As we move into the second half of 2025, I've been thinking a lot about the pace of change in our profession and the people carrying it forward.In my first six months as President of FSI, I've had the privilege of working alongside funeral professionals who show up every day with dedication, resilience and care. This work isn't easy, but your commitment to families and to doing things the right way is what keeps this profession strong. There's no denying it's been a complex year. Costs are up, expectations are shifting and long-term planning feels more urgent than ever, but there's also real opportunity. At FSI, we're focused on making that easier. Whether it's expanding our digital tools, strengthening trust solutions or helping you rethink what modern PreNeed planning can look like, we're here to support you. Looking ahead, I believe the firms that lead with empathy, flexibility and a willingness to evolve will be the ones that last, and we're proud to be part of that journey with you. Sincerely, Jack Hirsch President, Funeral Services, Inc. |
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One Week, Three Decedents, Seven Problems This quarter, Wendy Wiener points readers to her recent article in American Funeral Director, "One Week, Three Decedents, Seven Problems," which walks through real-world missteps in decedent care and how to prevent them. It's a must-read for every funeral home team. Read the article here. |
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Market Insights on Inflation and Industry Impact Rising costs and economic uncertainty continue to shape how funeral homes operate and plan ahead. For many, that's made trust-funded prearrangements more essential, both for families seeking financial stability and for firms managing tighter margins. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 2.3% year-over-year as of April 2025, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, remains elevated at 2.6%. These pressures are being felt industry-wide, with rising costs across staffing, supplies and operations. Families are feeling it too. As inflation erodes spending power, more households are looking to plan ahead, creating renewed interest in preneed arrangements that offer price protection, transparency and peace of mind. For funeral homes, this shift is also a strategic opportunity. Helping families lock in today's costs through secure trust programs supports long-term planning and builds lasting client relationships. But success takes more than simply offering preneed. It requires doing it well:
This is where FSI and Argent Trust provide value. Our team supports funeral homes with trusted administration, clear reporting and investment strategies built for long-term performance. Whether you're looking to strengthen your trust program or better align with today's market dynamics, we're here to help. Let's make sure your business is ready no matter what the economy brings next. If you have questions about the financial world, please reach out to Michael Faherty, Executive Vice President, Client Relations, at mfaherty@argenttrust.com or (504) 291-8870. |
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Built to integrate seamlessly with your funeral home's website, FSI's eCommerce tool allows families to:
Already using our platform? Let us help you optimize it. Not yet set up? We'll walk you through every step. Contact our Client Services team at 800-749-1340 to get started. |
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Here are brief summaries of several stories featuring FSI: Want to Gain a Competitive Edge? In the May issue of Memento Mori, this piece highlights how firms can evolve their pre-need offerings to better serve today's families whether it's partnering with event planners, adding inspiration funds or making contracts easier to buy online. Read the full article here. Keeping Pace with Change: Digital Innovation in Funeral Homes The Director's April issue focuses on the growing expectation for digital-first funeral planning. With over 60% of consumers starting their search online, Jack makes the case for updating your website, offering upfront pricing, and using automation to streamline internal tasks. He also calls out how modern tools can help firms stay compliant and reduce error. Explore the full article here. How to Help Consumers Make Informed Preneed Trust Choices Jack discusses in American Funeral Director March issue on how to help families better understand and evaluate their pre-need trust options. He shares ways funeral homes can build trust and transparency by educating consumers on how funds are invested, how contracts are structured and what protections are in place. Supporting more informed decisions reinforces the integrity of your services and builds lasting client relationships. You can read all the insights here. |
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