Funeral Finance: Cost of Saying Goodbye

Course Description

Have you ever thought about what really goes into the cost of a funeral — not just emotionally, but financially? In this class, we’ll explore Funeral Finance, a topic that affects everyone but is rarely discussed. We’ll trace how funerals evolved from simple home-based ceremonies to today’s highly organized, often costly events. You’ll learn how the Civil War spurred embalming, how undertakers became funeral directors, and how funeral homes grew into full-scale businesses. We’ll unpack what’s inside a funeral contract, what you’re truly paying for, and how costs can surprise families. We’ll examine how the FTC Funeral Rule of 1984 brought transparency but also increased expenses and corporate consolidation. Finally, we’ll look ahead at the future of death care — from cremation and green burials to personalized Celebrations of Life — and explore how history, regulation, and culture continue to shape how we say goodbye. Instructor: Ryan Helfenbein