What Does a Chartered Special Needs Consultant® Do?
In the U.S. alone, 1 in 4 Americans have a disability. For the families of those with loved ones who have special needs, financial and estate planning can be of critical importance. It’s imperative to have a financial planning advisor who is qualified to deal with your unique situation. The area of special needs planning requires specialized knowledge of various disabilities, government benefits, special needs estate planning laws, and funding strategies for special needs trusts. A Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) is a highly specialized designation given to financial planners who have (a) at least 5 years of professional financial services experience or the practice of law, or (b) 4 years of professional financial services experience and an undergraduate degree, as well as completed specific coursework and prerequisites.
What areas can someone who is ChSNC® qualified help me with?
This highly specialized area of planning proves useful for those looking to think long-term about the financial and estate needs of a family members with disability. According to The American College, those with the ChSNC® designation are qualified to help caregivers and families of those with special needs in the areas of:
- Special education
- Family dynamics
- Emotional and language considerations
- Disability law
- Special needs trusts
- Life insurance
- Government benefits
- The ABLE Act
- Estate planning
- Retirement planning for three people
Designees must adhere to The American College's Code of Ethics and complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years.
How Chatterton and Associates can help
Finding a financial advisor who is qualified to answer questions pertaining to your unique special needs situation shouldn’t be so stressful. A Chartered Special Needs Consultant® can help you plan for the future by helping you design and implement a financial plan for your loved one, or discussing your financial concerns around estate planning for your loved one when you are worried about financial hardship.
If you are looking to put your mind at ease regarding the financial and estate planning care of those loved ones with special needs, contact us today. Our financial planner Eric Oh is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Special Needs Consultant® and would be happy to listen and help explore your options.
Sincerely,
The Team at Chatterton & Associates
