KRISTIN CARLETON lives with her husband and two children in Richmond, Virginia. She founded All Needs Planning with two other special needs mothers who knew there had to be a better way to support families needing special needs planning. Her sig­nature method of addressing care needs, protections, and growth opportunities ensures holistic planning that meets the needs of every family member.KATHY MATTHEWS, PHD, lives with her two sons in Powhatan, Virginia. She joined All Needs Planning with a quest to answer the question, “What does your family need?” instead of “How do we fit your family into what already exists?” Dr. Matthews earned her doctorate from Columbia University in human behavior and uses her expertise in special education to lead the Special Needs Master Class.MARY McDIRMID lives with her husband and two daughters in Spokane, Washington. Mary became a special needs planner when her daughter was in the NICU, bringing empathy and understanding from her personal experience to every client interaction. Her mission is to make sure families feel seen, connected with, and valued.

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• Preface xiAuthor’s Statement on Publishing and Ai Assistance xiiiChapter 1 Introduction to Our Journeys 1Chapter 2 Introduction to Special Needs Planning 9Chapter 3 Advocacy Within the Planning Process 23Chapter 4 Understanding and Building Your Care Plan 41Chapter 5 Financial Planning Over Two Generations 63Chapter 6 Government Benefits and Special Needs Planning 95Chapter 7 Tax Flexibility and Strategy 119Chapter 8 Insurance: Protecting the Future with Confidence 131Chapter 9 Estate Planning Strategies and Concepts 147Chapter 10 Special Needs Trusts: Their Role in Estate Planning 161Chapter 11 Decision-making Support: Balancing Protection and Autonomy 175Chapter 12 Investing for Two Lifetimes: Building Enduring Wealth Through Income and Growth 189Chapter 13 Self-care: Preserving Your Health, Identity, and Well-being 203Chapter 14 Relax and Enjoy 217Chapter 15 Planning for Military Families 231Chapter 16 Education, Section 504, IEPs, and Your Child 245Chapter 17 Special Needs Planning and Grandparents 261Chapter 18 Sibling Supports 271Conclusion: The First Step Is Yours 283Notes 287Acknowledgments 291About the Authors 293Index 295

KRISTIN CARLETON lives with her husband and two children in Richmond, Virginia. She founded All Needs Planning with two other special needs mothers who knew there had to be a better way to support families needing special needs planning. Her sig­nature method of addressing care needs, protections, and growth opportunities ensures holistic planning that meets the needs of every family member.KATHY MATTHEWS, PHD, lives with her two sons in Powhatan, Virginia. She joined All Needs Planning with a quest to answer the question, “What does your family need?” instead of “How do we fit your family into what already exists?” Dr. Matthews earned her doctorate from Columbia University in human behavior and uses her expertise in special education to lead the Special Needs Master Class.MARY McDIRMID lives with her husband and two daughters in Spokane, Washington. Mary became a special needs planner when her daughter was in the NICU, bringing empathy and understanding from her personal experience to every client interaction. Her mission is to make sure families feel seen, connected with, and valued.

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• Preface xiAuthor’s Statement on Publishing and Ai Assistance xiiiChapter 1 Introduction to Our Journeys 1Chapter 2 Introduction to Special Needs Planning 9Chapter 3 Advocacy Within the Planning Process 23Chapter 4 Understanding and Building Your Care Plan 41Chapter 5 Financial Planning Over Two Generations 63Chapter 6 Government Benefits and Special Needs Planning 95Chapter 7 Tax Flexibility and Strategy 119Chapter 8 Insurance: Protecting the Future with Confidence 131Chapter 9 Estate Planning Strategies and Concepts 147Chapter 10 Special Needs Trusts: Their Role in Estate Planning 161Chapter 11 Decision-making Support: Balancing Protection and Autonomy 175Chapter 12 Investing for Two Lifetimes: Building Enduring Wealth Through Income and Growth 189Chapter 13 Self-care: Preserving Your Health, Identity, and Well-being 203Chapter 14 Relax and Enjoy 217Chapter 15 Planning for Military Families 231Chapter 16 Education, Section 504, IEPs, and Your Child 245Chapter 17 Special Needs Planning and Grandparents 261Chapter 18 Sibling Supports 271Conclusion: The First Step Is Yours 283Notes 287Acknowledgments 291About the Authors 293Index 295