Are You Part of the 50%?

April 2018 Newsletter

FUNERALS BY THE NUMBERS

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) recently confirmed what many in the industry suspected: more than half of Americans now opt for cremation. The NFDA, which also tracks funeral industry statistics, estimates that by 2025, this number will be more than 60%.

Cremation Percentage by State

Rising funeral prices for in-ground burial are a big driver for growth, but that is only part of the story. We are more mobile, less religious, and less tied to a given location. All these add up to more demand for cremation.

For consumers, that means more options and more competition. It also means it pays to learn all you can about choosing cremation. It’s a big decision that is very personal. We can help. Visit our cremation section for complete information on how to choose, what to consider, and how it works.


THE SCOOP ON FUNERAL PRICES & COSTS

You don’t have to be an expert to know that funeral prices continue to increase. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the best way to guard against paying more than you need to is by planning. Another good defense against rising prices is learning as much as possible about what you are paying for.

Our funeral costs page has all the details–from the average costs of burial and cremation to areas where you are most likely to be able to save money. This page also has information that can help you estimate how much the type of funeral you have in mind might cost. You’ll also find tips on how to save money without sacrificing quality.

>> Learn More About Costs

DESIGNING A GOOD FUNERAL

We are often asked what makes a good funeral. Our answer is always the same–it’s personal. In other words, there is no formula. Instead, a “good funeral” is what you want it to be. The key is that it reflects the spirit and personality of the deceased. 

There are many ways to personalize a service–from the music to the readings to where the service is held. Sure, common elements are used in many funerals and memorial services, but these do not bind you. You can include more or less depending on your personal preference. Our website has information on all aspects of planning a service and can be used for inspiration when needed. 

>> More On Getting Personal

WHAT IS DEATH POSITIVE?

You may not have heard about it yet, but a movement is brewing. It’s called the Death Positive Movement.

For those who consider themselves “death positive.” the topic of death needs to be brought out of the shadows. They believe we should accept that death is part of life, be able to talk freely about how we feel about it, take more control of what happens when the time comes, and make sure our loved ones know how we want our end-of-life handled.

The movement is still young, but it is growing. We encourage you to learn more about it. Over time, maybe we can all be more death-positive!

>> Read More About It

FUNERAL INSURANCE UPDATE

Many people visiting our site are looking for ways to fund their funeral. We’ve always offered information on funeral insurance, but since this is such an important topic, we’ve improved how we match people with providers and our quote engine.

If you haven’t set aside funds for your funeral yet, we suggest you look at our all-new “Funeral Insurance Finder.” You’re under no obligation.

We think it’s important that you consider talking with an advisor to ensure the policy you choose is right for your unique circumstance, but you can do it all online.

>> Try the New Insurance Finder


Have you tried our online planner yet? Why not take a few minutes to do that today? Remember… the best time to plan a funeral is before you need to.

>> Try the Planner

Funeralwise.com is the place to go online for everything you need about funerals. Whether planning a funeral or attending one, we can provide straightforward answers to your questions and step-by-step instructions to guide you.

How Much Will Your Funeral Cost? Try Our QuickPlan to Find Out.