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Funeral Planning News & Facts

These public articles and consumer resources demonstrate the importance of advance planning, price awareness and professional coordination when funeral services are needed. Funeral Costs Can Create Financial Hardship CBS News reports that two grieving daughters were left struggling with a $12,000 funeral bill. Their experience illustrates the financial pressure families may face when arrangements must be made quickly. Source: CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grieving-daughters-struggle-pay-off-12000-funeral-bill/ Funeral Costs Continue to Increase The Associated Press reported that the median cost of a funeral with burial reached approximately $8,300 in 2023. Rising prices make advance preparation and clear budget guidelines increasingly important. Source: Associated Press https://apnews.com/article/funeral-business-death-care-investors-private-equity-c196209fd1467f66e066234963677c1b Families Must Make Many Decisions Quickly The Federal Trade Commission explains that grieving families often face dozens of funeral decisions that must be made quickly and under emotional stress. Planning in advance allows time for family discussions and may reduce some of that burden. Source: Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-funeral-services Consumers Have Important Funeral-Purchasing Rights The FTC Funeral Rule allows families to select only the goods and services they want, obtain itemized prices and compare costs among funeral homes. Source: Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ftc-funeral-rule Funeral Expenses Can Involve Multiple Providers Funeral costs may include professional services, transportation, burial or cremation, cemetery charges, flowers, obituary notices, clergy and other outside services. Coordinating these providers can create an additional burden for families. Source: Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/funeral-costs-pricing-checklist Comparing Funeral Prices Is Important The FTC recommends comparing prices from multiple funeral homes, requesting written price lists and avoiding services that a family does not want or need. Source: Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-funeral-services Funeral Arrangements Can Be Made Remotely The FTC explains that families can request service and pricing information by telephone and may ask providers to send information by email or text. This can be especially helpful when relatives live in different locations. Source: Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-funeral-services-phone-or-online How This Supports GentlePath360 These independent resources demonstrate why families may benefit from advance preparation, cost review and dedicated coordination. GentlePath360 helps organize communications, schedules and arrangements among the family and its selected funeral homes, cemeteries, florists and other service providers.