The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life [With Cdrm]

I researched and ordered several books on the subject in preparation for creating my own son's Special Needs Trust, Limited Conservatorship, life planning, etc. This one puts it all together very well, and is a must have, and a must read. It was evident that the authors are experts in the financial planning field and have combined their professional expertise with their personal knowledge and passion as parents with special needs children of their own. This book will be an excellent resource for parents, family members and anyone who is involved with special needs children and adults. Mike San Diego, CA

I have yet to completely read either book I ordered, but my first impression is that I'm glad I ordered "The Special Needs Planning Guide." At first, I was only going to order the "Special Needs Trust Administration Manual." This "Planning Guide" appears to be less about the legal terms and more about the overall life one will now lead with a Special Needs family member. It divides up the stages of life, and chapters of the book, by milestones the Special Needs individual will experience throughout his or her life. It doesn't have to be read in order. If you have a Special Needs child who is about to turn 18 and become an adult, you could read the introduction and go right to that chapter/section. In the introduction, it states that the authors have taken into account the emotional aspects involved in the different stages and those emotions experienced by all members of the team/family. I have a feeling that I am going to get more out of this book than the original book I purchased regarding a Special Needs Trust administration. If I had completely read the book, I'm thinking I'd be giving it a 5 star rating...but keep in mind; at this point, I have only read the introduction, parts of the first chapter and skimmed the rest of the book. It's meant to be with you as a resource throughout your life and the life of the individual with special needs.

In a word, this book is a goldmine. The book explains the differences between traditional and special needs financial planning and outlines extensively and concretely the questions you need to be asking yourself in order to be able to come up with some answers to very difficult planning questions. These authors address not only the financial piece of the puzzle but also integrate the family, psychological, and legal aspects of planning. The book is clearly laid out, addresses the planning needs in childhood, adolescence and adulthood and the authors shows a deep understanding of the highly difficult process of planning for the future of a disabled individual. The book provides a clear direction for what you need to be doing and when and greatly reduced my own feeling of being overwhelmed.

A comprehensive guide with plenty of real world scenarios, tools, and advice. By far the best guide I have read so far. If you have a family member who lives with special needs, take this book to your financial adviser. If they are not aware of this info, find a new adviser. In special needs planning, doing the wrong thing can be worse than doing nothing at all.