Welcome to LC Westons Funeral Director | Harpenden | Hertfordshire

Nobody likes to think about funerals, whether it be their own or someone else’s. Yet, unfortunately dying is inevitable so we need to take steps to reduce the burden on our loved ones when we pass away.

Yet, like pensions and life insurance people don’t make funeral arrangements for themselves usually until they are older. However, prudent planning and insurance can save you money, time and hassle and protect your family from expensive funeral costs. So what can you do to safeguard your family yet also ensure you have a funeral in the manner that you would like?

Firstly, you should make out a will. This shouldn’t be done when you are 85, but when you are in a position to accrue possessions and have dependents. It should also be reassessed and amended whenever your circumstances change; when buying a new property, when you get married, when you have children, when you retire etc. The will should also be as specific as possible to avoid any grey areas or uncertainties.

You should also arrange a pension as early as possible, in fact as soon as you move into full-time, regular employment. State pensions are dwindling and with an ageing population, you will not be able to rely on a state pension, so you need to start looking out for yourself in old age at a young age.

Life insurance is also something to consider, especially if you have children and a large estate and investments. Again, this is usually just something people think about when there are over the age of 50 but this may be too late.
What about the actual funeral costs? And what if you want a say in your funeral plans? If you die without funeral insurance cover your family will have to pay and your funeral might not be as you would have liked. Funerals can cost around £2,000, which is a rather hefty price for your relatives to pay upon your death. So what should you do?

If you can’t afford complete life insurance, then you can take out a funeral-only insurance plan. You can pay a small monthly premium which will then cover the costs of a crematoria funeral when you die. Companies such as Legal & General offer funeral plans as part of their life insurance schemes so could be worth a look.

 

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