Plain English help for life’s confusing moments.
The Paperwork Nobody
Prepares You For
Enter your name and email and I’ll send you the free 30-day checklist — organized by what needs your attention now and what can wait.
What’s in the checklist
25 items. Organized by urgency.
Plain English throughout.
The checklist covers everything that tends to land on the kitchen table in the weeks after a spouse dies — so you know exactly what to tackle first and what can wait.
Deadlines & Access
Social Security, pension election forms, bank account access, Medicare coverage, death certificates.
8 itemsImportant Next Steps
Life insurance claims, IRA transfers, credit card debt, Social Security survivor benefits, VA benefits.
9 itemsReal but Not Urgent
Property titles, vehicle transfers, updating your own will and beneficiary designations, final tax return.
8 items“You don’t have to get through all of it at once. The checklist tells you what’s urgent, what can wait, and what needs a professional — so you’re not guessing.”
Also included
More than just a to-do list.
Each item includes a short plain English note so you understand not just what to do, but why it matters.
Plain English on every item
Not just a task — each item includes a short explanation of what it means and what to watch for. You’ll understand why it matters, not just that it’s on the list.
John’s Tip callouts
Three highlighted tip boxes on the items that trip people up most — including a specific warning about the pension election form, which involves an irreversible decision.
Urgency color coding
Red, amber, and green sections let you scan the page instantly. You’ll know at a glance what needs attention today versus what can sit for a few weeks.
Refer-out flags
Clear guidance on which items require an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor before you sign anything. Knowing when to call a professional is half the battle.
Printable checkboxes
Real checkboxes you can mark off as you go. Works on screen or printed out — whatever feels easier when you’re working through a difficult time.
I built this checklist because surviving spouses were coming to me weeks after a loss having already made mistakes that could have been avoided — not because they weren’t smart, but because nobody handed them a clear list of what to do first. This is that list.
Get your free copy
Enter your name and email.
I’ll send it right to you.
No spam. No sales calls. Just the checklist — and a follow-up in a few days to make sure you’re not stuck on anything.
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What happens after you submit
Here’s exactly what to expect.
Within a few hours
You’ll receive an email from John with the checklist attached and a short note on where to start.
Start with Do Immediately
Work through the red section first. Those items have deadlines or affect your access to money and benefits.
4 days later
John checks in to see how it’s going and offers a free 15-minute call if you’ve hit something confusing.
When you’re ready for more help
The checklist is just the beginning.
If you receive a letter you don’t understand, or something on the checklist needs more explanation, here’s where to go next.
This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. For decisions involving irreversible financial choices, estate matters, or legal documents, please consult a licensed attorney, CPA, or financial advisor. JohnExplainsIt is a plain English explanation service — not a law firm or financial advisory.