The financial burden of saying goodbye has hit an all-time high, with a simple attended funeral now costing ￡4,285 on average.

       That’s an increase of 3.5% over the past year, comfortably ahead of December's consumer price inflation figure of 2.5%.

       This finding comes in the latest annual SunLife Cost of Dying report. It shows there's no escape from today’s rocketing costs, even in death.

       A simple attended funeral, which includes burial or cremation services, a funeral director, doctor and celebrant fees, a coffin and limousine cost ￡1,835 in 2004.

       Had prices risen in line with inflation, it would average ￡3,211 today but instead it’s rocketed beyond ￡4,000, putting further strain on bereaved families.

       Especially since many people's wages haven't risen in real terms for a staggering 16 years.

       The total bill can be several thousand pounds higher depending on where you live and what extras you want in the way of flowers, venue and reception.

       The total cost of dying, which encompasses funeral costs, full send-off and estate administration fees, has climbed to a record ￡9,797.

       Both Labour and the Tories have driven up tax bills and living costs to record highs. They've done the same to dying costs.

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       Funeral costs pose a major financial challenge for many families.

       Less than two in five leave enough money to cover their bill, which means the burden falls on the family.

       On average, families need to source an additional ￡2,371 to cover the shortfall. One in three rely on savings or investments, but a quarter either turn to credit cards or borrow from friends or relatives, while many sell personal belongings.

       How much it costs to die also depends on where you live.

       London remains the most expensive place to pass away with the average funeral costing ￡5,449, up 5.4% on last year.

       An increasingly popular way to cut the cost is a direct cremation, where the deceased is taken from their place of death, cremated without any funeral service and no mourners in attendance. Families who arrange their own “no-fuss” cremation often organise a life celebration at a separate date and venue.

       Direct cremations cost just ￡1,597 on average. They now account for 20% of funerals, against just 3% in 2019.

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       SunLife chief executive Mark Screeton urged families to discuss end-of-life wishes, as one in five don’t know their loved one’s preferences.

       More than half have no idea whether their loved one wants a burial or cremation, while two thirds are unsure about religious preferences.

       Uncertainty often leads to families overspending, Screeton said. “More than half feel pressured during funeral planning, of whom one in five exceeds their budget due to expectations from family or funeral directors.”

       When asked, a third requested their family spent as little as possible on their send-off.

       Screeton said having a conversation about funerals can clear things up. “A send-off doesn’t need to cost thousands. A direct cremation with a DIY get-together afterwards might be the perfect way to say a personal goodbye to a loved one."