The ICCFA’s November Magazine included an article by Craig Martin that provides good advice for all death care trusts. Death care trusts are notoriously bad performers, and if operators are to improve investment performance they need to work more closely with their fiduciaries and portfolio managers. Mr. Martin offers 5 tips that are equally applicable
January 2010
Preneed: down but not dead?
By Bill Stalter on
With some industry members having already declared the preneed transaction dead, a recent AARP bulletin reports that the patient is not only alive, but it is regaining its strength. But, the reason for increasing preneed sales will only bedevil many death care operators: the rising costs of funerals.
Operators who face preneed competition will have…
When is the Spend Down preneed?
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Preneed, Preplanning
A “Spend Down” is the transaction where a person seeking public assistance transfers money or insurance to a funeral home to avoid having the “asset” count as a resource. It is a commonly held perception that the Spend Down accounts for many preneed contract purchases. But should all Spend Downs trigger the state preneed law…
2010 and New Year Resolutions: an independent trustee
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Legislation, Preneed
- Losing 20 pounds
- Quit smoking
- Spend more time with the family
- Find an independent trustee
And so goes the list of New Year resolutions for the Illinois funeral director, with the last being forced on the industry by SB 1682.
Funeral directors and consumers can learn more about the new independent trustee requirements by visiting the Comptroller’s…