Billions of pounds are going unclaimed because millions of Brits refuse the hard talk about death with their families – finding it too morbid, upsetting, or awkward, according to new research.
Around a third of people (34 percent) admit they’ve had no discussions about their final wishes with their family.
This includes funeral plans to important documents, while another 43 percent say they don’t want to talk about death because it’s too upsetting.
Despite death being a rite of passage, new numbers by Legacy Hub shows the topic is still taboo in many households.
Their research found (25 percent) think it is ‘too morbid’ to discuss. Meanwhile, almost one-fifth (19 percent) say ‘they don’t know how to start the conversation’
Newest figures show the lack of discussion around death has resulted in £80 billion of wealth being unclaimed because the bereaved cannot find a will, investments, or insurance policies when their loved one dies.
It is an issue Legacy Hub wants to cull by encouraging people to safely record their wishes and store important documents and records in one place.
Legacy Hub experts are blaming the British stiff-upper-lip mentality that is getting in the way, meaning families are left to deal with the fallout.
Around a third of people (34 percent) admit they’ve had no discussions about their final wishes with their family
Lottie Tomlinson, sister to former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, was only 18 when their mother died from leukaemia in 2016.
Devastation hit them again when, only three years later, their younger sister Félicité died from an accidental overdose.
The 27-year-old mother of two said, ‘I feel like we weren’t prepared at all. It was such a shock. You can’t ever fully prepare for losing someone, but you can plan for it. A situation that’s already going to be so painful can be made a tiny bit easier with planning.’
She explained her experiences have shaped the way she thinks about death and loss, saying she’s become more straightforward when it comes to talking about it.
‘There are pictures of my mum and sister around the house, and he asks questions. I tell him that’s his nanny, she’s not here, she passed away and went to heaven, but we can still talk about her and have her as part of our lives.’
Through her grief, she acknowledged how important it is to be open and spoke about how her younger sister struggled with their mother’s loss.
‘Maybe that could have been prevented if she’d felt more comfortable talking about her grief. When I bottled things up, I went to dark places, I was lucky to come out of that, but some people aren’t so lucky. If we can all get more comfortable talking about it, it could save lives.’
Lottie added: ‘Planning for the future and sharing your wishes is so important. Having an app like Legacy Hub makes it easy and safe to store those wishes so your family know exactly what you want. It can be the difference between your family being able to grieve properly, or it becoming a whole lot harder.’
Legacy Hub research found (25 percent) think it is ‘too morbid’ to discuss. Meanwhile, almost one-fifth (19 percent) say ‘they don’t know how to start the conversation’
She also treasures the keepsakes, such as cards, notes, and photos, and reminisces about the good times with her loved ones.
‘I’ve got cards my mum gave me on my prom night, which are so special. Those messages mean so much because when you lose someone, you lose those words they gave you. Being able to read them back helps you feel connected.’
The new service, Legacy Hub, which is a secure digital vault, aims to tackle the financial and emotional problems that can make a death in the family a more traumatic experience for those left behind.
Founder David Alexander said: ‘We plan weddings, birthdays, and even holidays in meticulous detail, but when it comes to death, most of us just cross our fingers and hope for the best. That silence means families are left in chaos, not knowing what someone wanted or where to find vital information when they pass away.
‘Legacy Hub keeps not only the important practical information in one place, but also precious memories and final wishes, helping loved ones find comfort, clarity, and connection at a time they need it most.’