No money, no job, no friends. He was truly at loose ends.

There are no loose ends.

I have some loose ends to tie up.

Being a very particular person he always ties up loose ends whatever he does.

I'm just tying up some loose ends.

Tom was at a loose end, so he went to the pub for a few beers.

I'm tying up some loose ends.

This is because you approach everything as a total person, with no loose ends hanging out to signify divided intentions.

Tom is going to want to tie up some loose ends.

A few loose ends remain to be cleared up.