The most dangerous phrase in special needs planning

Hey Fam,

Last week I promised to break down the one planning mistake I see more than any other.

Here it is:

"I have life insurance. I'm covered."

I hear it every week. And every time, my next question is the same:

"Covered for what, exactly?"

A few days ago, a mom posted in an amazing Facebook group that she was opening an ABLE account and that she already had life insurance in place.

She was proud. And she should be. That's more than most families have done.

But when I asked one question, "Is the coverage enough, is it coordinated with your estate plan, and does it address long-term care for you?", she replied:

"I need help and advice for sure."

She was doing the right things. But no one was helping her see if the pieces actually connected.

I get it. I've been there.

When Eli and I first started planning for our family, Christian, Amanda, our future, I thought checking the boxes meant we were covered.

Life insurance? Got it. Letter of Intent? Done. ABLE account? On the list.

But when I looked closer, with the eyes of someone who does this for a living, I saw gaps I didn't even know existed.

It happens to the best of us.

Speaking of, I'm going live about this on January 20th.

I'm joining Paul Sullivan from The Company of Dads for a free virtual event. We're covering the first steps after diagnosis, 3 mistakes fathers should avoid, and preparing for lifelong care.

Dads, this one's for you. Moms, send this to your partner.

This is what I see over and over:

Parents funding ABLE accounts. Researching 529s. Buying life insurance online and checking the box.

Feeling covered.

But here's what no one tells you:

You might be planning in the wrong order.

You can't work for 12 months, what happens to your ABLE contributions?

You get too sick to pay premiums, what happens to that online policy?

A guardian steps in and quits their job, did your coverage account for that?

Divorced? Remarried? Second child?, when's the last time you updated your beneficiaries?

And the big one:

You're protecting your child's future 20 years from now. But who's protecting YOU getting there?

Here's the truth:

That employer life insurance? Gone if you leave your job. Or get too sick to work.

That online policy? Probably not enough. Probably not structured right. Might disqualify your child from benefits if it pays directly to them.

That ABLE account? Great tool. But it doesn't replace income if something happens to you tomorrow.

I'm not saying you've done anything wrong.

I'm saying no one is helping you stress-test how all the pieces connect.

The professionals aren't talking to each other. And you're left doing this solo—Googling at midnight, hoping you're not missing something.

You probably are. Most families are.

That's not a failure. That's a gap no one showed you.

If you've ever said "I have life insurance, I'm covered" and felt a tiny voice whisper "...but is it enough?", let's find out.

I'm opening up 15-minute calls this month to stress-test your plan.

No pitch. No pressure. Just a second set of eyes on what you have and what might be missing.

Book Your Call

One conversation. That's all it takes to know if you're actually covered, or just hoping you are.

You're not behind. You're not lazy. You're just planning alone.

Let's fix that.

P.S. Next week: The document most families forget to write. If something happens to you tonight, would the people stepping in actually know how to care for your child? Most families don't have this in writing. We'll fix that.

Verse of the Week:

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."

— Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical, medical, financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult licensed professionals who understand your individual situation.