“T’is the season to be jolly” and I hope Santa brings lots of presents for all the family this year. Even I relax the purse string around this time of year but… a warning to all my families…. I will be contacting you in the New Year to touch base and encourage (lecture) you to clear any credit cards bills in full !!! As 2013 draws to a close, I thought it only right to reflex on our two key messages in 2013.
First Message
Start to save a small percentage of your child current entitlements for their future. It is great that so many parents have taken my advice on this issue. Safe in the knowledge they have made great strides in 2013 in giving their child a securer future.
That’s the feedback I receive from so many parents regarding setting up and funding a Special Needs Trust Fund. Trust Funds start at €10 per week and are a defining factor in the quality of life of special needs children when they become adults.
Second Message
Our second message was to utilise the enormous benefits of Special Needs Trust. It surprised me how many parents were unaware of Special Needs Trust and how little guidance they have received on this essential subject.
I believe I have helped in some small way in preventing parents passing on savings, assets, money or inheritance to their child outside of a Special Needs Trust. This gives me great pleasure in knowing these children will never be prevented from accessing any means-tested entitlement or service in the future.
Appreciation
I want to thank so many parents for taking the time to sit down with me and plan their child’s future financial situation. I am very privilege in been given this responsibility and it is something I take extremely serious. I also appreciate you reading my articles over the last 12 months and your feedback is always welcome.
My intention is to work even harder in 2014 (don’t tell my wife!) as I feel not enough children have a secure future as their parents may not know of the steps to take.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, full of all the joys this season brings and a future filled with happiness.
This article was prepared by Allan Cuthbert, a Special Needs Trust Planner. If you would like to discuss your child’s Special Needs Trust in private, feel free to email allan@financialwellbeing.ie or call 021 482 3635. To understand the significance and benefits of setting up a Special Needs Trust, check out www.financialwellbeing.ie