Video Resources

We’re shedding light on two vital government programs that often get confused: Medicare and Medicaid. While these programs share similar names, they serve different purposes and populations—primarily helping those who are retired or living with disabilities. Join us as we explore how and why Medicare and Medicaid were established, and break down the key features that set them apart. With a clearer understanding of these programs, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the healthcare system and tap into resources that can benefit you and your family.

In this episode of "Ask an Advisor", Rhett will walk you through the 2025 annual updates that every family with special needs should know—from changes in Social Security benefits to new thresholds for SSI, SSDI, and substantial gainful activity limits. These figures may seem like small details, but for families who rely on crucial government programs and resources, even slight shifts can significantly impact eligibility, monthly budgets, and long-term financial planning. By staying informed on the latest updates, you ensure that your loved ones with special needs receive the support they deserve and that your family remains prepared for the road ahead. Let’s dive into the numbers and break down what they mean for you.

Welcome to our Ask an Advisor series! Today, we’re joined by Rhett Beal, Chartered Special Needs Advisor, here to share some important updates from the IRS for 2025. With the newly released COLA adjustments, we’ll be diving into what these changes mean for federal SSI and SSDI benefits, as well as updated resource limits. Understanding these adjustments can be essential for planning your financial future and maximizing benefits, especially for families and individuals with special needs. Be sure to stay tuned through November and December as we bring you more critical updates for the new year. Let’s get started!

In our latest Ask an Advisor video, Rhett Beal, our Chartered Special Needs Advisor, dives into a powerful strategy for families with special needs: leveraging itemized health expenses. When certain medical or therapeutic services are paid for out-of-pocket, a Letter of Medical Necessity can allow these costs to qualify as tax-deductible expenses. This means that by covering essential health services independently—without relying on government funding—you may be able to reduce your tax burden significantly. Join Rhett as he breaks down how to approach these expenses smartly and discusses which services may be eligible, helping you keep more of what matters most: resources for your loved one’s care.

In this edition of our Ask an Advisor series, Chartered Special Needs Advisor Rhett Beal dives into Tax-Smart Strategies for Medical Expenses—an area that can significantly impact special needs families. In the featured video, Rhett shares insights into how a Letter of Medical Necessity can be a powerful tool to minimize tax implications and make the most of your hard-earned dollars when covering essential services and equipment. Whether it’s securing necessary adaptive devices or managing ongoing medical costs, Rhett offers practical guidance to help you navigate these critical areas of financial planning.

Estate planning becomes even more complex when it involves the unique needs of a child with special needs. It’s not just about dividing assets equally among your heirs; it’s about ensuring that each child has the resources necessary to thrive in their individual circumstances. In this article, we’ll look at scenarios where an unequal distribution of assets might make sense—whether that means directing more resources to your child with special needs or ensuring your other children are well-supported. We’ll also provide guidance on how to approach these important decisions and communicate them effectively with your family to maintain harmony and understanding. This thoughtful approach can help ensure that each child is cared for in a way that reflects their unique needs and circumstances, while preserving fairness and financial stability for all.