Our Story
End of Life Tools grew out of a frustrating personal experience. When a family member passed away unexpectedly, the people left behind were confronted with an overwhelming list of decisions: burial or cremation, funeral home costs, death certificates, probate, digital accounts, and dozens of other details that no one had prepared them for. The grief was real enough on its own — the administrative confusion on top of it was unnecessary.
Searching online for help turned up mostly sales pitches from funeral homes, legal firms charging hundreds of dollars for basic documents, and generic articles that buried the practical information under layers of marketing copy. The free, honest, plain-language resource that families actually needed simply did not exist in a single place.
So we built it. End of Life Tools launched as a collection of free calculators and checklists designed to answer the questions real families were asking. Over time, the library of guides grew to cover more than a thousand topics — from the average cost of a funeral in every U.S. state, to how to write an obituary, to how to legally scatter ashes in a national park. Every tool and guide is free, and that will never change.
We are not a funeral home, a legal firm, or an insurance company. We have no financial stake in the decisions you make. Our only goal is to give you the information you need to plan with confidence and dignity — whatever that looks like for your family.
Our Mission
To democratize access to end-of-life planning information — so that every family, regardless of income or background, can approach this important transition with clarity and peace of mind.
We believe that navigating death and dying should not require a lawyer on retainer or a funeral director to decode. The decisions families face — from selecting a burial option to settling an estate — should be made with honest information, not sales pressure. End of Life Tools exists to level that playing field.
What We Offer
A comprehensive library of free tools, guides, and resources covering every stage of end-of-life planning.
18 Free Planning Tools
Funeral Cost Calculator
Estimate real funeral costs by region and service type.
Funeral Budget Builder
Plan and prioritize funeral expenses within your budget.
After-Death Checklist
Step-by-step tasks to complete after a loved one passes.
Cremation vs. Burial Calculator
Compare the full costs and considerations of each option.
Green Funeral Calculator
Explore eco-friendly burial options and their costs.
Funeral Music Planner
Curate a meaningful musical tribute for any service.
Digital Legacy Checklist
Organize online accounts, passwords, and digital assets.
Ashes Scattering Legality Tool
Look up rules and regulations for scattering ashes by state.
1,000+ Guides Across 15+ Topic Areas
What We Stand For
Compassionate Care
We approach every topic with the sensitivity it deserves. End-of-life planning is one of life's most significant tasks, and we treat it accordingly.
Family Focused
Our resources are built for real families — not legal professionals or industry insiders. Plain language, practical tools, and genuine guidance.
Privacy First
We will never sell, share, or misuse your information. Our tools run in your browser; your sensitive planning data stays with you.
Always Free
Every guide, calculator, and checklist on this site is free. We believe access to clear end-of-life planning information should not depend on your income.
Our Editorial Commitment
Because end-of-life information can affect real decisions during stressful times, we hold our content to a high standard of accuracy. Every article and guide on this site is:
- Researched from primary sources — government agencies (FTC, SSA, VA), official industry organizations (NFDA, ICCFA, CANA), and peer-reviewed research.
- Reviewed by qualified contributors — including licensed funeral directors, estate planning attorneys, certified financial planners, and grief counselors.
- Audited and updated quarterly — pricing data, legal requirements, and regulations change often; we review content regularly to keep it accurate.
- Editorially independent — funeral homes, service providers, and vendors cannot pay for favorable coverage in our guides.
Our Expert Contributors
Licensed Funeral Directors
Active credentials and current industry knowledge to verify funeral service content.
Estate Planning Attorneys
Specialists in probate, estate administration, and consumer protection law.
Grief Counselors
Licensed therapists and bereavement specialists who review support content for accuracy and compassion.
Trusted By Families Nationwide
“After my father passed unexpectedly, the funeral cost calculator helped our family plan within our budget during an incredibly stressful time. I had no idea what things actually cost — this tool made it manageable.”
“The after-death checklist was a lifesaver. I had no idea how many tasks needed to be handled and in what order. This gave me clarity when everything felt overwhelming.”
“As a funeral director, I recommend End of Life Tools to families for pre-planning. The information is accurate, current, and written without a sales agenda. That's rare in this industry.”
“I used the pre-need planning tools to get my own arrangements in order before my surgery. My children were so relieved. It was the most thoughtful thing I could do for them.”
Reviewed by Licensed Professionals
Sources: NFDA, FTC, SSA, VA
Updated Quarterly for Accuracy
Independent & Editorially Unbiased
Get in Touch
General Inquiries
Questions about the site, feedback on a guide, or anything else? We read every message and respond to as many as we can.
hello@endoflifetools.comContent Corrections
Found a factual error, outdated figure, or broken source link? Please let us know — we investigate every report and correct errors promptly.
corrections@endoflifetools.comFor more ways to reach us and our full contact details:
Visit Our Contact PageReady to Start Planning?
Explore our free tools and guides — no account required, no hidden fees, no sales pressure.