End Of Life Planner: Why You Need One (Use Our Free 2025 Template To Do It)

An End of Life Planner isn’t exactly a fun topic to think about, but here’s the thing—not planning for it can leave your loved ones in complete chaos. Imagine your partner or family suddenly having to figure out:

Where the heck is the life insurance policy?
What’s the password to your phone (or, more importantly, your online banking)?
Who’s the contact for the plumber who fixes the leaky tap every year?

These might seem like small things, but when you’re grieving, even minor tasks can feel overwhelming.

An End of Life Planner (not to be confused with a will) is a simple way to organise all the everyday details that only you know. And the best part? We’ve got a free template to help you accomplish it easily.

Your illness doesn't have to be a death sentence - more of a wake up call to do something positive to help the people you leave behind if something happens to you. After all, none of us are getting out of this alive...

Why an End of Life Planner is Essential

Most people assume that a will covers everything. But while a will handles assets and guardianship, it doesn’t include:

Digital accounts (Netflix, Amazon, social media)
Household routines (Who feeds the cat? Where’s the boiler switch?)
Financial logins (Bank accounts, investments, pension details)
Personal wishes (Funeral preferences, letters to loved ones)

Without this information, your family could spend months—or even years—untangling your affairs.

Real-Life Consequences of Not Having a Plan

Here are a few examples of what happens when someone passes without leaving clear instructions:

The Missing Life Insurance Policy

A woman spent two years searching for her late husband’s life insurance documents. Turns out, they were in a random folder on his old laptop—which she only found after paying a tech expert to recover deleted files.

The Locked-Out Family

A grieving son couldn’t access his father’s phone to notify friends or close accounts. The phone company wouldn’t help without a court order, adding unnecessary stress.

The Forgotten Bills

A widow didn’t realise her husband had an old storage unit. By the time she found out, the unit had been auctioned off—along with family heirlooms inside.

These aren’t rare horror stories—they happen all the time.

What Should You Include in Your End of Life Planner?

Your planner doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear, organised, and somewhere your loved ones can find it. Here’s what to include:

1. Essential Personal Info

Full legal name, date of birth, Social Security/NI number
Important contacts (lawyer, accountant, doctor)

2. Financial Details

Bank accounts, investments, pensions
Insurance policies (life, home, health)
Debts (mortgage, loans, credit cards)

Pro Tip: Don’t write passwords directly in the document—use a password manager and leave instructions for accessing it.

3. Household & Daily Life

Utility providers (electricity, gas, internet)
Maintenance contacts (plumber, electrician, gardener)
Pet care instructions (feeding schedules, vet details)

4. Digital Assets

Email, social media, and subscription logins
Instructions for memorialising or closing accounts

5. Personal Wishes

Funeral preferences (burial, cremation, song choices)
Letters to loved ones (if you want to leave something personal)

How to Get Started (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need a fancy system—just our free template (see below) and an hour or two to fill it in. Store it somewhere safe (a fireproof box, encrypted USB, or with your lawyer) and tell someone where it is.

Bonus: Lighten the Mood (Because We All Need It)

Yes, this is a serious topic, but let’s be real—some of the details you’ll include are downright quirky.

"The Wi-Fi password is ‘FluffyBunny42’—don’t judge me."
"The neighbour has a spare key, but don’t mention the hedge incident of 2019."
"The washing machine only works if you kick it. Seriously."

Adding a little humour can make the process less daunting—and might even give your family a laugh when they need it most.

Final Thought: It’s the Ultimate Act of Love

Nobody likes thinking about their own mortality, but an End of Life Planner isn’t for you—it’s for the people you love. By taking a little time now, you’ll save them stress, confusion, and heartache later.