Welcome

The Essential Planning Group consists of a number of divisions including American Funeral & Cemetery Trust Services (AFCTS)—probably our most recognized “product”—as well as a number of other creatively designed products assembled specifically for independent funeral homes, cemeteries, and trade associations.

The Essential Planning Group’s foundation began in 1993 when CEO Hal Martin established Charter Management Associates Inc. (CMA), which began offering comprehensive Master Trust services—under the name of American Funeral & Cemetery Trust Services (AFCTS)—to independent funeral homes and cemeteries located throughout the West Coast.

The AFCTS Master Trust became so successful and favorable that AFCTS became more recognized and well-known than the corporate name of CMA. Over the years, CMA has added many new and innovative products and in order to best exhibit them, Mr. Martin launched “The Essential Planning Group” in 2008. This new “umbrella” now encompasses all of the independent product divisions within the company.

The Essential Planning Group is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and beneficial funeral and cemetery products available nationally. Our company has been cultivated by knowledgeable and experienced death care industry professionals—we know and understand your business, which makes a difference to our clients.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our website and look forward to the opportunity of providing you with our unsurpassed service.