NFDA Releases 2025 Cremation & Burial Report: Comprehensive Insights to Guide the Future of Funeral Service

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has released its “2025 Cremation & Burial Report,” the most comprehensive analysis of consumer disposition trends available to funeral service professionals. The report shows the U.S. cremation rate is projected to reach 63.4% in 2025, more than double the burial rate of 31.6%.

Through state-by-state U.S. projections, as well as data from Canada and worldwide, the report provides funeral directors with the reliable, research-based insights they need to anticipate change, identify opportunities and serve families with confidence. 

The “NFDA Cremation & Burial Report” not only offers accurate statistics and projections, but also the broader context that funeral professionals need to make informed decisions for their businesses and the families they serve. 

Key Findings From the 2025 Report

• The U.S. cremation rate is projected to reach 63.4% in 2025, more than double the burial rate of 31.6%. By 2045, cremation will account for 82.3% of dispositions, while burials will decline to 13.0%.
• All 50 states and the District of Columbia are projected to surpass a 50% cremation rate by 2035.
• In Canada, cremations are expected to rise to 91.2% by 2045.
• Nearly 36% of member firms already offer online cremation arrangements, with another 25% planning to do so within four years.
• NFDA-member firms continue to identify the availability of qualified personnel as their greatest business challenge over the next four years. 

The report goes beyond statistics, incorporating analysis of economic conditions, workforce challenges, consumer preferences and funeral home operational trends. By putting cremation and burial projections in context, NFDA provides members with a sharper, more complete picture of how the profession is evolving and what it means for the future of service. 

Accessing the Report and Other NFDA Research 

The 2025 NFDA Cremation & Burial Report” is available free of charge to NFDA members and for $175 for nonmembers. Funeral professionals can download the report at  NFDA.org/Research.  At NFDA.org/Research, funeral professionals can also access a wide range of free NFDA studies and reports, including:

• “Across Borders, Across Traditions: A Global Study of Funeral Preferences” (2025): The first-ever global survey of consumer opinions on funerals, offering insights across countries and cultures.
• “Changing Consumer Preferences: A Generational Perspective on Attitudes Toward Funeral Service” (2025): A groundbreaking study on generational attitudes toward funeral service and evolving expectations.
• “Business Practices Study” (2025): An exploration of how funeral directors are adapting business practices in light of increasing cremation rates.
• “Consumer Awareness and Preferences Survey” (2025): Findings from NFDA’s direct-to-consumer research on evolving funeral service preferences.
• And many more. 

These resources are part of NFDA’s ongoing commitment to provide funeral service professionals with high-quality, independent research to help them make informed business decisions and deliver meaningful service to families. 

About the National Funeral Directors Association 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association representing 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.

10 Powerful Insights & Ideas from the 2025 Funeral (Un)Conference Marketing Experts

Just in case you missed Day Two of DISRUPT Media’s Funeral (Un)Conference in June — and didn’t click to watch the FREE recordings (SMH) — here is some of the very best marketing advice from some of the very brightest in the business.

Use your reviews ~ John Lefrandt, Elevia

John recommends regularly reading the reviews families leave on your Google business page, evaluating the information, and launching a campaign to follow up with them.  “There’s so many insights that they can glean,” John says. “That is a billboard. Basically, each one of those testimonials that’s there helps just the general health of the Google business page.”

Plug into your community’s continuum of care ~ Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing

Welton believes that engaging with the senior living and hospice providers in your area can be a valuable endeavor. “Senior living, hospice, and funeral homes are very intertwined,”Welton says.  “I was able to host a small dinner, with hospice sitting at the same table as my funeral home client, ‘You guys talk,’ and now we start taking home care. You guys all got to be in the same room. Just talk, and help each other out. It’s the same family, same set of data.”

Leverage your suppliers’ marketing content ~ Jenn Parvin, Batesville

The popularity of Batesville’s newly ungated product pages is an indication of how interested your potential families may be in seeing what products are available. “The traffic on that page is unreal.”

Offline marketing is not dead ~ Ryan Thogmartin, DISRUPT Media

Non-digital marketing — billboards, direct mail, and even radio — should still be included in your omnichannel approach. “I don’t think that radio is dead,” Ryan says. “I don’t think that direct mail is dead. Actually, we have a ton of success with clients when we partner strategically targeted social ads with a mail drop with memorable creative. There’s a way to partner social and direct mail and then retarget with social in those zip codes with a much higher conversion, where now you can spend less on a very targeted mail drop.”

All incoming calls aren’t created equal, Scott says, so listening to and categorizing your calls is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. “Record your calls, listen to them, find out what’s working with your marketing,” Scott says. “Leverage AI to transcribe some of those calls and then automatically categorize. Is this a qualified lead, or is this a logistics call? You’ll be able to see how many leads and actual cases we’re getting versus just clicks and impressions.”

Don’t assume what your families know ~ Jenn Parvin, Batesville

Jenn has proof that there’s a huge gap in what you believe families understand and what they actually know about deathcare. It’s up to you to provide the answers to the questions they may not even know how to ask. “Education, education, education,” adding that according to a recent Batesville survey, “90% of people in the profession assume that families understand preneed, but less than 30% of families actually know preneed is available.”

Audit your Google business profile ~ Welton Hong, Ring Ring Marketing

Your Google page should be much more than your address and phone number. It can provide all sorts of details that help to educate and inform the public, says Welton. “These days when you look at your Google listing. You get to put in products and services,” he says. “Let’s say, you are a Jewish funeral home. If you don’t even put a description inside your Google business profile that you’re a Jewish funeral home, how does Google know? Study your Google business profile, login, click all the pencils, and make sure everything’s updated.”

Even small budgets can produce phenomenal results ~ Ryan Thogmartin, DISRUPT Media

What if you could (or would) only devote $500 to your marketing efforts? Would that even be worth the trouble? That depends on how wisely you use that money. Ryan recommends recording quick, but super educational and engaging, video content to really exceed your customers’ expectations. “It’s free to create content, so I would sit down with an iPhone, I would record a 30-second video that is answering a simple question about, let’s say, preneed,” he explains. “Then I would put $500 towards a targeted ad with that to people over the age of 55, and get really dialed in to the right consumer with that message.” 

Take a video camera into every part of your business ~ Ryan Thogmartin, DISRUPT Media

Following up on the value of creating no-cost video content, Ryan adds that those videos don’t have to be perfect, or scripted, or even edited. He recommends thinking about all the parts of your business that families may be curious about, then shooting video while you explain it. And believe it or not, it’s nearly impossible to run out of ideas. “You could create one video 30 different ways, and it would still be valuable,” Ryan says. “And people would still ask questions, because not everybody sees every piece of content. Video content. It gets 71% more engagement.”

BONUS: Here are some of Ryan’s suggestions for educational video content: 

• Three things families should know about preneed.
• Prep room tour: Show the embalming machine or talk about embalming fluid, “What’s the purpose of embalming fluid? Why do you need to be embalmed?”
• Unpack a casket, fluff up a pillow
• Show how a female funeral director uses a mortuary lift to help with heavy bodies
• “Did you know that we have pink caskets?”
• “Hey it’s 3am – this is what a first call looks like.”

Tech Turbocharge in Baltimore to Elevate the Deathcare Profession with Digital Tools and Insights 

Join Your Peers on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 

When you come to Tech Turbocharge: Digital Tools to Elevate the Deathcare Profession, you’ll learn how to put technology to work for you, your staff, and most importantly – the families you serve.

On Dec. 11, 2025, some of the most trusted experts in deathcare will come together at the DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore – BWI Airport to reveal why it’s so important to embrace new technology solutions and which tools can help your funeral home, crematory and/or cemetery boost market share. You’ll walk away with a blueprint so you can:

• Enhance the family experience: Modern tools provide personalized, seamless communication, helping families feel more supported during difficult times.
• Boost operational efficiency: Automation and integrated systems reduce administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus on compassionate service.
• Improve revenue streams: Advanced marketing and analytics tools can drive more preneed and at-need cases by reaching the right families at the right time.
• Future-proof your business: Early adoption of technology ensures long-term competitiveness as consumer expectations continue to evolve.

Visit www.TechTurbocharge.com to learn more about the event – or just click on the events tab on FuneralVision.com.

Continuing education applications for the event, which is hosted by FuneralVision.com, are underway.

“Whether it’s communicating with families over the phone, using technology to make services more personal, streamlining business processes or leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence, technology is increasingly at the core of funeral service,” said Thomas Parmalee, founder of FuneralVision.com. “We’re excited to offer an event that focuses on how funeral homes, crematories, combination operations and cemeteries to use technology to retain and boost market share, while also enhancing customer satisfaction and profitability.”

Speakers include:

Matthew Bailey is a sixth-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, certified celebrant, certified crematory operator and celebrant trainer. He owns Connecticut Life Tributes, which includes B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, Bailey Funeral Home and Carpino Funeral Home. He will deliver a session titled “Tech that Touches: Using Technology to Enhance the Human Experience in Funeral Service.”

Minh Reid, manager of e-commerce and web strategy at Carriage Services, is a strategic leader in digital merchandising, e-commerce and site optimization, recognized for driving meaningful improvements in user experience and digital performance.  As manager of e-commerce and web strategy at Carriage Services, she spearheads initiatives that combine data-driven insights with compassionate design, helping funeral homes and cemeteries create digital experiences that are as supportive and accessible as in-person care.  

Brent Thomas, head of business development at Dead Ringers, has more than 28 years of experience in the deathcare profession. He began his journey in cemetery and funeral preneed sales before quickly advancing into sales leadership roles. He went on to work at Batesville and also led the sales training and development team at Homesteaders Life Company. He will deliver a session titled “Beyond the Call: Using Analytics, Learning and AI to Elevate the Customer Experience.”

Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing and the secret weapon behind some of the deathcare profession’s highest volume firms, will deliver a presentation titled “Tech-Savvy Growth: How AI and Digital Marketing Can Elevate Your Business.”

Cole Waybright is the vice president of sales optimization at Homesteaders Life Company. He formerly was an executive at Foundation Partners Group, serving as vice president of sales operations, director of preneed and as a preneed manager. He will deliver a session titled “Breaking Silos: Maximizing Efficiency with Integrated Technology.”

Reserve Your Seat Early and Save Money! 

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore – BWI Airport is 10 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, with a free 24-hour shuttle both ways.

Its location near I-195 offers easy access to downtown: Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and the Inner Harbor are eight miles away. Enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie when you arrive!

Register for Tech Turbocharge before Sept. 12 and you will pay only $229 per ticket, which includes breakfast and lunch. After the early-bird expires, everyone pays $349.

Reserve your hotel room at our special rate here:  https://group.doubletree.com/9nhuvg

Tech Turbocharge would not be possible without our generous sponsors, including our Platinum sponsor, Homesteaders Life Company; and our Gold sponsors, Celebrate Life Co., ASD – Answering Service for Directors, Nomis Publications and Ring Ring Marketing.

Don’t miss your chance to join your peers and move your business forward by signing up for Tech Turbocharge.

Don’t forget: Visit www.TechTurbocharge.com to learn more about the event – or just click on the events tab on FuneralVision.com.

Johnson Consulting Group’s Volume 8 of the Performance Tracker X Trends and Insights Report Now Available

[Scottsdale, Arizona]: Johnson Consulting Group (JCG) has officially released their Volume 8, 2025 Performance Tracker X Trends and Insights Report, Powered by J3Tech Solutions. 

Performance Tracker X is the complete customer service management tool that evaluates staff and financial performance by sending out surveys to families to get real-time, accurate feedback for a funeral business to make data-driven decisions. 

Each year JCG analyzes every survey that goes through their system to determine what today’s families need and where the profession is headed. Of 135,100 total contracts entered into the system in 2024, they analyzed 113,921 sales and survey data records.  

Some key takeaways from their recent findings include:

• Survey response results: 9.5% of completed surveys generate actionable leads, with an average response rate of 36.7%. This is a total of 5,433 leads generated in 2024. 

• ICPs increase revenue and satisfaction: Per the data, Incentive Compensation Programs do boost revenue and customer satisfaction.

• Cremation is gaining ground: All cremation case types have higher customer satisfaction scores than any burial case types, indicating a shift in family preferences. This could also suggest an exceptional effort being put forth by funeral professionals to enhance customer satisfaction for cremation families.

• Low NPS (Net Promoter Score) for pre-planning: Pre-planned funeral arrangements have the lowest NPS score compared to other reasons for choosing a funeral home.

The report is available to download for FREE.

“It has been said that…If you take care of the families, they will take care of you!…To this end, it’s a privilege to annually present this critical report to our profession,” says Jake Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Consulting Group. “The customer experience remains central to every facet of funeral service, and this report offers invaluable insights for owners and operators, providing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving priorities of today’s families.”

About Johnson Consulting Group and Performance Tracker X: 

The JCG Performance Tracker X tool provides funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation operations with timely, accurate measurements of customer service and sales performance. Through sending out surveys that allow for direct family feedback, the software offers comprehensive reporting that shows business owners what they are doing well and identifying the areas that need fine-tuning and improvements to increase enterprise value and profitability.

Johnson Consulting Group started its customer survey program in 2008 with continual improvement key to its success as a premier customer survey platform in the funeral space. This growing amount of survey data has proven invaluable for providing insight into customer needs and satisfaction. The company attributes its rapid growth based on its ability to offer the program with no contract to sign, a low monthly cost and accessibility to its experienced Consultants for interpretation and usefulness of the reports.

DEAD Talks 2025 Delivers Groundbreaking Sales and Leadership Insights in Las Vegas

STERLING, Va. (March 17, 2025) – The ICCFA’s 2025 DEAD Talks Sales Conference, held February 4-6 at the Park MGM in Las Vegas, brought together 402 deathcare sales professionals—including 173 first-time attendees—from 40 states, Canada, and Guatemala. This marks the highest attendance recorded since 2012.

With an electric atmosphere and an agenda packed with actionable insights, this year’s eventcentered around the theme “Mindset Matters,” emphasizing the power of perspective in driving sales success. The conference featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, peer-driven DEAD Talks presentations, and interactive workshops designed to equip attendees with innovative strategies for growth.

“This year’s DEAD Talks was truly the best I have ever attended in my 9+ years with ICCFA,” said Erin Creger of Security National Financial Corporation, echoing the excitement and enthusiasm that filled the conference.

The event kicked off with a compelling keynote from Matthew Pollard, who explored the power of storytelling in sales with “Invisible Persuasion: Building Trust and Profits Through Story.” His session provided attendees with actionable steps to replace outdated sales tactics with a fresh, emotionally resonant approach.

Day two began with an engaging keynote by Art Sarkissian, “Mindset of the Consumer,” which emphasized understanding family personas to create meaningful connections. Throughout the rest of the conference, attendees participated in 20 fast-paced DEAD Talks presentations covering a range of topics, including marketing, pre-need motivators, personal branding, leveraging technology, and more.

“This conference was fast-paced and packed with so many interesting, valuable tools to enhance my sales skills and really help me connect with families and increase sales,” said Terri DiFore, attendee and ICCFA Educational Foundation scholarship recipient. “I walked away with a wealth of information and a renewed passion to bring those tools back to my team. The speakers were engaging and motivated the audience. Great conference and looking forward to attending another.”

Reflecting on the success of his first DEAD Talks as Chairman of the ICCFA Sales & Marketing Committee, Mike Harens remarked, “This year’s DEAD Talks was an incredible opportunity to engage with top deathcare experts and gain insights that will directly impact our businesses. The energy, connections, and strategies shared made this year’s event truly unforgettable, and it was a fantastic way to kick off 2025.”

With its forward-thinking programming and collaborative environment, DEAD Talks reaffirmed its position as the premier sales conference in the profession. DEAD Talks will return to the Park MGM in Las Vegas on January 13-15, 2026. More details will be available soon at iccfa.com/sales.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

In solemn times of loss, funeral services often provide solace and closure. Amid the sorrow, these functions can become a beacon of comfort – an emphatic reminder of a life well-lived. Today, as we examine the importance of funeral services, we’ll delve into the powerful role they play, in particular, considering offerings available at Henrietta, NY funeral homes.

A Cherished Tribute

Loss forces us to confront a stark reality – perhaps one we’ve postponed thinking about. However, a funeral service is an impactful manner in which to pay tribute to the deceased. It isn’t exclusively about mourning a death but celebrating life, dipping into a memory pool that revives the essence of the departed – their ambitions, achievements, and the indelible moments they left behind.

Blueprint of Support

The emotional toll bereavement takes can often feel unbearable. Here, funeral services act as a crucial pillar of support. Functions held in burial homes and churches allow the bereaved to derive a sense of communal solidarity – fostering much-needed emotional healing.

Religion and Rituals

For most cultures, a funeral service
is steeped in rites and sacraments ingrained in their spiritual beliefs. These religious ceremonies and traditions induce a spiritual dimension, often helping the bereaved find solace.

The Role of Reflection

By their very nature, ceremonies of passing, such as those conducted at funeral homes, prompt us to reflect – on life, death, and the impermanence of our mortality. This explicit reminder – that life is transient – shifts our perspective, often encouraging us to treasure our present connections.

Funeral Services: An Essential Closure Event

Finally, it is vital to underscore the key role that graduated grief services provide: closure. These formalized methods of goodbye, rich in heartfelt rituals and flooded with true condolences, offer individuals a mechanism to progressively embrace the harsh reality of loss. This pivotal step aids the bereaved in their process of mourning, smoothing the pathway towards ultimate acceptance and healing.

In the heart of this poignant discourse, the profound value of funeral services prevails, transcending the immediate torrents of grief and bereavement. While the stark reminder of our mortality can evoke profound discomfort, it simultaneously underlines the exquisite beauty and irreplaceable worth of life. Established providers like Rochester Cremation, fortify our emotional cores in these moments of extreme vulnerability by offering compassionate and personalized services
to mourning families.

Rochester Cremation offers meaningful tributes honoring your departed loved ones, valuing individual emotional experiences, and providing spiritual guidance. We thoughtfully orchestrate each service – intended to heal the wounds of loss, while also inspiring a richer reflection on the ephemeral nature of our existence. This culminates in an essential closure that grounds our grief, sparking a resilient journey towards acceptance and eventual healing.

In conclusion, understanding the irreplaceable value of funeral services further emphasizes their profound role within human society. As we rebuild during these challenging times, it is worthwhile to reflect on the enduring importance of such ceremonies. After all, their primary intent serves the living. Institutions like those available at Henrietta, NY funeral homes
, offer us holistically nurturing services – marking a heartfelt goodbye, whilst also handling our sorrow with utmost respect and care. Their unmatched worth in our stories of healing rests with the repertoire of compassionate offerings they provide.

Navigating the Precious Metals Market in 2025: Insights for Crematories

In 2024, the precious metals market experienced significant fluctuations that had a notable impact on industries across the board, including the death care sector. For crematories, understanding and adapting to these changes is no longer optional – it’s essential for staying competitive and maximizing profitability. With gold prices skyrocketing from $2,000 to nearly $2,800 an ounce and palladium stabilizing around $950, the dynamics of the market demand careful attention. As we move into 2025, crematories have a unique opportunity to capitalize on these trends by leveraging strategic practices and transparent partnerships.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the precious metals market in 2025, with actionable insights tailored for crematory operators.

The State of the Precious Metals Market

Precious metals like gold and palladium have long been considered a hedge against economic uncertainty. In 2024, gold prices reached unprecedented heights, fueled by global market volatility. Palladium, while not as dramatic in its fluctuations, maintained a solid position in the $1,000-$1,200 range after years of volatility. These price movements are more than just numbers; they represent an opportunity for crematories to rethink how they handle recycling and metal recovery.

I recently sat down to interview Kevin McKay, from Cremation Recycling, the leader in cremation recycling, about this topic. He emphasized that many funeral directors and crematory operators overlook the importance of monitoring these markets. “If you had five ounces of gold two years ago, it was worth $1,700 an ounce,” McKay explained. “Today, those same five ounces are worth $2,700 an ounce. Simple math shows you made $5,000 more just because of market changes.” This highlights why it’s critical to stay informed about precious metal trends and adjust practices accordingly.

The Importance of Comprehensive Reporting

One of the cornerstones of navigating the precious metals market effectively is having access to detailed and transparent reporting. For crematories, reporting isn’t just about knowing how much metal was recovered; it’s about understanding the market prices at the time of recovery and how those numbers translate to profitability.

“When crematories partner with us, they’re not just getting a recycler,” McKay noted. “They’re getting a coach and consultant who dives deep into the reporting side of things.” Accurate reporting allows crematories to:

• Track Performance Over Time: By comparing year-over-year data, operators can identify trends and make informed decisions.
• Understand Market Impact: Reports showing fluctuations in recovered metal values help operators grasp the financial implications of market shifts.
• Enhance Transparency: Clear reporting builds trust with stakeholders and demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices.

Strategies for Crematories in 2025

As we enter 2025, crematories need a proactive approach to ensure they’re maximizing returns from precious metals. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Stay Informed About Market Trends

Keeping an eye on gold, palladium, and other precious metal markets is crucial. Operators should:

• Subscribe to industry newsletters (like COnnectingDIrectors.com) and market reports.
• Partner with recyclers who provide regular updates and insights.
• Attend webinars or conferences focused on market trends.

By staying informed, crematories can time their recycling efforts to align with favorable market conditions.

2. Partner with Transparent Recyclers

Not all recyclers are created equal. McKay’s approach—inviting clients to “test us and compare”—underscores the importance of working with a recycler who prioritizes transparency. When choosing a partner, look for:

• Detailed Assay Reports: Ensure the recycler provides a breakdown of recovered metals and their corresponding market values.
• Proven Track Record: Work with companies that have demonstrated consistent performance and integrity.
• Educational Support: The best recyclers educate their clients, helping them make informed decisions.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Comparisons

McKay shared an example of a client who conducted a year-long comparison involving multiple recyclers. By sending two months’ worth of materials to different recyclers and analyzing the results, the client was able to identify the best partner based on recovery rates, reporting quality, and customer service.

If a year-long comparison isn’t feasible, crematories can still gain valuable insights by sending a few loads to different recyclers and evaluating their performance.

4. Optimize Internal Processes

Efficiency in collecting and processing materials is key to maximizing returns. Crematories should:

• Invest in Proper Equipment: Tools like processors can improve metal recovery rates.
• Train Staff: Ensure employees understand the importance of proper handling and collection techniques.
• Review Procedures: Regularly assess and update processes to align with best practices.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Education has played a transformative role in the death care industry’s adoption of recycling practices. Ten years ago, McKay recalled attending his first death care meeting, where the concept of recycling was far from mainstream. Today, it’s rare to find a crematory without a recycling program in place.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent efforts to educate operators about the financial and environmental benefits of recycling. McKay’s commitment to transparency and education—through articles, webinars, and one-on-one consultations—has helped demystify the process and empower crematories to make informed choices.

“Once people feel like they’re not totally in the dark, they have a lot more confidence in approaching anything,” McKay observed. This underscores the importance of ongoing education in 2025 and beyond.

Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

While the precious metals market presents significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges. Global economic uncertainty and the rapid pace of technological change require crematories to stay adaptable. Additionally, increased competition among recyclers means operators must be vigilant in evaluating potential partners.

However, these challenges are also opportunities. By embracing transparency, investing in education, and optimizing internal processes, crematories can position themselves as leaders in the industry. The key is to approach these efforts strategically and with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Navigating the precious metals market in 2025 requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and partnership. For crematories, staying informed about market trends, prioritizing transparency, and investing in education are essential steps to maximize profitability. By adopting these practices, operators can turn market fluctuations into opportunities and set the stage for long-term success.

As McKay put it, “The more you know, the better equipped you are to make decisions that benefit your business.” With the right approach, crematories can thrive in an ever-changing market and make 2025 a year of growth and innovation.

I’m writing this article mid-morning on Saturday.  It’s already been a busy morning for me as I got up early and did my run and have since been to Starbucks for what I term my “Saturday Celebration Coffee” which celebrates my six consecutive days of running.  I take Sundays off!!

I’m also grateful for the fact that Angie and I spend three months in Florida during the winter and my run here this morning was in 68 degree F weather as compared to what I would have if I was in Minnesota today . . . . a minus 20 degree F day — that’s an 88 degree difference.  Now you see why in my retirement years I’ve leaned on at least a little time each winter in Florida!!!

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

On my “Saturday Celebration Coffee” days I always grab either the New York Times or Wall Street Journal hard copy and read it cover to cover.  That in itself is somewhat symbolic how buying habits have changed.  It’s the only day that I read a “hard copy” newspaper anymore after almost 60 years of reading the Minneapolis newspaper via hard copy starting when I was an elementary school student with the sports section spread out over our living room floor.  I point that out because even those of us in our 60’s do change our purchasing habits — and some funeral home owners I know don’t want to admit that fact.

In my reading today, I came across three items of potential expense to funeral home owners that I believe should be on your radar maybe more than they currently are because they may have some effect on your business moving forward.

Keeping Up with the Times —  An article from Fortune, which I cannot link for you because of a paywall, indicates that in the last part of 2024 companies like Party City, Big Lots, and the Container Store have filed for bankruptcy.  Here’s a couple of quotes from that article that should resonate with those in our profession who never want to change:

• ” . . . they largely have themselves, and their failure to adapt their business models to post-COVID shopper habits, to blame.”

• “. . . . the retailer let its stores get stale, and didn’t invest in the kind of tech for e-commerce and better in-store service needed to compete with Amazon or nimble brick-and-mortar rivals.” 

Debt —  I could not help but notice that the national average mortgage rate has moved up this week to 7.11%.  Here’s a link to a page where I found this statement “On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the current average interest rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.11%.”

That’s simply a reminder to watch your debt levels as we move forward in 2025.  Inflation has proved to be stickier than many of the experts thought and that has kept interest rates what they term “Higher for longer”.  My advice is be judicious about the debt you carry as these interest levels are higher than we have been used to and I also suggest that one should try to retire debt, even if it is little by little as cash is available, whenever possible.

Health Care Costs — When America’s largest insurer of Health Care makes the comment that health care needs to be “less complex and less confusing” as in this linked article from Seeking Alpha, there are probably some issues that need correcting.  Health Care spending in America was approximately $14,570 per person in 2023 — up 7.5% from 2022.

Those expenses, in many cases, are paid by corporate America.  In 2023  17.6% of America’s Gross Domestic Product was spent on Health Care. . . . . and if either the raw cost or the GDP percentage continues to grow there is a pretty good possibility your business will be asked to pay more of the costs.

Health Care premiums are pretty complicated but I learned that “Enhanced Premium Subsidies” for the Affordable Care Act were extended to the end of 2025 by the American Rescue Plan in 2021.  If not renewed, there is a possibility that pressure could go up for businesses to offer more and more coverages to employees.

Those are three items that I feel could alter your funeral home’s budget in 2025.  So, keep up with the times so you don’t lose revenue, watch your debt so that interest doesn’t take more and more of your potential profits, and make sure that you understand the Health Care issues of the day because if you don’t understand the options in front of you. . . .you are probably not getting the best results for the dollar spent.

Another potential expense in the future????    —  And, here’s one more expense to have on your long-term radar.  It won’t happen for a while but already a couple of states, Vermont and New York are planning to tax businesses for their roles in climate change.  One way that is under consideration to determine the tax dollar number owed by a specific business is a theory called “Attribution Science”.

“Attribution Science” would try to determine what percentage of environmental change comes from your business.  i.e. if you install solar panels you probably have “zero” percentage attributed to that business.  However, if you operate a gas station or are a gasoline powered delivery truck business you probably have some percentage “attributed” to you and pay a tax. . . . . The first thing I thought about when reading this is “Where will crematories show on the attribution range”?

Related — Lawmakers hope to use this emerging climate science to charge oil companies for disasters.  Stateline

Anyway. . . .I learned a lot in an hour with the New York Times and I celebrated another week of good health and the ability to still run a couple of miles a day!!!  Life is Good!!!

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