Homesteaders Blog

The Essential Documents You Need for End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life planning is a practical way to support the people you care about. When you take the time to organize key documents and personal information, you’re making it easier for your loved ones to honor your wishes and manage important details with confidence. 

From legal paperwork to financial records and personal contacts, here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to prepare — and why it matters. 

How to Help Families Manage Personal Belongings After Death

When someone passes away, the emotional toll is often compounded by the practical realities of dealing with their belongings. Whether families are faced with removing items from a house after death or trying to navigate what happens to someone’s personal belongings without a will, managing this part of the estate can be overwhelming. Helping families plan ahead, or guiding them through the process, can make a difficult time a little easier.

This post offers thoughtful resources and practical advice for helping families manage personal belongings after death, with or without a will, as well as strategies to plan ahead with clarity and care.

Discussing Funeral Costs: How to Prepare Your Family for Your Passing

While no amount of planning will fully prepare your loved ones for all that comes after your passing, there are some ways you can help ease the pain and difficulty of that challenging time. Among them, having a conversation with your family about your funeral and the associated costs is important for many reasons, which we’ve outlined below. But first, let’s start with the basics.

What Is an Estate Plan, and Why Do You Need One?

Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy — those who own big homes or have large bank accounts — or people who are older. But here’s the truth: Everyone has an estate, which means everyone needs an estate plan.