Image of the Buried in Work Episode 38 - Tripp Tillery

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Episode Notes

Did you know that the most loving thing you can do for your family is to plan for your own death?

In this episode of the Buried in Work Podcast, Tripp Tillery, CEO & Founder of The Dead Book, explores how his personal journey through grief and estate administration led to the creation of a revolutionary tool designed to simplify estate planning and legacy organization.

After the sudden loss of his mother, Susan, Tripp found himself not only grappling with overwhelming grief but also navigating the complex and often opaque world of estate administration. His mother’s “Dead Book”—a binder filled with essential documents and instructions—became his lifeline during this challenging time. Inspired by her foresight, Tripp and his wife, Jessica, created The Dead Book to help families everywhere prepare for the inevitable with clarity, compassion, and ease.

Key Takeaways

  • Estate Planning Is Not Optional:

    Everyone has an estate, and everyone needs a plan—no matter how big or small your assets are.

  • Start Now, Not Later: Procrastination only leaves your family with more stress and confusion when you’re gone.
  • Involve Your Loved Ones: Planning together ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the burden on your executor.
  • It’s Not Just About Money: From passwords to funeral wishes, the details matter. Organizing these now can save your family heartache later.
  • Grief and Logistics Go Hand in Hand: Managing an estate while grieving is overwhelming, but having a plan in place can provide clarity and comfort during a difficult time.

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About Tripp Tillery

Tripp Tillery is the CEO & Founder of The Dead Book, a revolutionary tool designed to simplify estate planning and legacy organization for families. His journey into this space began with a deeply personal experience: the sudden loss of his mother, Susan. As an only child with divorced parents, Tripp found himself not only navigating the overwhelming grief of losing his mother but also managing the complexities of her estate.

During this challenging time, Tripp discovered his mother’s “Dead Book”—a binder she had meticulously prepared with all the essential documents and instructions needed to administer her estate. This simple yet powerful tool became his lifeline, providing clarity and comfort during a period of immense emotional and logistical strain. Inspired by his mother’s foresight, Tripp, along with his wife and co-founder, Jessica, created The Dead Book to help others avoid the chaos and confusion that often accompanies the loss of a loved one.

Other Buried in Work Podcast Episodes

  • Published On: March 12th, 2025

    Episode 38 | Tripp Tillery

  • Published On: March 12th, 2025

    Episode 38 | Eric Brotman

  • Published On: March 5th, 2025

    Episode 37 | Wayne Zell on Succession Planning: What Happens to Your Business If You’re Gone Tomorrow?

  • Published On: March 5th, 2025

    Episode 37 | Elizabeth Parsons

  • Published On: February 26th, 2025

    Episode 36 | Eric Brotman: Don’t Just Retire! Graduate to a Richer Life

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