Expert: Decide funeral arrangements when making a will

Too few people are making a will that sets aside provisions for their funeral arrangements, a new survey has found.
 
Sun Life Direct has published figures showing that the cost of dying currently stands at £7,248, but one in four people have made no end-of-life plans and 44 per cent expect their friends and family to fund their funeral.
 
It highlighted the fact that end of life costs, including probate, have risen by approximately 20 per cent since 2007, which many people are not prepared for.
 
Simon Cox, head of life planning at Sun Life Direct, has emphasised the fact that many people are failing to take steps to avoid upsetting and placing difficulties on their families such as making a will.
 
He said: "Many people are sleepwalking into a financial nightmare, leaving end of life plans to their families, the State or no-one at all. As a nation we need a wake-up call."
 
A recent study by retirement specialist LV= found that property is the most common gift that parents leave their children while making their will.

Published by Phil Hammond