Which? Should you pay for your funeral now?
Oct 9, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Holly Lanyon, a Which? Money journalist, shares insights on rising funeral costs and the importance of planning ahead. Simon Cox, a Funeral Solution Expert, explains options like direct cremations and hybrid plans that can save money. They delve into the benefits of locking in prices to shield against inflation and explore the critical regulatory changes ensuring consumer protections. Listeners will learn about the hidden costs and essential factors to consider before prepaying for funerals, making for an informative and thought-provoking conversation.
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Make Your Wishes Clear And Use A Plan
- Decide and record the funeral wishes to remove emotional burden and family arguments.
- Buy a funeral plan to cover practical arrangements so family only need to make one call when the time comes.
Check Interest Before Spreading Payments
- Ask providers if payment plans charge interest and how much extra you'll pay compared with a lump sum.
- Avoid long instalments that add hundreds or thousands in extra cost unless you can afford the total.
Regulation Brought Consumer Protections
- Funeral plans became regulated by the FCA in 2022 and now offer consumer protections.
- Plans are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme so your money is safer if a provider fails.