Since estate planning involves end-of-life issues, consider helping your clients learn about the workings of a funeral home. As a recent NPR investigative story revealed, it can be very difficult for people to get a firm handle on funeral costs.

The best way to learn about funeral planning is to visit a funeral home and take a tour. Unfortunately, most people aren’t inclined to make such a visit if they don’t have to. Reactive funeral homes may consider a tour request to be a threat, as opposed to a good marketing opportunity.

After my TEDxABQ talk, “A Good Goodbye,” the local TEDx team arranged to hold a field trip to Albuquerque’s French Funerals and Cremations’ largest location. The people who went on the tour asked many in-depth questions. Their curiosity was satisfied, and they left knowing much more than when they came.

In this popular YouTube video, come along with the TEDx group as they explore the funeral home chapel, a visitation room, an arrangement room, and the selection room, featuring sample caskets, urns, vaults, cremation jewelry and other funeral products.

The tour goes behind the scenes into the preparation room, where the tour guide, funeral director Apollo Miller, describes how the deceased are prepared for a funeral, burial or cremation. It’s the next best thing to being there, and you don’t have to get dressed up.

https://youtu.be/7NeLS_9ofwY

Gail Rubin, CT, is a death educator who works with organizations to connect with baby boomers and seniors concerned about end-of-life issues. She uses humor and funny films to teach about sensitive topics. She’s the author of A GOOD GOODBYE: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die, and her latest book is, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die. Download a 50-point Executor’s Checklist from the book and learn more at www.AGoodGoodbye.com.

Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
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