Debt-beds? Aussies resort to grim funeral methods amid economic crisis
- Replies 9
In an era where the cost of living is soaring, the last thing any family wants to face is the financial burden of a funeral.
Yet, as the economy tightens its grip on household budgets, Australians found themselves in a precarious position when offering a dignified farewell to their loved ones.
The phrase 'Die now, pay later' has become a reality for those grappling with the expenses of death amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
Karin Adams' story is a poignant example of the challenges grieving families face.
After losing her mother, Lynn McNabb, Adams confronted the high costs of funeral services that seemed at odds with her mother's personality and values.
With her family's finances already strained by a $20,000 scam, Adams was forced to think outside the box.
Her solution? A DIY funeral that honoured her mother's life without plunging the family further into debt.
'Our funeral must have been one of the cheapest ones non-profit provider Tender Funerals had encountered, but it was beautiful,' Adams shared.
'We weren't skipping; there was a lot of attention to detail and a lot of personal touches, which in our family matters more than how much you spend on something.'
The total cost of her mother's burial, including the funeral and cremation, amounted to approximately $3,500—far below the national average, yet still a significant financial undertaking.
According to nationwide research conducted by Australian Seniors, a basic burial funeral can cost up to $18,652, and a basic cremation can cost up to $5,953.
These figures represent a staggering 20 per cent increase since 2019.
The rise in funeral costs led to a surge in people seeking more affordable options.
Non-profit providers like Tender Funerals saw a sharp increase in the use of their bereavement funds, assisting families in covering funeral expenses.
'We have more people inquiring about affordable funerals,' Tender Funerals General Manager Nadine Giles said.
'They'll talk about cost or say things like, "We just want something simple"—because they have bill shock.'
The demand for these funds has doubled in six months, highlighting the growing financial pressure on Australians.
Families that were once financially secure now turn to organisations like Bereavement Assistance, a not-for-profit that assists Victorians in paying for funerals.
The trend is clear: more and more people are finding themselves just above the poverty line, struggling to afford the costs associated with death.
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have also seen a significant uptick in funeral-related fundraisers, with a 282 per cent increase in listings that mention the rising cost of living.
These fundraisers reflect deeper systemic issues as families fall through the cracks of traditional support systems.
In some cases, state programs or charities offer financial assistance, but these are only sometimes sufficient or widely available.
For instance, Queensland's government fund covers basic costs for those without next of kin who can afford to pay.
Yet, the number of applications and approvals has risen sharply, indicating a growing need for these support systems.
The financial strain doesn't end there—as some funeral companies introduced 'Buy now, pay later' schemes, allowing families to defer payment.
However, this can lead to further financial hardship, as these services often don't require an assessment of the customer's ability to afford the costs.
Consumer advocates are raising alarms about the potential for exploitation and the accumulation of 'funeral debt' during a time of vulnerability.
The situation calls for a broader conversation about the cost of dying and the need for more compassionate and affordable funeral options.
As a society, we must consider how to support those in mourning without the added stress of financial ruin.
We must be aware of the options available and plan where possible.
Consider discussing funeral wishes with family members, researching non-profit funeral services, or setting aside funds.
Knowing your rights and seeking financial advice or assistance is also essential to avoid distressing experiences during times of grief.
Have you or someone you know faced financial difficulties due to funeral costs? What could help alleviate this burden for families? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Yet, as the economy tightens its grip on household budgets, Australians found themselves in a precarious position when offering a dignified farewell to their loved ones.
The phrase 'Die now, pay later' has become a reality for those grappling with the expenses of death amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
Karin Adams' story is a poignant example of the challenges grieving families face.
After losing her mother, Lynn McNabb, Adams confronted the high costs of funeral services that seemed at odds with her mother's personality and values.
With her family's finances already strained by a $20,000 scam, Adams was forced to think outside the box.
Her solution? A DIY funeral that honoured her mother's life without plunging the family further into debt.
Many Australians resort to more affordable methods to honour family members who have passed on. Image Credit: Pexels/Mariam Antadze
'Our funeral must have been one of the cheapest ones non-profit provider Tender Funerals had encountered, but it was beautiful,' Adams shared.
'We weren't skipping; there was a lot of attention to detail and a lot of personal touches, which in our family matters more than how much you spend on something.'
The total cost of her mother's burial, including the funeral and cremation, amounted to approximately $3,500—far below the national average, yet still a significant financial undertaking.
According to nationwide research conducted by Australian Seniors, a basic burial funeral can cost up to $18,652, and a basic cremation can cost up to $5,953.
These figures represent a staggering 20 per cent increase since 2019.
The rise in funeral costs led to a surge in people seeking more affordable options.
Non-profit providers like Tender Funerals saw a sharp increase in the use of their bereavement funds, assisting families in covering funeral expenses.
'We have more people inquiring about affordable funerals,' Tender Funerals General Manager Nadine Giles said.
'They'll talk about cost or say things like, "We just want something simple"—because they have bill shock.'
The demand for these funds has doubled in six months, highlighting the growing financial pressure on Australians.
Families that were once financially secure now turn to organisations like Bereavement Assistance, a not-for-profit that assists Victorians in paying for funerals.
The trend is clear: more and more people are finding themselves just above the poverty line, struggling to afford the costs associated with death.
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have also seen a significant uptick in funeral-related fundraisers, with a 282 per cent increase in listings that mention the rising cost of living.
These fundraisers reflect deeper systemic issues as families fall through the cracks of traditional support systems.
In some cases, state programs or charities offer financial assistance, but these are only sometimes sufficient or widely available.
For instance, Queensland's government fund covers basic costs for those without next of kin who can afford to pay.
Yet, the number of applications and approvals has risen sharply, indicating a growing need for these support systems.
The financial strain doesn't end there—as some funeral companies introduced 'Buy now, pay later' schemes, allowing families to defer payment.
However, this can lead to further financial hardship, as these services often don't require an assessment of the customer's ability to afford the costs.
Consumer advocates are raising alarms about the potential for exploitation and the accumulation of 'funeral debt' during a time of vulnerability.
The situation calls for a broader conversation about the cost of dying and the need for more compassionate and affordable funeral options.
As a society, we must consider how to support those in mourning without the added stress of financial ruin.
We must be aware of the options available and plan where possible.
Consider discussing funeral wishes with family members, researching non-profit funeral services, or setting aside funds.
Knowing your rights and seeking financial advice or assistance is also essential to avoid distressing experiences during times of grief.
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