Planning for your child’s future often feels like navigating the Choice Overload Paradox—a phenomenon where too many options or an unknown outcome due to inexperience leads to indecision, decreased satisfaction, and even regret. Instead of feeling empowered, people become overwhelmed, exhausted, or avoid making a choice altogether.
Here’s the truth: parking cash over the long term doesn’t protect your money—it slowly eats it away. Thanks to inflation, that “safe” $100,000 may be worth half its value in just a couple decades. That’s not preserving capital. That’s quietly losing ground.
Keeping up with government benefits is a full-time job—on top of the one you already have. Rules change. Eligibility shifts. And missing the fine print could mean missing out on real help. That’s why we’re here. To keep you informed on the things that matter, so you can focus on what matters most: your family. Here’s one of those key updates…
If you're a caregiver receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) income, you've probably heard that those wages aren’t taxable—as long as you live in the same home as the person you’re caring for. That’s true for federal taxes. But when it comes to Social Security, the rules shift. Many people are surprised to learn that IHSS income, while tax-exempt, still counts as earned income under Social Security’s rules—and that can quietly reduce your benefits if you file before your full retirement age.
After eliminating the asset test in 2024, California is reversing course. The 2024–25 budget brings back limits on savings and retirement accounts for Medi-Cal eligibility, and the change could have real consequences for those who rely on this essential coverage.
Leaving a home to your child with special needs can be an act of love and protection, but it comes with real-world responsibilities and risks. Before deciding whether to transfer title outright, whether in their name or in trust, here are a few practical things to consider beyond the legal and benefits issues: