FINANCIAL PLANNING
Special Needs Financial
Planning When Life Changes
By Ryan F. PLATT, MBA, ChFC, ChSNC
As families plan for the secure future of a loved one with
autism, it is commonplace that the plan is updated due
to changes in the family situation or in the life of the
individual with the diagnosis. For example: A future chosen guardian is now no longer able
to serve as guardian due to their own situation,
which necessitates a change to the guardian
choice.
If your loved one begins working, the new income
will need to be factored into future planning, and
the changes that brings to government benefit
qualification must also be factored in. A Corporate Trustee for the Special Needs Trust
changes trust minimums and how they accept
new trust accounts, and your family no longer
qualifies under the new rules. This means the
family must change their trustee choice.
Living in the community versus with family mem-
bers will change the financial need, and the plan
must be adjusted.
68 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 68
Parents have to move from area because of job
change.