Should I open an ABLE account for my child with a disability?

Physician Family Financial Advisors Podcast; Personal Finance for Doctors with Children

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Ben Utley and Nate Reineke discuss the importance of financial planning for families with children who have disabilities, focusing on the benefits of ABLE accounts. They explain how these accounts can enhance financial security and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The hosts share personal anecdotes, address common questions, and emphasize the necessity of proactive planning to meet the unique challenges faced by these families.

Key Highlights:

1. Introduction to ABLE Accounts:

- ABLE accounts, or Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts, are designed to assist families in saving for the financial needs of individuals with disabilities.

- The hosts emphasize the significance of having a dedicated account for expenses related to education, health care, and housing, allowing families to save without affecting eligibility for government benefits.

2. Determining Financial Support Needs:

- The discussion includes the need for families to define the financial support required for a child with special needs throughout their life.

- Tools like the MIT living wage calculator can assist families in estimating living costs and setting realistic savings goals.

3. Tax Advantages of ABLE Accounts:

- The hosts highlight the tax-free growth feature of ABLE accounts, allowing funds to be invested without incurring taxes on earnings, similar to how a Roth IRA operates.

- Recent changes in regulations that broaden eligibility for contributions to these accounts are also discussed, which could benefit more families.

4. Impact of Family Dynamics:

- Open communication about financial planning within families is stressed, encouraging discussions on contributions and support strategies.

- The emotional aspects of planning for a child's future are recognized, acknowledging that these conversations can be both challenging and essential.

5. Considerations for College Funding:

- The episode explores how ABLE accounts relate to 529 college savings plans, clarifying their use for educational expenses.

- Families are encouraged to review their options, balancing current savings with the potential future needs of their children.

6. Taking Action and Building a Plan:

- Ben and Nate emphasize the importance of starting the financial planning process early to ensure readiness for a child's long-term needs.

- Practical steps for families considering ABLE accounts include understanding the application process and identifying optimal funding strategies.

Actionable Advice:

- Get Personalized Financial Advice:

For tailored financial guidance that suits your needs, visit www.physicianfamily.com to connect with a professional advisor.

- Have a Question?

Send your questions to [e-mail] or call 503-308-8733, and your query might be featured in a future episode!

Resources Mentioned:

- The Overtaxed Doctor's Retirement Investing Checklist: https://www.physicianfamily.com/go

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