Fairer Finance’s Post

In my latest blog, I take a look at the evolving prepaid funerals market over the past year. Discover what they’re excelling at and where improvements are still needed, especially in the context of the consumer duty regulations

Most clients I talk to have an opinion on Pre-Paid Funerals. This article will give you pause before putting any money towards your "final expense". "With prepaid funeral contracts, customers directly pay a funeral home in trust for costs such as caskets, memorials and flowers way in advance – locking in prices against future increases. In provinces such as Ontario, the provider is required by law to choose only safe investments for prepaid trust funds." Financial Planners discuss a plethora of topics...including weighing the pros and cons of a pre-paid funeral. If you ever want to discuss if this option would suit you, please reach out.

Behind the Scenes: My Experience in the Funeral Industry. It's week five at Lady Anne Funerals, and I’m reflecting on the incredible journey so far. Each day brings new challenges, but also deep fulfillment as we support families during difficult times. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned: 1. You Get What You Pay For: It is fascinating to observe the shift in how families approach funeral services. Many are now actively seeking quotes before making decisions. Back in the day, this was not the norm. Families would often rely on their local funeral homes. My colleagues have assured me that this trend is increasingly common, highlighting a more competitive landscape. Understanding these changes has been crucial for our ongoing growth and ability to thoughtfully and transparently meet families' needs. 2. Choice of Service: No Service, No Attendance (NSNA) can be the right choice for families. However, it is important to consider the realities of using larger online companies that offer services at a low cost. Visit https://lnkd.in/gqfHMUbY for more information. 3. Navigating a Competitive Market: As a 100% Australian-owned and independent company, we must work diligently to better position ourselves within a monopolised industry. I’ve been analysing current trends and collaborating with marketing to review and Reduce Cremation Prices, ensuring we remain relevant and accessible. 4. Contact Us Before You Need Us: At Lady Anne Funerals, clients can prearrange and prepay for their funeral, ensuring their farewell is tailored to their wishes. This thoughtful planning offers families peace of mind during a difficult time, allowing them to focus on healing without added stress. 5. Where Every Family is Special: My colleagues' compassion and dedication inspire me to grow personally and professionally. From planning services to celebrating lives, every moment reinforces our impact on those saying goodbye. 6. Proud partner with the National Funeral Directors Association of Australia (NFDA): Lastly, I am excited to work with the NFDA and other funeral homes to develop and introduce Industry legislation, Australian Standards and policies to reduce unethical competition and identify emerging pathways for success.

https://lnkd.in/d-DrCRV2 What specific qualities are you looking for in a coffin that aren't being met? But they don't have the coffin that my 'Mother' would have wanted It's completely understandable to want something that reflects your mother's wishes and personality. The right time to express your concerns is during a consultation, ideally when discussing options. You can say something like, “I don’t feel these coffins truly represent what my mother would have wanted.” This opens up a dialogue for them to show you alternatives that might be more fitting. Even then, they still don't have anything I like If none of the options resonate with you, it’s perfectly okay to let the funeral director know. You might say something like, “I appreciate your suggestions, but I’m not seeing anything that feels right for my mother.” They can often help you explore custom options or suggest alternatives that align more closely with what you have in mind. It’s important that you feel good about the choices you’re making. .What should I do to find a suitable coffin, consider these steps: Research: Look online for coffin options and styles that reflect your mother’s personality. Websites of funeral homes or specialized retailers can provide inspiration. Visit Multiple Funeral Homes: If possible, visit different funeral homes to see their selections. Each may have unique options. Ask About Custom Options: Some funeral homes allow for customization. You could design something that truly represents her. Consider Personal Touches: Think about adding personal elements, like her favorite colors or materials. Consult with Family: Talk to family members to gather ideas and ensure that everyone’s sentiments are considered. Check Online Retailers: Some websites specialize in coffins and may offer more variety than local funeral homes. Budget Considerations: Determine your budget ahead of time to narrow down your options while still considering what feels right. Taking your time to find something meaningful is important.

Check out the original post here: https://lnkd.in/dM9QSYj3 **Affordable Funeral Payment Plans | Budget-Friendly Options for Peace of Mind** **Understanding the Need for Flexible Funeral Financing** At New Rest Funerals, we recognize the financial pressures that can accompany the planning of a funeral. This is why we're committed to offering affordable funeral payment plans to alleviate some of the stresses of this challenging period. Knowing the costs are manageable can bring significant peace of mind to many. **Tailored Payment Options for Everyone** To ensure that every individual can afford a respectful farewell, we offer several flexible payment plans, including: - **Fixed monthly payments** to spread the cost over time. - **Lump sum payments** for those who prefer to settle costs at once. - **Interest-free plans** with no additional fees, keeping it straightforward and burden-free. These options are designed to fit various budgets and financial circumstances, ensuring that dignity in farewell is accessible to all. **How Do Our Payment Plans Work?** 1. **Consultation and Estimation:** We discuss your needs and give you a clear estimate of the costs. 2. **Customized Planning:** Together, we craft a plan that suits your financial situation. 3. **Regular Payments:** You make regular payments according to the agreed plan. 4. **Complete Coverage:** Relax knowing the costs are covered as you focus on remembering your loved one. **Key Benefits of Choosing New Rest Funerals' Payment Plans** - **Flexibility:** Tailored plans to match your financial situation. - **Affordability:** Competitive pricing with flexible options to ease financial strain. - **Peace of mind:** Focus on your loved one, knowing the financial aspects are handled. - **No hidden costs:** Transparency with zero interest or added fees. **Why Partner with New Rest Funerals?** Choosing us means opting for: - **Personalization:** Services that reflect your wishes and those of your loved one. - **Value:** Accessible pricing to accommodate varying financial capabilities. - **Expertise:** A team with in-depth industry knowledge ready to support you. **We’re Available 24/7** For more detailed information or to discuss your specific needs, don't hesitate to contact us at 0800 111 4971 or contactus@newrestfunerals.co.uk. We are here to assist you, any time of day. **#NewrestFunerals #FuneralCare #BudgetFriendlyFunerals #PeaceOfMind** 🕊️

Today, I opted to NOT take on a client ( approximately $ 5-7k monthly for 6 months ) who is in the funeral service industry and wants to grow his marketshare. Now to be clear, I wanted the client and definitely can increase their exposure in ways that would cause more potential consumers to consider them, I am 100% certain of that. Their bigger problem is “why have they lost some of their market share” ? They have used various industry consultants to help them adjust prices, policies and reduce overhead which all sounds good on the surface. In the past year or so, they have gotten several bad google reviews and direct complaints to the owner about dissatisfaction. The owner is NOT involved in day to day operations. Now, consider a marketing program that feeds more people into the company that seems to be providing less than desired services. It's like adding more houses to an inadequate electrical grid that you know is likely to fail, all while advertising plenty of electricity. Being top of mind can be good and it truly can be bad but, funeral home owners get to decide which it will be for them. If you are not providing high levels of service in your community and making clients extremely satisfied, do you really want to be the subject of MORE conversations in church, at the grocery store, amongst hospice workers or any number of local groups that likely contain vocal participants more than happy to share their sub-par experiences ? This to me is almost like some of the consolidators that continue buying businesses for the cash flow while ignoring the simple fact that eventually, they need to understand how to operate or they will fail ( but that is another subject for yes, another day ). Before you consider engaging in a marketing plan that will get more eyeballs on your business and make you the topic of more local discussions, you better be sure your services can survive the attention in a positive way. Many who sell marketing services or consulting might not agree with what I am saying but, I am not just a guy who decided one day that funeral service looked like a good business and started soliciting clients. I have first hand experience and have met with thousands of families in my own very successful funeral home. At least consider this all before you start your next promotion, are you serving the clients you already have at the highest level possible ? Best wishes for a successful last quarter of the year !

Precoa is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Everplans. Together, Precoa and Everplans will provide families across the country with easy, secure, and accessible ways to prepare for the unexpected as part of Precoa’s mission to create the highest quality preneed experiences for families, advance funeral planners, and funeral homes. “Our first twenty years at Precoa have brought incredible innovations like the Funeral Planning Center, digital marketing, and the unique data and technology that powers it all behind the scenes,” said Tyler Anderson, senior vice president of Business Development. “Today, our pace of innovation is rapidly accelerating. We’re building new ways to reach families, and our acquisition of Everplans enables us to take another huge leap forward in helping our partners meet the demand of tomorrow’s customers.” Founded in 2012 by Abby Schneiderman and Adam Seifer, Everplans helps people manage, organize, securely store, and share critical information with the people in their lives who may need it during an emergency or in the event of a death. More than 30 million people have utilized Everplans’ robust content library and tools, consisting of thousands of articles and checklists that cover a broad range of topics related to end-of-life and legacy planning. Michael Hornibrook, president and CEO of Precoa, looks forward to the innovations and enhanced experiences to come. “Anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows the emotional toll of planning a funeral while trying to navigate finances and affairs,” said Hornibrook. “We believe that by planning for the inevitable, you make a challenging time a little easier so that you can focus on connection and healing. Together with Everplans’ technology and their roadmap, we can help families across the country be better prepared for life’s most difficult moments.” “We have always been committed to helping as many people as possible plan for the unexpected,” said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of Everplans. “Joining forces with Precoa enables us to bring our platform to an even larger audience.” "It’s an undeniably unique platform in the funeral profession," said Anderson. "This comes as we've already started laying the groundwork for an innovative tech ecosystem that will drive the future of ProActive Preneed, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have on our funeral home partners and families" Learn more about Everplans: https://www.everplans.com

🔍💡 Are Funeral Costs Keeping You Up at Night? 💡🔍 Navigating funeral costs can feel like a maze. 🌀 But did you know there's a way through it that doesn't compromise on dignity or love? The Cost of Dying Report 2024 sheds light on how funeral preferences are shifting and what that means for your wallet. 💼🌿 From a surprising drop in the average funeral cost to £3,953, to a significant uptick in direct cremations (now 20%!), it's clear the times are changing. 🚀 But with the total expenses hitting £9,658, planning is more crucial than ever. 📈 💖 Our latest blog offers a beacon of hope, guiding you through the financial landscape of farewells. Whether it's choosing between burial and cremation or considering a pre-paid funeral plan, we've got the insights you need. 📚✨ 👉 Don’t let the stress of funeral costs add to your grief. Find comfort in knowledge and make informed decisions that honour your loved ones beautifully and affordably. 🕊️🌸 Dive into our blog for all the details ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e79Vnaez

This year is our blog’s 10 year anniversary, and as part of our celebration, we’re looking back at our most popular blog posts. One post many people have found helpful is “Funeral Planning Checklist: Consideration for Families.” Read this post if you’re looking for practical examples of the funeral to-do list tasks that should be taken into account when making advance funeral plans. https://hubs.ly/Q02H_Mrc0

Check out the original post here: https://lnkd.in/gAKT4D2S **Affordable Funeral Solutions: Compassionate Services for Every Budget | Newrest Funerals** At New Rest Funerals, we recognize the emotional and financial strain that funeral planning can bring. That's why we offer *affordable funeral solutions*, crafted to ensure a dignified farewell without financial hardships. **Why Affordable Solutions Matter** A respectful send-off should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of budget constraints. Our options include: - Dignified but straightforward funeral services - A selection of coffins and caskets tailored to your financial needs - Various funeral vehicles - Comprehensive support with planning and paperwork - Guidance from dedicated funeral directors **Tailored Funeral Packages** Choose from our structured packages to suit various financial needs: - **Bronze Package (£1,995)**: Includes essential services such as a basic coffin and funeral hearse, aiding in simple, yet respectful farewells. - **Silver Package (£2,495)**: Elevates the Bronze offerings with a mid-range coffin, ideal for those seeking a standard ceremony. - **Gold Package (£3,495)**: Our premium option features high-quality coffin choices and comprehensive service, ensuring an exceptional tribute. **Additional Custom Services** We also offer: - **Cremation services**: £1,200 - **Burial options**: £2,000 - **Memorial Services**: £500 - **Funeral Flowers and Stationery**: Priced to accommodate different budgets **Flexible Payment Options** Understanding the sudden nature of expenses: - **Immediate Payment**: Cover the full cost upfront - **Payment Plan**: Spread the cost over time for ease - **Funeral Finance**: Consider our funeral loans for manageable payments In your time of need, New Rest Funerals stands ready to offer compassionate guidance and affordable options. We're available 24/7 to help you make arrangements during this difficult time. For more information or to discuss your requirements, please reach out to us via phone at Available 24/7 - 0800 111 4971 or contactus@newrestfunerals.co.uk. **Your thoughts?** Have you considered the benefits of pre-planning to alleviate the stress of decision-making during grieving times? Share your insights or questions below. 🕊️ #NewrestFunerals #AffordableFuneralSolutions #FuneralCare #FinancialPlanning #DignifiedFarewell #FuneralPackages