Australians want more individualised funeral services and more of us are moving away from traditional practices around what is called ‘death care’.

That’s the finding of a study commissioned by BARE, a cremation and funeral service that offers cheaper alternatives.

Paying for funerals can be a big financial burden at a time of grief and stress with the average funeral costing around $7500. Funeral insurance is not value for money with many people paying far more in premiums than the cost of the actual funeral.

New less expensive services offer pre-payment for cremation, and opportunities to devise an individualised funeral and send off with your family and friends. These don’t require a funeral director, viewing and other traditional services thus cutting costs. A cremation can be held first with an individualised event later. A pre-arranged funeral however you plan it, takes the stress off your family at a time of intense grief and allows you to devise your own event, whether that’s a service or a more celebratory affair. Although contemplating death is uncomfortable, it’s never too early to have a conversation with your family and make a plan.

Useful links –

Moneysmart: Paying for a Funeral
CHOICE 2019 Investigation
CHOICE: should you get a pre-paid funeral?
NSW Fair Trading: Funerals
NSW Goverment – Funerals Information
Australian Government – MoneySmart
Financial Rights Legal Centre – Funeral Insurance is a RIP Off
*Bare Funerals & Cremations
*Bare Guide to planning a funeral
*Funerals – 3 Quotes 
*Funeral Price Tool
*Baby Boomers Guide does not endorse any of the business services listed.