It's your funeral, so plan it

NOBODY likes to think about funerals but more should be thinking ahead to save loved ones the stress of sorting everything out after we die.

- Harvey Jones

Just one in five have put a plan in place for their funeral and end-of-life celebration, leaving next of kin facing unexpected costs and confusion.

While six in 10 who arranged a funeral said the deceased had left some money to cover costs, this was often difficult to access, leaving them to pay in the interim, according to research from funeral concierge service Everest. Over a third had to use their own money as the deceased had not made provisions.

The average cost of a funeral is around £4,180, SunLife research shows. Everest chairman Mark Wood said organising a funeral can cause financial and emotional stress.