Funeral funding 'should be considered when making a will'

Those making a will should consider funding their own funeral from their estate, an expert has suggested.
 
Dr Kate Woodthorpe, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Bath, has warned that with the current financial crisis many people are struggling to cover the costs of funerals.
 
She said that many are seeking to economise on their own arrangements, as the number of people slipping into poverty has reduced their affordability.
 
While making a will, it is worth considering opting for cremation over burial and for how the service should be performed, she advised.
 
Dr Woodthorpe suggested that those wishing to maintain as much of their estate as possible may like to arrange for their families to perform most of the service themselves.
 
Recent research published by Sun Life Direct highlighted the fact that many people do not consider their funeral arrangements while making a will and so leave their families to foot the cost.

Published by Phil Hammond