‘Die now, pay later’: funerals are pushing grieving families into debt as the cost-of-living crisis hits

Karin Adams (right) with her stepfather, organised a DIY funeral for her mother Lynn McNabb to make it more personal and affordable. Composite: Karin Adams/Guardian

Karin Adams’ mother was a lot of things – determined, creative, private. An incredible ballet teacher, a loving wife, an adoring mum.

After Lynn McNabb died in late 2022, Karin was handed a pamphlet of funeral options in Port Macquarie. But they were expensive and regimented – the kind of thing her mum would have hated.