Business and Finance
Reasons to Consider an Up-and-Coming Career in 2025
(Family Features) If you’re thinking about making a career change, re-evaluating your long-term career path or looking for a career with purpose, there is one path you may not have considered – and it might be the perfect fit: funeral service.
Consider this: Funeral service is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals in the next decade due to retiring funeral home owners and rising death rates. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) estimates 5,700 openings for funeral service workers during each of the next 10 years.
In a world where Gen Zers said having a sense of purpose is important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being, according to a study by Deloitte, there’s an opportunity for business-minded individuals, young professionals and those seeking second career paths to explore this distinguished and fulfilling profession. While 1 in 10 (12%) adults would consider a career as a funeral director, Gen Zers (44%) and Millennials (38%) admit they do not know enough about the profession based on a survey by the NFDA.
There are several reasons to consider funeral service as a career, whether you’re a new grad, a young professional looking to get your foot in the door or someone with years of experience who’d like to test your transferable skills in a new career.
1. Fulfillment and Purpose
Funerals and memorial services are an important part of the grieving process and an opportunity for family and friends to gather to comfort one another and say goodbye to their loved one.
Funeral directors are not just in charge of logistics. They play a vital role in helping families navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. They provide emotional support, guide families through funeral arrangements and ensure the service honors the deceased’s life.
2. Community Involvement
Funeral directors are often deeply involved in the communities they serve, volunteering with local nonprofit and community organizations, sponsoring little league teams and organizing collections for troops overseas. This sense of community extends beyond the immediate responsibilities of the job, as many funeral directors take on the role of mentors and leaders, guiding the next generation of professionals.
“As I look ahead to the next 15 years of my career and beyond, I ask myself one question and encourage others to do the same, no matter what career they are in: Are you doing the work to inspire a new generation of leaders and being the person you needed when you first started out?” said Allyse Worland, CFSP, licensed funeral director. “For me, the answer is always yes, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”
3. Ability to Own a Business
A career in funeral service offers the opportunity to own your own funeral home. With experience and business skills, you can manage and grow a company that provides essential services to your community. It’s a unique blend of compassion and entrepreneurship, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while running a successful business.
If you’re looking for a meaningful career that combines purpose, community and the opportunity for growth, funeral service might be the path for you. With the occupation’s demand for skilled professionals on the rise, now is the time to consider how you can make a difference in the lives of others while shaping the future of a growing profession.
Learn more about the career path and take a quiz to determine whether it’s right for you by visiting rememberingalife.com/careers.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
How Hiring Veterans Can Strengthen the Workforce
(Feature Impact) Every year, about 200,000 service members transition from military service into civilian careers, offering employers access to a highly skilled and mission-driven talent pool. As organizations across industries seek dependable employees who can adapt and lead, veterans bring experience that translates directly to business success.
Veterans enter the workforce with a wide range of technical and professional skills. Military occupations span fields such as logistics, engineering, cybersecurity, aviation and health care, many of which align closely with civilian roles. This experience allows veterans to apply their training to roles across industries, from manufacturing to information technology, using their practical knowledge developed during their service.
Beyond technical expertise, veterans are widely recognized for their reliability, adaptability and strong work ethic. Military culture emphasizes responsibility, teamwork and accountability – qualities that can strengthen workplace culture and improve team performance. Additionally, employers that hire veterans with disabilities often qualify for federal tax credits, and many workplace accommodations are available to employers at no cost.
Despite these advantages, veterans transitioning from military service to civilian employment still face challenges. One of the most common obstacles is translating military experience into language civilian employers understand. Although more than 80% of military roles have civilian equivalents, differences in job titles and terminology related to responsibilities and accomplishments gained during service may not align neatly with traditional job descriptions, making it difficult for veterans to clearly communicate their qualifications.
To address these challenges, resources aimed at improving the understanding of military experience have grown in recent years. For example, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit organization that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations, their families and survivors, recently released an updated edition of “The Veteran Advantage: DAV’s Hiring Guide for Employers of the Military Community,” a resource designed to help companies better recruit, hire and retain veteran and military spouse employees. The guide is available for free download at davhiringguide.org.
The no-cost guide offers practical information for employers seeking to build veteran-friendly workplaces. It includes guidance on translating military skills into civilian job qualifications, developing hiring initiatives focused on the military community and establishing employee resource groups for veterans and military spouses. It also highlights inclusive hiring practices designed to reduce barriers and better support those who have served.
“Veterans and military spouses consistently demonstrate strong work values, but many still face hurdles when transitioning into civilian careers,” DAV CEO Barry Jesinoski said. “Hiring veterans doesn’t just fill open roles – it strengthens organizations. But employers who don’t understand how to align military experience with business needs might overlook that talent.”
The nonprofit organization also connects employers with veteran job seekers through employment initiatives and outreach efforts. These programs help organizations better understand the value veterans bring to the workforce while supporting successful transitions into civilian careers.
These efforts are especially important as many veterans continue to face barriers to employment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the veteran unemployment rate in March 2026 was 3.8%, with the rate climbing to 5.4% among veterans with disabilities, underscoring the persistent challenges many encounter when transitioning to the civilian workforce.
For many employers, hiring veterans is not simply about filling open positions. It’s an opportunity to bring experienced leaders and skilled professionals into the workforce – individuals whose service has prepared them to contribute in meaningful ways long after their military careers have ended.
Photos courtesy of DVIDS. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Lifestyle
Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous: Data Shows Teen Drivers 3 Times More Likely to be in Fatal Crash
Teen drivers are significantly at risk of fatal crashes, with those aged 16-19 being nearly three times more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers. The first year of driving presents heightened dangers, but with proper preparation, including coaching, technology, and smart insurance, families can mitigate these risks and promote safety.
Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous: Data Shows Teen Drivers 3 Times More Likely to be in Fatal Crash
(Feature Impact) The driver’s license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules and a new set of responsibilities.
Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows drivers ages 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older, per mile driven.
The statistics are serious, but they’re also manageable.
“With the right preparation, teen driving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming,” said Susan Irace, manager, divisional claims at Mercury Insurance. “Experience is what young drivers are building. Parents can help shorten that learning curve with structure, technology and smart coverage decisions.”
Why the First Year Matters
Federal safety data shows crash risk is highest in a teen’s first year of independent driving. Night driving, teen passengers and distracted driving increase that risk – while seat belts, graduated licensing laws and supervised practice significantly reduce it.
In 2023, more than 2,800 teens ages 13-19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, according to the CDC. However, teen crash rates have declined over time thanks to safer vehicles, graduated driver licensing programs and greater awareness of distracted driving.
Ways to Reduce Teen Driving Risk
The experts at Mercury Insurance encourage families to focus on preparation rather than panic.
1. Coach Early and Often
- Log supervised driving time in different conditions – highways, rain, nighttime
- Create a simple written driving agreement outlining expectations
- Limit teen passengers during the first year
- Make seatbelts non-negotiable
2. Let Technology Help
- Choose vehicles with safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring
- Use telematics or safe-driving feedback tools to reinforce good habits
- Activate smartphone “Do Not Disturb While Driving” settings
3. Review Insurance Before the Keys Change Hands
- Add teens to your insurance policy promptly
- Revisit liability limits to protect family assets
- Ask about good student and driver training discounts
“Insurance is about preparation, not fear,” Irace said. “When families combine active coaching with the right coverage, they’re setting their teen up for safer miles ahead.”
Preparation Turns Risks into Confidence
The first solo drive is a milestone, but preparation determines what comes next. By pairing common-sense coaching with today’s vehicle safety technology and thoughtful insurance planning, families can support independence while managing risk responsibly.
For more teen driver safety tips and coverage guidance, visit MercuryInsurance.com/resources.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Money Management: The Importance of Financial Literacy
You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action. When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
(Feature Impact) You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action.
Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z. Yet greater financial literacy – including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing – is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility.
While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators.
Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital money skills, the better. That’s why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys.
Talk Money
It’s never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them – such as concert tickets or a first car – can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving.
Support School Initiatives and Programs
Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters – Schwab’s flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America – gives young people hands-on experience with all aspects of money and investing.
This example, and others, don’t just include program funding – they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life.
Spread the Financial Love
Championing financial literacy empowers everyone – individuals, families and communities. By serving as a board member, mentor, role model or educator to help bring financial literacy to others in your community, you can supply the tools and knowledge to lead programs that focus on giving back, empowering future generations in countless ways.
To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
