Stop Guessing About Estate Planning
Get the complete answers you need before spending thousands on legal fees. Six detailed guides that explain exactly how Massachusetts estate planning really works.
□ What Exactly Is a Monograph?
Think of estate planning education as a three-step ladder.
Most people skip the middle step and waste thousands of dollars.
STEP 1: Free Tips
What you get:
"You need beneficiary designations"
What you don't get:
How they work, what goes wrong, or what to do about it
Cost: Free
Value: Awareness only
STEP 2: Monographs ⭐
What you get:
"Here's exactly how beneficiaries work, the 5 mistakes that cost families money, and step-by-step instructions to fix your situation"
Plus:
Worksheets, calculators, decision frameworks, and real examples
Cost: $39
Value: Deep understanding
STEP 3: Attorney
What you get:
"Here's your custom plan and legal documents"
What you need first:
Understanding so you don't waste consultation time learning basics
Cost: $2,000-$8,000
Value: Custom solutions
□ Why Smart Families Use Monographs First
❌ Without Monographs:
- You pay $400-600/hour to learn basics during attorney meetings
- You can't ask informed questions
- You don't understand your options
- You make uninformed decisions
- You may pay for solutions you don't need
Total Wasted: $500-2,000
✅ With Monographs:
- You understand your situation before the meeting
- You ask smart, specific questions
- You know all your options
- You make informed decisions
- You only pay for what you actually need
Total Cost: Just $39
The bottom line: Spend $39 now to save $500-2,000 later.
Plus you'll actually understand what you're doing.
Six Essential Monographs for Massachusetts Families
Each monograph is 15-25 pages of practical guidance. Real examples. Clear action steps. Plain English.
Living Trust vs. Will: The Massachusetts Decision Guide
"Finally understand which one your family actually needs"
This guide cuts through the confusion about trusts versus wills. You'll learn exactly when living trusts make sense and when they're overkill. Includes cost comparisons, probate avoidance strategies, and Massachusetts-specific considerations most attorneys won't mention until you're sitting in their office.
Perfect for families who:
- Own a home worth over $400,000
- Want to avoid probate court delays
- Have been told they "need a trust" but don't know why
- Want to understand costs before meeting attorneys
Bulletproofing Your Kids' Inheritance
"Protect them from their own mistakes (and bad spouses)"
Should your 18-year-old get $500,000 outright? Probably not. This guide shows you how to structure inheritance distributions that protect your children from addiction, divorce, creditors, and poor judgment. Includes the exact age-based distribution schedules I used for over 30 years.
Perfect for parents who:
- Have children under 30 years old
- Worry about addiction or financial irresponsibility
- Have children in shaky marriages
- Want staggered distributions but don't know the right ages
The Massachusetts $2 Million Tax Trap
"How middle-class families accidentally owe $100,000 in estate taxes"
Massachusetts taxes estates over $2 million while the federal threshold is $15 million. Most families don't realize they're approaching this limit until it's too late. This guide includes tax calculation worksheets, gifting strategies using the $19,000 annual exclusion, and spousal planning techniques to shelter up to $4 million.
Perfect for families who:
- Have total assets approaching $1.8 million
- Own homes that appreciated significantly
- Carry substantial life insurance
- Want to reduce taxes before they become a problem
Second Marriage Estate Planning
"Protect your kids without starting World War III"
Blended families create complicated estate planning challenges. How do you provide for your current spouse while protecting your children's inheritance? This guide covers QTIP trusts, life insurance strategies, prenuptial coordination, and the honest conversations you need to have now.
Perfect for families with:
- Children from previous marriages
- Second or third marriages
- Concerns about protecting children's inheritance
- Desire to provide for current spouse too
Special Needs Trust Planning
"Protect their benefits while providing for their future"
When you have a child or family member with disabilities, regular inheritance planning doesn't work. A direct inheritance can disqualify them from critical government benefits. This guide explains first-party versus third-party trusts, MassHealth coordination, and how to fund these trusts properly.
Perfect for families with:
- Children receiving SSI or disability benefits
- Family members with developmental disabilities
- Concerns about MassHealth eligibility
- Need to coordinate multiple family members' planning
Guardian Selection: The Most Important Decision
"A structured approach to choosing who raises your children"
Choosing guardians for your minor children is terrifying because it matters so much. This guide provides a systematic evaluation framework. Consider financial stability, parenting philosophy, geographic location, age considerations, and religious values. Includes conversation templates for discussing this with potential guardians.
Perfect for parents who:
- Have children under 18
- Haven't chosen guardians yet
- Need to choose between multiple good options
- Want to document their reasoning clearly
□ Complete Massachusetts Estate Planning Library
Get all six monographs together and save $55
Everything you need to understand Massachusetts estate planning from someone who spent 32 years protecting families just like yours.
□ Get Complete Library - Save $55Instant download • All formats included • Lifetime access
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can't I just get free information online?
Sure. You'll find thousands of generic articles. But they won't tell you Massachusetts-specific strategies. They won't give you decision frameworks. They won't include the tools and worksheets you need to actually implement anything. These monographs give you the complete picture based on 32 years of Massachusetts practice.
Will these replace legal advice?
No. You still need an attorney for custom planning and document creation. But monographs help you understand your options before spending $400-600/hour on consultations. You'll ask better questions and make more informed decisions. Most families save thousands by getting educated first for just $39.
Are these current with 2025 laws?
Yes. All monographs reflect current Massachusetts law as of 2025. They include the $2 million Massachusetts estate tax threshold, the $19,000 annual gift exclusion, and the $15 million federal estate tax exemption. Laws change, so always verify current rules with an attorney when implementing your plan.
What format do I get?
PDF format optimized for reading on any device. Print it if you prefer paper. Save it to your computer. Share it with your spouse. You get lifetime access to download anytime.
You're retired. Can you review my specific situation?
I can't take new clients since retiring in early 2025. But I'm happy to connect you with excellent Massachusetts estate planning attorneys who will take great care of you. Just email me and I'll make referrals based on your specific needs.
Ready to Stop Guessing?
Choose individual monographs for specific challenges or get the complete library and understand everything.
□ Get Complete Library - $179Or scroll up to choose individual monographs
Important Legal Disclaimer:
Joel Bernstein does not provide legal or tax advice. This information is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Any tax-related information discussed on this page is based on tax laws, regulations, or other guidance that are complex and subject to change. Additional tax rules not discussed here may be applicable to your situation.
The examples and scenarios in these monographs are fictional but based on real patterns observed during 32 years of estate planning practice. Your specific situation may be different and may require different strategies.
We recommend that you consult a qualified tax advisor or legal advisor about your individual situation. These monographs are educational resources to help you understand options before meeting with professionals.