Planning for the future when you have loved ones with special needs can feel overwhelming and scary. Mark Stratton, LUTCF®, CFP®, ChSNC®, dad of four, has significant experience in this area with both a personal and a professional perspective. Whether you’ve worked with Mark before or you happened upon this blog by search, it’s important to know his heart for others is to instil a sense of hope for the future. When he and his wife, Austin, found out both their youngest daughters had special needs, it would’ve been easy to let fear take over. However, the same hope they decided to focus on is what Mark chooses to share with his clients. Read below for Mark’s answers to commonly asked questions for this important area of future planning.
- How has having children with special needs changed the way you and your spouse financially plan for the future?
We no longer have the luxury of hoping or expecting that all our children will be financially independent at some point. For some of us who have kids with special needs, it means we have to think differently about how our loved one can pursue their ambitions and interests. It compels us to think about strategies that preserve Medicaid, SSI benefits and other programs that may help leverage our own resources. We need to revisit our financial planning techniques, our estate planning, and our risk management strategies to derive how much we need to be saving for their care.
- What is one thing you see people underestimate when caring for a loved one with special needs?
I have noticed there’s a great feeling of being overwhelmed and a lot of fear about what the future could look like. We see a lot of: “I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to retire or be debt-free.'' The biggest underestimation is that there generally is hope and a workable plan; by taking action, you can work towards regaining control over your situation and take positive steps in planning for your future.
- What is something you wish everyone knew about financial planning when caring for a loved one with special needs?
THERE IS HOPE! But… you have to choose hope. To choose hope can be a very difficult thing because it means facing the multitude of potential realities that could be around the corner. It means that you may have to face some very big emotional and mental giants today. But, what I have found is that by facing those giants, comes hope. There is usually a workable plan and things that can be done to help you realize your vision for the future.
- What has the journey been like for you and your family?
It’s been full of change. Having two kids with special needs, there’s a lot to consider when planning. It was really emotional and hard to hear that there was something going on with our kiddo that I couldn't fix. As a dad, you’re wired to fix things. It’s hard to receive and embrace the news, which is why we decided to host our webinar entitled “Facing the Giants.” It feels like a giant you that don’t know what to do with, and you have to deal with it.
Here are a few tips that really help:
1. Living for today, is key
2. Enjoying who your loved one is and where they are today, brings joy
3. Do not have an expectation for the future - good or bad
4. Celebrate the small victories- new capabilities and abilities!
5. Do not fear of the future
You have to choose joy and it’s a joyful process to celebrate our loved ones! Don’t forget that.
- What is the one thing someone can begin doing today to better prepare for their future?
tart by crystallizing your vision for the future. The best thing anyone can do is ask: “what do I want the future to look like?” and think “what have I done?” Then, mash the two questions together to figure out how to turn your vision of the future into tomorrow's reality. Start to align your actions to your goals. Here are some great resources to also help you get started.
To set up an appointment with Mark visit here.
Kind Regards,
Mark Stratton, LUTCF®, CFP®, ChSNC®
