In his newly released book, Planning for Two Lifetimes™, financial planning specialist Michael Ringel, CPA, RICP®, ChSNC®, CEPA®, addresses what he describes as a silent but growing crisis in American financial planning. “Families with special needs children must plan for two lifetimes. That requires a completely different level of structure and protection.”A Growing Financial BurdenResearch shows families raising children with disabilities face significantly higher financial strain. A recent national survey found that families of children with disabilities were nearly twice as likely to experience financial hardship related to health care costs compared to families without disabilities. Yet special needs planning remains highly specialized — and many general financial advisors lack the expertise required to properly coordinate benefits, estate planning, and asset protection.

Source: Washington Post February 28, 2026 22:12 UTC