Forum Topic

Funeral plans

Do you have one you would recommend?

Graham Weeks ● 4219d19 Comments

My recent experience when I went to the bank to freeze a dead relative's account on his death was that the bank said they would pay funeral expenses from the account before probate was granted.Indeed when the bill from the undertaker arrived the branch of his bank that was local to me was efficient in raising a banker's draft that could be sent off (months before probate was granted).

Tim Henderson ● 4214d

This time last year we paid around £3,300 all up for a standard cremation.

Tony Colliver ● 4214d

Good idea, but not so easy to release when needed as probate will be required before such plans can be accessed by the surviving relatives.I guess it is okay if the funeral director doesn't mindwaiting a few months to be paid...

Tony Colliver ● 4214d

Last time I asked, and it was a few years ago, £3000+ for cremation, burial £5000+.

Graham Weeks ● 4215d

The last time I researched into funeral cremation costs, an ordinary standard economic cost averaged about £5000. And that was for an ordinary funeral. I would suggest a standard ordinary one might cost circa £7 to 8k now. I'm only guessing.

Gerry Tan ● 4215d

Sadly Tony it's easy to spend that and much, much more on something that you are going to know nothing about.My will contains a clause requesting the Executors to ensure that 'as little as possible' is spent on funeral expenses and that the money is enjoyed by the beneficiaries rather than wasted.

Nigel Brooks ● 4216d

£3000 thats it I'm going for a paupers funeral.

Tony Maxey ● 4216d

My friend's father had a 'woodland burial' at a designated site in Epping Forest. All cotton clothing, cardboard buttons and in a biodegradable coffin.The total cost, to meet his very detailed wishes, was still under £1500 less than half of the cost of a 'traditional' funeral.

Nigel Brooks ● 4216d

Living next to Walpole and Lammas Parks, we know of three local families who have quietly and surreptitiously spread their dearly departed relos' ashes in certain areas of each park.

Gerry Tan ● 4216d

I think I am tempted to agree with Nigel's view of avoiding plans.But I must admit I am tempted by the approach and stories athttp://www.leedam.com/Tripadvisor should be extended to cover the extra circumstances......

Tim Henderson ● 4216d

I suppose the advantage of a plan is that you can choose what you want by way of coffin/funeral rather than leave it to the rellies. Also good if you have no rellies.

Susan Kelly ● 4218d

I am 68 Tony. Father died at 75. Both grandfathers died younger than me. Mother was 72. I am not as fit as my father was. My wife asked me to look into plans. At present we are in the midst of family debate as to where we will be buried one day.

Graham Weeks ● 4218d

hehehehehehe Nigel

Penny Crocker ● 4218d

You could always try "He loved that pen, that's why we buried it with him". That should stop the calls. :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4218d

Yes there's a free pen just for enquiring and you can get the advert on the pen off with jewellers rouge or Brasso (not that I've tried you understand),just depends if you can put up with the incessant phone calls afterwards.

Tony Wood ● 4218d

There's a free pen!?Damn, time to cash in the ISA :-)

Nigel Brooks ● 4218d

Yes,I agree with Nigel an ISA is the way to go,you really don't need a free Parker pen from Michael Parkinson.

Tony Wood ● 4218d

I'll try to post on the forum to let you know how good or bad it was when I've used it,perhaps you could reciprocate if you are "called" first?   Anyway at your age (I seem to remember that we're about 3 days apart agewise) you're far too young to be worrying about such things!

Tony Wood ● 4218d

None of them to be honest.They tie you in to a single or group of funeral directors, who have the relatives 'over a barrel' because you are 'on a plan'.Far better to put some money regularly into an ISA or savings account which can be released upon death to pay funeral expenses.I would avoid plans 'like the plague'.

Nigel Brooks ● 4218d