Plain-English guides for life's biggest moments.
Built by an attorney with 30+ years helping families.
FIND YOUR GUIDE
Could your family find it all tomorrow?
Things to know that no one tells you.
What to know before you put up the sign.
To know before your first day and beyond.
What you need to know before you turn 65.
Plain-English guides for life's biggest moments.
Written by an attorney with over 30 years of experience.
$19.99 instant download · $24.99 color paperback on Amazon
Medicare Guide: $9.99 instant download
Not sure yet? Get the free checklist →
The guides
Pick the moment you are in. Each guide walks you through it, step by step.
How the download works
Click Buy on Etsy and check out.
Etsy gives you a link to download your files.
Print it at home, or type into it on your computer or tablet.
No book is mailed. Want a printed book? Get the color paperback on Amazon.
Essential Life Guide
Could your family find it all tomorrow?
Your insurance, bank accounts, property papers, contacts, and important records, all in one place. So your family knows where to look.
New edition coming soon. $19.99 instant download.
Essential First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Things to know that no one tells you.
A plain-English, step-by-step guide from "Am I ready?" to getting the keys. Know the questions to ask your lender before you apply.
Coming soon. $19.99 instant download.
Essential Home Selling Guide
What to know before you put up the sign.
A plain-English guide that walks you through every step of selling your home. See what you may walk away with before you list.
Coming soon. $19.99 instant download.
Essential First Real Job Guide
To know before your first day and beyond.
Your first paycheck, the W-4, benefits, your 401(k), finding an apartment, and student loans. Each one explained in plain English.
Coming soon. $19.99 instant download.
Essential Medicare Guide
What you need to know before you turn 65.
When to sign up, how to avoid late-signup penalties that can last for life, and how Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage compare.
Coming soon. $9.99 instant download. Download only. No printed book is mailed.
About Scott
I am an attorney with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate life's biggest moments. I started Essential Life Guides because I kept seeing the same thing: people struggling with important decisions they never got any help preparing for.
— Scott, Founder, Essential Life Guides
Questions
Can I print it?
Yes. You get a print-ready PDF. Print it at home or at any print shop.
Can I type in it?
Yes. You also get a fillable PDF. Type right into it on your computer or tablet.
Will a book come in the mail?
No. The download is a file. If you want a printed book, get the color paperback on Amazon for $24.99. (The Medicare Guide is download only.)
Can I buy one as a gift?
Yes. Print the download for them, or send them the color paperback from Amazon.
What if I have trouble downloading?
Email us at hello@essentiallifeguides.com. A real person will help you.
Is this legal advice?
No. Our guides give general information only. They help you know what to ask the people helping you.
Not sure where to start?
Get our free 5-Minute Family Emergency Checklist. Could your family find these 10 things if something happened to you today? Take 5 minutes and see where you stand.
More guides on the way
Downsizing · Social Security · Long-Term Care · Caregiver
Get the free checklist and we'll tell you when each one is ready.