An NFDA Convention Discussion Topic

The mid-term congressional and senatorial elections are right around the corner taking place one week from today.  The direction and results of those elections will help America chart our next course . . . . including the thought processes that could lead to new rules and regulations for the Death Care profession.

 

There are lots of reasons one person may vote for one candidate and another person may vote for another candidate.  However, elections many times come down to what are called “Kitchen Table” or “Pocketbook” issues that focus on family finances at the present time.  It’s no different for a person that owns a Death Care business or a person that works in the Death Care profession —  how you are doing financially may go a long way in why you cast your vote the way you do.

 

I recently came across an article on this subject in relation to the elections and will publish the findings here.  The original costs of listed items are reflective of when President Trump took office for his 2nd term on January 20, 2025, and the second price is listed — usually a date in August 2026, September 2026, or October 2026, for comparison.

 

I’ve also added some information that I’ve found for funeral services and casket price inflation for the approximate periods.

 

Weekly Grocery Costs per week

• Trump’s Inauguration:  $306.50
• August 2026:  $320.50

 

Average 401k Savings

• Trump’s Inauguration:  $ 127,100
• 2Q 2026:  $ 155,800

:

Median Monthly Mortgage Payment 

• Trump’s Inauguration:  $ 2,112
• August 2026:  $2,196

 

Average New Car MSRP

• Trump’s Inauguration:  $ 50,111
• September 2026:  $ 52,014

 

Average Price per Gallon of Regular Unleaded Gas:

• Trump’s Inauguration:  $ 3.11
• October 21, 2026:  $ 4.26

 

The Prime Lending Rate

• Trump’s Inauguration:  7.5%
• October 22, 2026:  7.0%

 

According to a couple of sources, “Since January 20, 2025, the cost of funeral services in the United States has increased by an estimated 3.5% to 5.6%,  outpacing general consumer inflation over the same period.”

 

Here is an article from the Progressive Policy Institute, dated in May 2026,  that argues that caskets are up at least $100 per casket on the wholesale level because of, at least in part, tariffs.

 

Finally, here is a link to the NFDA page on “Federal Legislative and Regulatory Priorities” that may be of interest to you.

 

More news from the world of Death Care:

• 7 mystery coffins containing human remains found at North Dakot governor’s residence.  New York Post (NY)
• Historic Evergreen Cemetery prepares for museum and administrative upgrades.  WGNS – Murfreesboro (TN)
• Georgia woman celebrates turning 80 by throwing her own funeral —  “One funeral we’re really excited to have”.  Moneywise

 

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