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What makes our special needs financial planning services different?

We know that you or your dependent is more than just a diagnosis. Everyone’s journey is their own and each of us experiences the world differently from one another. The reason we understand is because we’ve been there ourselves. Our team’s knowledge has been obtained not only through education and work, but also through personal experience. In fact, Andrew Komarow, our company’s founder, received his autism diagnosis late in life. It answered many questions about the struggles he experienced while growing up and as a young adult. Having had this experience, Andrew utilizes his strength as a Certified Financial Planner™ and dedicates himself to aiding the autism and special needs communities.

What do Special Needs Advisors do?

Special Needs Advisors provide advice on benefits, resources, potential obstacles, and next steps to help families and individuals with autism and other disabilities achieve their desired level(s) of independence. Our clients choose the Special Needs Advisor's level of engagement based on their level of need and budget.

Special Needs Advisors assess the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families; helping them with decisions such as:

  • How to care for an individual with disabilities as an adult
  • Potential tax deductions (qualified disability expenses)
  • How to incorporate ABLE accounts & Special Needs Trusts
  • How to prepare for the loss of one or more both parent/caregiver

Typically, Special Needs Advisors will:

  • Meet with clients to discuss their goals for financial independence, and to explain the services they can provide to potential clients
  • Educate clients about how to qualify for, and when to apply for, state and federal benefits
  • Develop an action plan with next steps and introduce clients to other professionals who can help them achieve their goals such as certified financial planners, insurance providers, attorneys, accountants, nonprofits, and education advocates
  • Help clients plan for specific circumstances, such as aging out of high school, parent divorce, guardianship vs supported decision making, Medicaid waiver services (for example self-directed vs using agencies at age 21), applying for SSI, preparing for life when a parent can no longer care for them
  • Monitor clients’ circumstances and determine if changes/updates are needed to accommodate life changes, such as getting married or having children
  • Research and answer questions clients may have regarding their specific circumstances.

Special Needs Advisors can also…

  • Assess the needs of individuals with autism and other disabilities and their families, helping them with decisions such as:
  • Special education and special needs planning
  • Guardianship and conservatorship
  • Help clients plan for short- and long-term goals, such as meeting independent living goals, retirement planning for the care team as a whole, and funding multiple lifestyles of multiple generations
  • Life insurance, estate planning and disability planning
  • Customized Investment Management, charitable giving and other estate and trust management services