About Funeralwise.com ®

Your Guide to Funeral Planning and End-of-Life Matters

Welcome to Funeralwise.com. We understand that planning a funeral or navigating the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most challenging and sensitive experiences. It’s a time often filled with grief, confusion, and the pressure of making difficult decisions quickly.

That’s why Funeralwise was created – to be a comprehensive, compassionate and expert resource for everything related to funeral planning and making end-of-life arrangements. We are here to help you Prepare, Celebrate and Remember.

Our Mission

Our mission at Funeralwise.com is to help our users capably navigate funeral experiences. Our job is to make it easier for you, whether you are planning ahead for yourself, making funeral arrangements for a loved one or supporting friends in their loss.

We strive to demystify the often-confusing world of funerals and funeral planning by providing expert insights, in-depth knowledge, and practical tools, enabling you to make informed, confident decisions grounded in a thorough understanding of all available options.

What We Offer

At Funeralwise, we provide a wealth of objective information and practical resources, including:

  • Comprehensive Planning Guides: Expert guidance through every step of funeral planning, whether pre-planning or arranging an immediate need service.
  • Cost Information and Tools: Insights into funeral costs, potential savings, and tools to help you understand and manage expenses.
  • Understanding Funeral Options: Clear explanations of different types of services, burial, cremation, memorialization, and more so that you can make informed decisions.
  • Grief Support Resources: Connections to helpful articles and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals and families through loss and bereavement.
  • Checklists and Practical Advice: Tools to keep you organized and advice on handling the logistical aspects, from legal considerations to writing obituaries.

Our Approach

  • Compassion: We approach these sensitive topics with empathy and respect for all individuals, families, and traditions.
  • Clarity: We strive to present complex information in an accessible, easy-to-understand format, free from jargon or pressure.
  • Empowerment: We believe that knowledge is power. By providing unbiased information, we help you make choices that align with your values, wishes, and budget.
  • Support: While we don’t provide direct counseling, we aim to be a supportive presence, expertly guiding you to the information and resources you need most.

Who We Serve

Funeralwise is here for anyone seeking guidance on end-of-life planning and support, including:

  • Individuals proactively planning their own final arrangements.
  • Families facing the immediate need to arrange a funeral service.
  • People seeking to understand funeral costs, customs, and etiquette.
  • Friends and family members looking for ways to support someone who is grieving.
  • Anyone searching for reliable information on funeral practices, grief and bereavement.

Our Expertise

Our team of professionals have over 80 years of combined experience in the funeral industry, including relevant expertise in marketing, sales and operations. We have a unique perspective because we aren’t just industry professionals. We are also people just like you, who have experienced the difficulties that losing a loved one can cause. That’s why we’re here to help you prepare, celebrate, and remember. Because we know it matters.

We call ourselves The Wise Guys. Our team includes:

Rick Paskin, Co-founder and Managing Partner

  • CEO of an 18 funeral home enterprise in Wisconsin.
  • CFO of a 28 cemetery enterprise in Michigan.
  • Funeral industry consultant specializing in business appraisals and acquisitions.

Larry Anspach, Co-founder

  • Owner and Manager of Cedar Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, Chicago IL.
  • Owner of American Cemetery and Mortuary Consultants.
  • Served on the Government and Legal Affairs Committee of the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association.

Jennifer Lane, Director of Operations

  • Office Manager & Administrator for large high-volume cemetery and funeral home in Michigan.
  • Financial Manager for 50 cemeteries and funeral homes in Michigan and Minnesota.
  • Funeral industry consultant enhancing operational efficiency and client service with funeral insurance, e-commerce, technology implementation, staff training, and funeral/cemetery sales support.

Molly Gorny, Director of Digital Marketing

  • Author of numerous blog posts and social media posts on funeral and end-of-life matters over the course of 15+ years.
  • Manager of digital marketing campaigns for funeral planning and funeral insurance products and services.
  • Directed content development for Funeralwise with a focus on SEO and technical compliance.

To learn more about The Wise Guys and our expertise click here.

Why Choose Funeralwise

  • Unbiased and Independent: We’re not a funeral home. We don’t sell services. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions.
  • Trusted and Authoritative: With millions of visitors from across the United States, Funeralwise.com is a proven source of expert advice on funeral-related matters.
  • Privacy First: Your information is always safe with us. Your privacy is protected because we do not share your personal information with others without prior permission. Click on Privacy Notice for our policies regarding information you share with us.

Our Commitment

Navigating end-of-life decisions and coping with loss is a deeply personal journey. You don’t have to face it alone or uninformed. Explore our resources, utilize our tools, and let Funeralwise serve as your trusted guide.

We are committed to helping you honor life and manage final arrangements with dignity, clarity, and peace of mind.

Reprinting / Distributing our Information

We receive many requests to distribute our guides and reprint our articles. If you are interested, refer to How to Reprint Funeralwise Articles & Blogs.

How To Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments. Let us know how we can best serve you. Feel free to request additional information. Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with us.

How Much Will Your Funeral Cost? Try Our QuickPlan to Find Out.