With costs of funerals and burials increasing, many Australians are struggling to pay for their own ceremonies

Funeral costs are increasing every year, but should Australians try to prepay their costs to help their families. Here’s what you think in Mackay.

Mourners pay their respects during a funeral. Picture: Richard Wainwright/AAP

The steadily increasing price in funeral costs is forcing more Australians to take responsibility for their own burial and ceremony.

New Finder research found more than 50 per cent of Australians intend to pay for their own funeral while they are still alive.

The average cost of a burial in Australia is now more than $9400, and a personal finance expert at Finder Kate Browne said more Australians were taking responsibility for their funerals.

“The last thing people want is to inflict this cost on their loved ones,” Ms Browne said.

“The grieving process is a stressful and emotionally-wrought time for families, and a shocking funeral bill can really add to this pressure.”

Kate Brown said a large funeral cost could cause a lot of stress on families.

Finder’s research said that 39 per cent of Australians did not want to pay for their funeral.

Mackay resident Ronald Griggs said he would like to help out his family as much as possible.

“It sounds like a good idea, my friend’s husband passed away a few weeks ago,” Mr Griggs said.

“They couldn’t afford an expensive funeral, they just buried him with no ceremony.

“I would like to do it, but I don’t think I can afford it.”

Ronald Griggs said it was a good idea to try to help pay your funeral costs if you can. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Glenella resident Jacob Butcher said he had begun paying the costs of his own funeral.

“Think about it this way, you die and your family is inconsolable,” Mr Butcher said.

“Then they have to foot the bill for around $10,000, which will come out of savings or mortgage repayments or whatever.

“It’s borderline irresponsible to not take action and prevent such a massive burden put on your loved ones.”

Originally published as With costs of funerals and burials increasing, many Australians are struggling to pay for their own ceremonies