Cost of Living and a Cost of dying crisis

It’s no secret we are facing a cost of living crisis.

My children are aged between 25 and 30 years of age and they are wondering how they will ever afford a home, or a home loan, or the deposit for a home loan. With houses in Australia costing eight times more than the average annual household income (compared to three times when I entered the market) it’s no surprise.

There’s an issue at the other end of life- The Cost of Dying crisis.

According to the ABC the average cost of a direct cremation is $4,869 and a funeral with a service is $8,745. It’s not unusual for a service to cost more than $15,000.

This is on top of the grief and lonliness often associated when we lose someone we care about.

Emotional grief and financial grief, one layered on top of the other.

It’s a challenge for those arranging the farewell because they often want to express their love and gratitude for having this person in their life. They want their loved one cared for, but they don’t want to go into debt paying for it.

The solution may be, direct cremation ($2499) then organise a Do-It-Yourself service at home or in a park or on the beach. If you’d like a professional celebrant to help organise the service you can get one for $700. If your budget allows it, you may want to spend a little more on room hire and/or refreshments for you guests. Then there’s the added trimmings- flowers, music, display coffin and on it goes.

Spending more money is not a direct reflection of loving someone more, just as spending less money doesn’t mean you loved someone less.

How we treat each other while we’re alive is of much more importance.

By the way, I have a free guide to Do-It-Yourself farewell services. Reply to this email if you’d like me to send you a copy.