New website helps with end-of-life planning

A new Washington-based website is a one-stop place for people to get information and resources for end-of-life decisions, everything from state-specific medical documents to funeral planning and financial tips.

PlanBeyond.com launched in January, and includes articles by professionals in various end-of-life fields in addition to state-specific advise because laws very in every state.

“We’re just trying to make a terrible part of a family’s life just a little less hard,” said Laura Troyani, the founder and chief editor based in Seattle.

As a young child, Troyani recalls her uncle becoming the executor of her grandparent’s estate and the struggles he faced while also grieving. She doesn’t want other people “sorting credit card receipts from eight years ago” and not knowing whether the accounts are still open.

The goal of PlanBeyond is to remove the burden and industry jargon and give people one place to go for help. Troyani said the information is already available for people but it’s not in one place and it’s often time-consuming and frustrating to track down all the needed information.

PlanBeyond provides checklists and specifics on where to find information for each item.

As a society, Americans don’t like talking about death, much less planning. Troyani hopes the site helps remove some of the barriers and open discussion whether its health care decisions or how to avoid probate.

A 2012 study by the American Medical Association suggests that 76 percent of people in the United States neglect end-of-life planning, often waiting too long.

“We want to help family members have a piece of mind and know they are doing right by their loved ones,” she said.