⚖️ Phase 2:
Understanding the Foundations of Estate Planning
A clear, approachable starting point for protecting what matters most.
Estate Planning Series Phase 1 Content
Estate planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This first phase introduces the essential tools and decisions that shape your plan. Each article is written in plain English, with examples that reflect real-life situations and families of all shapes and backgrounds.
Whether you’re taking your very first step or revisiting an older plan, Phase 1 gives you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
🎯 Phase 1 Articles
What You’ll Learn in This Phase
How foundational estate planning works, which tools protect your family, and how to avoid the costly consequences of doing nothing. These articles build your foundation and help you understand the purpose behind each tool.
📘 Estate Planning 101: Protecting What Matters Most – A beginner-friendly overview of wills, trusts, beneficiaries, probate, and the decisions that matter most.
📘 Do I Need a Will, a Trust, or Both? – A simple breakdown of the two most common planning tools — and how to choose what fits your life.
📘 What Happens If You Do Nothing? – A compassionate, plain-English look at how the state distributes your assets when no plan exists — and how to avoid accidental outcomes.
📘 Why You Still Need a Will (Even with a Trust) – Learn how wills and trusts work together — and why both are essential for a complete plan.
📘 BONUS: Understanding Beneficiary Designations – Learn what beneficiary designations do, which accounts they affect, and how to set them correctly.
🛠️ Tools to Make Planning Easier (Phase 1 Free Resources)
Start with one or two of these simple tools which are designed to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take meaningful next steps.
Foundations & First Decisions
📘 Will & Trust Comparison Guide
A clear, side-by-side snapshot showing when a will is enough — and when a trust adds the protection your family needs.
Download: Coming soon
📘 Starter Estate Planning Checklist
A simple list of decisions and documents to help you begin building a basic plan.
Download: Coming soon
📘 “If You Do Nothing” Risk Snapshot
A one-page summary that shows exactly what happens when no documents are in place — court process, costs, delays, and state decisions.
Download: Coming soon
📘 Estate Planning Glossary
A growing reference of essential estate planning terms to support your learning across the entire series.
Download: Coming soon
Organization & Preparation
📁 Beneficiary Check-Up Toolkit
A guided worksheet to help you confirm — in writing — who is listed on each account and whether those designations match your wishes.
Download: Coming soon
📁 Family Information & Emergency Binder
A structured, fillable template to store essential info family members need during an emergency or after a death.
Download: Coming soon
📁 Conversation Prompts for Beginning Your Plan
Gentle, practical questions that help you start meaningful conversations with partners, parents, and adult children.
Download: Coming soon
Looking Ahead
After completing Phase 1, you’ll have a strong foundation and a clearer sense of your next steps.
When you’re ready, Phase 2 will help you start shaping your actual plan with confidence and intention.
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