# The Special Needs Planning Guide How can families of children with disabilities plan for lasting financial security at every stage of life? Find clear answers in **The Special Needs Planning Guide**, a step-by-step companion for parents as they progress through the complexities of planning for the future of their family and their child. Written by two financial planning experts who are also a parent and a sibling of a person with disabilities, this bestselling how-to guide is now in its second edition. Informed by decades of personal and professional experience, this reader-friendly guidebook will help families educate themselves about financial planning, create a complete action plan for their future, and provide the knowledge and the tools they need to work toward a secure and full life for their child. **WHAT’S NEW:** - Fully revised chapters and online resources - A 10-step process that breaks complex planning into manageable tasks - Letter of Intent now available as a fillable PDF - Excel worksheets for easy planning - New chapters on Foundational Financial Strategies and Tools, and Advanced Strategies and Special Circumstances - Guidance on creating a Team to Carry On beyond the parents’ lifetimes **SELECTED TOPICS COVERED:** special needs trusts funding · trustee selection · insurance strategies · investment guidance · estate planning · legal settlements · government benefits, such as SSI, SSDI, and housing benefits · goal-setting · advocacy · hiring financial and legal professionals · sibling considerations · contributions of extended support networks · retirement plans · guardianship and less restrictive alternatives ## Reviews Mary Ellen And Chuck Mayo, Parents of an adult with disabilities - January 13, 2022 “A road map for special needs parents that is both practical and comprehensive. This is a must-have read for parents and will emerge as important resource for policy makers. As parents, we wish this book had existed when we started down this pathway years ago." Michael Wehmeyer, Ross and Marianna Beach Distinguished Professor in Special Education, Director, Beach Center on Disability, University of Kansas - October 13, 2021 What I value most in this new edition is the comprehensive coverage that is presented in an approachable style. The second edition continues to emphasize the family in family planning, recognizing that every family is unique, that siblings may be the longest support for a family member with disability, and that a family member with a disability must have a meaningful voice in this process. Brian Skotko, Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital & Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School - September 30, 2021 Financial planning for a loved one with a disability no longer needs to be an overwhelming, confusing, and often avoided topic. With this book, caregivers receive clear and practical advice for every step along the life journey. The time to start is now. Authors: [Cynthia R. Haddad CFP®,ChSNC®](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3228&Name=Cynthia+R.+Haddad+CFP%c2%ae%2cChSNC%c2%ae), [John Nadworny M.B.A,CFP®](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=3227&Name=John+Nadworny+M.B.A%2cCFP%c2%ae) **Listen to a Podcast** [The Special Education Inner Circle Podcast Episode 162: Money Matters: Disability Planning Decisions](https://www.masteriepcoach.com/podcasts/special-education-inner-circle-2/episodes/2147830864) **Download a Tip Sheet** [The 10 Key Steps of Special Needs Planning](/content/resource-library/the-10-key-steps-of-special-needs-planning/index.html) **Watch a Webinar** [Top 5 Planning Tips for Families of People with Disabilities](https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4455576680522942223) This title has additional material available on the Brookes Download Hub. - Letter of Intent - Excel worksheets for easy planning - A fillable Special Needs Planning Timeline - Financial planning worksheets Visit the [Download Hub](https://downloads.brookespublishing.com/resource/the-special-needs-planning-guide/) for a preview of what’s available.