Living with autism is a full-time job for parents on a daily basis. Then one day your child turns 18 and it’s a whole different unfamiliar world of additional decisions, extra responsibilities, and added stress that you probably didn’t give much thought to when your child was younger. Finding a professional Special Needs Financial Planner may be the key solution to help give you direction, knowledge, and peace of mind that you are doing what is best for your child’s future. Keep in mind that your child’s future is going to be without you one day so you definitely want to avoid making mistakes that you can’t change after you are gone. It’s important to identity financial resources such as 401ks, inheritances, government benefits, insurance policies etc. Setting financial goals, funding a Special Needs Trust, legal planning, residential planning, estate planning, insurance policies and income tax preparation and filing are all part of the long term financial planning process that is needed for your young adult’s future. Getting assistance and being prepared is undoubtedly the best way to navigate through this whole process. The earlier parents can begin this process, the less overwhelming it will seem and the better prepared your young adult will be for his or her future.
Monarch Center for Autism: Financial Assistance and Tax Credits
Description: Learn about financial assistance and tax credits for families with autism.
Prosperity Life Planning
Description: A not-for-profit corporation dedicated to teaching families of disabled children and adults ways to provide for a financially comfortable quality of life, while preserving eligibility for governmental entitlements, such as Medicaid and SSI.
Blessed with Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Securing Financial Support for the Treatment of Children with Autism and Special Needs by Christina N. Peck
Financial Planning for Your Child with Autism: A Personal Journey, Guide, and Workbook by Richard S. Hoel
F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide Financial: Your Financial Blueprint for Autism by Greg Zibricky
The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child’s Life by John Nadworny CFP and Cynthia Haddad CFP
Special Needs Trusts: Protect Your Child’s Financial Future 6th Edition by Kevin Urbatsch and Michelle Fuller
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: 7 Financial Planning Mistakes Special Needs Families Should Avoid
Description: This blog talks about the seven different areas of mistakes that parents frequently make in financial planning.
Forum/Blog Name: The Team Approach to Financial Planning for Families with Special-Needs Dependents
Description: This well referenced Journal provides information on all aspects of financial planning for families with special-needs dependents.
Forum/Blog Name: Special Needs Financial Planning
Description: This blog covers a wide range of topics related to financial planning for autism: estate planning, college saving, retirement accounts and special needs trusts, financial factors and much more.
Forum/Blog Name: Special Needs Seniors ? Planning for the Future of this Vulnerable Population
Description: This blog discusses the common financial problems and concerns that occur in this aging population. The goal is to provide as many resources for seniors with special needs disabilities so they receive the care they often do not receive. Financial resources are available to this population and this blog outlines many of the federal and state resources and programs available. Also included are resources from private programs and information on special needs trusts, insurances and other financial planning information.
