Special Needs Families
Helping Parents and Caregivers
Everyone knows that raising a child or taking care of a family member can be expensive. Financial planning can be even more complicated for children and family members with disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost to raise a child to age 17 is $233,610.1 Autism Speaks estimates that the lifetime cost to raise a child with autism or an intellectual disability is $1.4 to $2.4 million.2 However, the costs associated with a disability vary greatly depending on the type and severity. Still, no matter what your family may be facing, many conditions acquire high costs that you may feel unprepared to handle.
Here at U-Vest®, we are prepared to help guide families with special needs through complex financial decisions. Our very own CEO, Michael Davino, has a son with Down Syndrome. He understands first-hand the financial and emotional challenges you may face. Helping other families dealing with similar issues is a cause near and dear to his heart. It is a huge reason why our team has an in-depth knowledge of the best financial strategies to help support families caring for a person with disabilities.
1https://www.policygenius.com/blog/financial-planning-child-disability/#:~:text=It%20costs%20an%20estimated%20%24233%2C610,is%20%241.4%20to%20%242.4%20million
2https://www.policygenius.com/blog/financial-planning-child-disability/#:~:text=It%20costs%20an%20estimated%20%24233%2C610,is%20%241.4%20to%20%242.4%20million
Investing In You
As parents of children with special needs, one of the most important factors is not just to have a sound financial plan for your child, but also for you and your family. This stability helps you focus on what’s most important, and not financial stress. Our team will help guide your family on investments, retirement plans, and insurance needs, so you can focus on your family.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses differ from family to family. That's why we have an in-depth discussion with our clients in which we evaluate current medical costs and plan for future ones.
Professional Caregivers
As you balance your work-life with your caregiving life, you may want to consider hiring a professional to care for your family member. We can help you prepare financially.
Education
Your loved one may require special education services that cater to their specific needs. If necessary, we can help allocate finances to support their education.
Special Needs Trust (SNT)
To have $2,000 in your disabled family member’s name will disqualify your child or sibling from receiving assistance from the federal government. Therefore, becoming the beneficiary of your assets may not be an option. The alternative is to create a trust specifically designed for beneficiaries who are disabled. That way, the child or sibling can benefit and still be eligible for future assistance from the government.
Your Other Children's Financial Needs
If you have other children, we can make sure your financial plan takes them into account, also. Whether it's an education fund for college or a savings plan for their future, we can help plan it.
Savings and Retirement
Although your finances may seem hectic at the moment, we can help balance the needs of your family with long-term savings and retirement goals.
ABLE Accounts
Some states, like Florida, have ABLE Accounts, which allow you to save and invest tax free, without losing any government benefits. Before opening one, our team can guide you through the pros and cons, and help you understand If it’s the best fit for your child.