Future retirees are not paying enough into their pension pots have laid bare the difficulties of post-work and end-of-life financial planning in the UK, claims leading direct cremation specialist Celebration of Life.
Government figures revealed retirees in 2050 will have 8% less private pension income than those retiring today. Meanwhile, nearly 15 million people are not saving enough for retirement, with lower earners and the self-employed particularly at risk.
Cost of living pressures mean many workers are more concerned about paying the bills and feeding their families than saving for retirement. For example, property portal Zoopla recently revealed that the monthly cost of renting a home in the UK has risen by an average of £221 in just three years.
Peter Shuttleworth, General Manager at Celebration of Life, said: “Through no fault of their own, Britons are putting pensions at the back of their mind as they focus on balancing the books.
“Funeral planning is also falling by the wayside for the same reasons. It’s difficult to think about end-of-life arrangements when this month’s rent and mortgage payments are far more pressing – but direct cremation can help.”
A direct cremation is a cost-effective alternative to a traditional funeral. There is no ceremony at the crematorium, instead the family are kept informed at each stage so that they can hold a special commemoration where and when they wish.
“A pre-paid funeral plan is a simple and inexpensive way of ensuring loved ones have one less thing to worry about when the sad day comes,” Peter Shuttleworth said.
“Many of our customers think of it as a gift that offers some peace of mind at a stressful and harrowing time.”
Chris Thrall
August 17, 2025
