Reluctance to Talk About Death Costs UK Bereaved £157m a Year
Reluctance to Talk About Death Costs UK Bereaved £157m a Year
A Sue Ryder poll finds most bereaved families overspend on funerals, underscoring the need for open conversations and budgeting.
A Sue Ryder poll reveals that 59% of people who have arranged a funeral spent beyond their means, with an average overspend of £513. That adds up to about £157 million a year across the UK.
Experts say avoiding conversations about death can leave families scrambling to make quick, expensive choices, rather than weighing affordable options or shopping around. The study suggests that planning ahead—discussing preferences, budgets, and potential prepaid plans—could help families avoid emotionally driven decisions that drive up costs.
The findings call for more open dialogue about funeral wishes, price options, and budgeting among families and friends, as well as practical guidance from charities and advisors to reduce financial and emotional strain during a very difficult time.
With funeral costs continuing to rise, researchers hope the conversation becomes as routine as budgeting for other life events, helping families prepare while still honoring loved ones.
