade ago. That figure is expected to rise to over £5,185 by 2029.
“When families are forced to make last-minute funeral decisions while grieving, they typically pay much more than they would with a pre-planned service,” explains Peach.
“A (funeral insurance) plan allows you to pay today’s prices, not tomorrow’s. That alone could save around £900 or more.”
But the price tag can increase significantly when families are uncertain about what the deceased would have wanted.
“Something as seemingly small as the design of the coffin can push costs up by £1,100,” she adds.
Choosing a weekend date for the service, often without realising the extra charges involved, can also add hundreds of pounds.
Even if a formal funeral plan is not affordable, Peach encourages people to leave clear instructions for their loved ones.
“It’s a powerful way to take control and reduce both financial and emotional strain.”
Non-existent or DIY will – thousands of pounds in legal costs
Shockingly, over half of UK adults (52%) do not have a will. This can leave their families in a legal and financial mess.
“Dying without a will triggers a process called intestacy, which is typically a third more expensive than standard probate procedures,” says Peach. “And that is assuming there are no disputes.”
Disputes, however, are common. A recent Law Society survey revealed that one in four people dealing with a will in the past five years encountered legal problems or family disagreements.
These complications can quickly increase costs and cause lasting emotional stress within families.
DIY wills might appear to be a cost-saving solution, but they often fail to meet the necessary legal standards.
“Wills need to be properly witnessed and worded. A mistake can render the entire document invalid,” Peach warns. “If you are going to do the right thing and write a will, make sure it is done properly.”
A small investment now could save a fortune later
“Most Brits spend more time planning their summer holiday than preparing for the inevitable,” says Peach.
“But your mistakes could cost them tens of thousands more than a jaunt to Majorca.”
Facing death is never easy, but ignoring it can come at a very high cost. With a bit of planning, whether that means writing a will, securing a funeral plan, or understanding inheritance tax, families can avoid unnecessary stress and preserve more of what truly matters.
“By spending just a few hours on proper planning, families can convert unexpected six-figure liabilities into manageable, predictable expenses.”
