Kelly Piacenti, ChSNC®, Head of SpecialCare at MassMutual, educates Joe and Rooster on a range of very important topics for those caring for, or living with, people with special needs. Kelly’s late son, Nick, inspired her to do what she does today — to make everyone’s life a little easier. Kelly doesn’t believe in “disinheriting” and shares invaluable insight into how we can leave money to our loved ones with special needs when we die, without disqualifying them from government benefits. Topics range from financial planning and drafting a letter of intent, to navigating guardianship/conservatorship and exploring special needs trusts, as Kelly opens our minds to the resources of SpecialCare. Kelly reinforces, “It is great to have a plan in your head, but if it is not on paper, no one can help execute your plan when you are gone!”

Email us at Podcast@AinsleysAngels.org if you would like a copy of Kelly’s “Letter of Intent” template.

Email ADP@AinsleysAngels.org if you might want to apply for the next Ally Development Program, powered by MassMutual.

Here is a short description of the workshops mentioned by Kelly:

10 Basic Financial Steps for Special Needs Caregivers: This workshop will discuss 10 basic steps to help caregivers get started in preparing for the financial future of their dependent with special needs. As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs, the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. There are some needs that will always be present and they must be carefully considered and planned for appropriately. This workshop addresses such critical issues as applying for government benefits for Social Security and Medicaid, creating a Special Needs Trust, the importance of a Will and considering a Letter of Intent. Taking these 10 basic steps now can help ensure the type of care and quality of life for a loved one’s well-being today and tomorrow.

ABLE Accounts: President Barack Obama signed the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE Act on December 19, 2014 as part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. This law allows qualified individuals with disabilities to have a tax-advantaged savings account. This workshop provides information of ABLE accounts, as well as overview on special needs trusts as possible planning tools to enhance the quality of live for a loved one with special needs.

Letter of Intent: A letter of intent is a way of communicating your desires and concerns, as well as caregiving instructions to future caregivers, guardians, trustees and advocates of dependents with special needs. This workshop will discuss how a letter of intent can be used as part of the special needs planning process. Although not a legally binding document, it will allow future caregivers to more quickly learn how to deliver the very best care possible.

https://www.massmutual.com/specialcare