Homesteaders Blog

What Is an Estate Plan, and Why Do You Need One?

Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy — those who own big homes or have large bank accounts — or people who are older. But here’s the truth: Everyone has an estate, which means everyone needs an estate plan.

Questions You Should Ask About Your Funeral Home Business Strategy

In a profession that’s rooted in supporting communities through a legacy of service, it’s worth noting the behind-the-scenes work funeral service leaders do to propel their businesses forward. They’re thinking strategically not just about what’s happening in the day-to-day, but also accelerating how they prepare for the future. Their approach is proactive, not reactive — and it’s paying off in significant ways in the form of increased engagement with the community, higher levels of satisfaction and more efficient operations that make it easier to pivot with the preferences of their clients. In turn, they can make the most of their investments into their much-needed community services.

Eco-Friendly Burial Options: A Guide to Green Funerals

As more families prioritize environmental values, eco-friendly burial options are gaining popularity in the funeral space. According to the 2017 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Consumer Awareness and Preferences Survey, 53.8% of respondents indicated an interest in exploring green funeral services. From green burials to biodegradable urns, modern funeral homes are offering solutions that honor loved ones while protecting the planet.

How Funeral Professionals Can Connect with Millennial and Gen Z Consumers

As a funeral professional, chances are you’re not thinking about how to reach younger generations — like Millennials and Generation Z — to create their funeral plans. But should you be?

Trends in Funeral Home Operations

Funeral service has long been rooted in tradition, but technology is transforming the way funeral homes operate and serve families. While some traditional methods can hold a place in funeral homes’ success, many are embracing innovative tools that streamline operations and enhance customer service.

Spring Cleaning for Your Funeral Home Business

As the seasons change and spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh and reorganize your funeral home. Spring cleaning for your funeral home business isn’t just about tidying up. It’s an opportunity to refresh operations, improve customer service and enhance your reputation.

From updating customer records to deep cleaning carpets, here’s a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist with tips to revitalizing your funeral home this season.

Recording Your Loved One’s Stories

We all have stories to tell: about our childhoods, our parents, siblings, homes, loves, travels, beliefs, sorrows and joys — the list could continue on. Everyone has a rich history, but how do you keep these special stories alive, to remember and pass along to future generations?

Recording your loved one’s stories is a powerful way to preserve your family’s history. These stories not only create lasting memories but also offer valuable insights into the person’s life and experiences that eventually shaped your family. Future generations can look back at recorded stories and get to know your loved one long after they’ve passed. In this way, family legacies live on and continue to impact your family’s future.

Advice for Funeral Professionals from Funeral Professionals

March 11 marks National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day—a day set aside to honor the dedication, compassion and unwavering service of those who guide families through life’s most challenging moments. Funeral professionals don’t just manage services; they provide comfort, stability and a sense of peace when it’s needed most.

At Homesteaders, we understand this calling on a personal level. Many of our employees are licensed funeral directors and have walked in your shoes. In honor of this day, we asked some of those funeral directors to share their best advice on navigating this deeply meaningful profession with care, resilience and excellence.

Statistics Funeral Professionals Should Know for 2025

The funeral profession is experiencing a period of transformation — shaped by shifts in demographics, technology and consumer behaviors. Funeral professionals must stay informed about emerging trends and statistics to adapt their services effectively and meet the evolving needs of families. From the rise of mobile phone usage to Artificial Intelligence (AI), understanding key statistics can help funeral homes stay ahead of the curve.

Preneed Planning for the Sandwich Generation

As funeral professionals, you understand the evolving needs of families in your community. Among the most complex and growing demographic is the “sandwich generation” — adults who are responsible for their aging parents while also supporting their own children, therefore “sandwiched” between two vastly different family groups. Balancing these responsibilities often leads to looking for ways to reduce financial burdens and plan for the future, making preneed planning an ideal solution.

Connecting with this generation can help relieve some of their financial burdens, while allowing your funeral business to secure financial stability. Keep reading for how to best connect with and share the benefits of preplanning with the sandwich generation.