A survey conducted by CardRates.com revealed that 58% of US adults would need to take on debt to pay for a single funeral, with many planning to take out loans or even resort to credit cards. The median cost of a funeral with a casket and burial service is $8,300, but Americans have only $7,000 in their bank accounts, according to Federal Reserve data. Consumer finance expert Erica Sandberg warned that nearly 60% of American adults would be "blindsided" by the cost of the funeral. Sandberg suggested borrowing from a family member or friend, which typically comes with no interest, and setting a shorter time frame to pay off the debt. The International Monetary Fund warned that further escalation in the Middle East could slow growth, fuel inflation and potentially tip the economy into a recession.