LifePlans launches to help families manage caregiving and major life changes

LifePlans, a new life-tech platform from healthcare veterans Dr. Katy Lanz and Nick Westfall, is targeting the 85 million Americans in the Sandwich Generation with tools for planning, document storage and expert guidance. The Pittsburgh-based launch comes as AARP data shows most people feel unprepared for major life transitions.

Why it matters: - LifePlans is aimed at families juggling care for aging parents and children, a group the company says includes 85 million Americans. - The platform is designed to reduce the stress of major life changes by combining planning tools, secure storage and human support in one place. - AARP research cited by LifePlans says 62% of people do not know where to start during a major life change, and 85% rely only on family and friends.

What happened: - Healthcare veterans Dr. Katy Lanz and Nick Westfall launched LifePlans, a life-tech platform built in Pittsburgh. - The company introduced the platform on August 4, 2026. - LifePlans is pitched as a roadmap for everyday challenges and complex life transitions.

The details: - LifePlans combines real-time, personalized guidance from certified Life Planners with secure document organization and vetted partner resources. - The platform includes LifePlans Playbooks for moments such as unplanned life events, centralizing household information, planning to grow a family and caregiving. - The service includes expert human support from certified Life Planners with backgrounds in caregiving and transition support. - The Secure Digital Vault provides document organization, permissions and sharing tools. - Verified Trusted Partnerships connect users with legal, financial and care professionals. - LifePlans is offering a 30-day free trial. - The trial includes the digital dashboard, vaulting features and a complimentary 45-minute Life Planner session. - More information is available on LifePlans' website.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects growing demand for tools that sit between traditional software and high-touch advisory services. - LifePlans is trying to solve a trust gap by pairing technology with human expertise, rather than relying on automation alone. - The company is leaning on the founders’ healthcare and post-acute backgrounds to position itself as a practical support platform for high-stakes family decisions.

What's next: - LifePlans is opening access through a free trial as it works to build awareness among families facing caregiving and planning burdens. - The company appears likely to expand through its partner network and Life Planner sessions as users move from document storage to active planning.

The bottom line: - LifePlans is betting that families navigating caregiving and major transitions want one trusted place for plans, records and guidance.