Nervous about paying a fee when you sit down with someone? Why is it that some advisors are free and some charge? Listen to this case study to find out why we charge a fee to meet and why it is beneficial for you to pay! We believe free advice is free advice. In our industry, someone sitting down with you for free is most likely a young advisor with minimal experience or a commission based advisor looking to provide you with a product. We charge a fee because that is how we make a living, with fees. We do not look to make money from providing products. Not all advisors who will meet you for free is bad but we do believe you get what you pay for. 

We have been doing a lot of research with 529 plans because of college savings and the newly introduced ABLE Accounts. After you get done with this podcast, check out our previous podcast posted specifically about ABLE Accounts!

"Paul Curley, CFA, is Director of College Savings Research at Strategic Insight, where he oversees data, research, consulting and events on 529 savings plans, 529 prepaid plans and ABLE accounts for institutional clients. He is also the Editor of the 529 Dash e-newsletter and 529 Insiders website for advisors, accountants and estate planners."

Check out more about Mr. Curley and Strategic Insight on their website below:

https://www.strategic-i.com/our-research-team/paul-curley/

Bette Ann Mobley is the Director at Maryland ABLE and does amazing work with the special needs community. This is a podcast you won't want to miss!

This is all about the ABLE Account! This account can be an extremely helpful tool in helping you afford the costly lifestyle that comes with your special needs person. This account isn't just for poor people or just for rich people, it is simply a tool you should consider if you are taking care of a special needs individual. Listen to this amazing podcast to learn more details!

Check out more information on their website below:

https://www.marylandable.org/ 

Angela Lello is the Senior Director of Public Policy for the Autism Speaks Advocacy Team. Earlier this year, there was an announcement that RAISE Family Caregivers Act was signed into law! But, what does that means for families and caregivers? Check out this weeks episode to get some more details! You can find out more about Ms. Lello and the amazing work done over at Autism Speaks by looking at their website below. They are a huge organization and do so much for the special needs community.

Check out their website below to learn about Autism Speaks and the RAISE Family Caregivers Act:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/advocacy/advocacy-news/raise-family-caregivers-act-signed-law

"Illness has no off season, no matter the outcome we know the game is never over. The Team Up For 1 Foundation (TU41) mission is to enhance the quality of life for children (and their families) with developmental disabilities, chronic and life threatening illnesses. TU41 engages the sports world by matching children with teams from every competitive level – college, high school and professional. Through MVP Ceremonies, team activities and endless TU41 programs – children and families leave behind their heavy burden and receive support and compassion to improve their quality of life. TU41 offers programs supporting parents and siblings as part of caring for the child."

Check out more great information and resources on their website below. See what this amazing non-profit is doing to make a strong impact in the special needs community!

https://www.teamupfor1.org/

Cathy Schmidt Founder andExecutive Director

PATH International Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning

"Established in 2003, CTR’s mission is to “encourage healing and celebrate life with individuals and groups whose minds, bodies and spirits will benefit from the transformative connection between people and horses.” CTR’s certified staff and trained volunteers are dedicated to serving individuals and groups through customized, innovative programming that occurs year-round."

Check out more about Cathy and her team on their website!

http://ctrchanginglives.org/about-us-2/our-team-3/

Check this bio out below, see their three newly released titles from their social book series "Lou Knows What To Do" & much more on their website: http://www.sociabilitybooks.com/about.html

Kimberly Tice, M.S, CCC-SLP has over 10 years experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a certified special education teacher and speech-language pathologist in both New York and Florida. She has experience in providing individual and group interventions in the areas of literacy, social skills, feeding, and language in a variety of settings. In 2013, Kim opened a private practice to focus on providing social language skills intervention to children with ASD. Re-directing her efforts to being the ultimate speechie mom, she currently holds a part-time position at a charter school that primarily serves students ages 5-18 with ASD. Aside from her professional background, Kim enjoys running marathons and spending time with her family.

Venita Litvack, M.A., CCC-SLP has over 5 years experience working with individuals with  ASD as a behavioral assistant and speech-language pathologist. She has delivered several presentations at the national American Speech-Language Hearing Association Convention and has assisted research projects targeting literacy-based interventions. For leisure, Venita enjoys spin class and cycling with her husband in addition to seeking out new places to visit.

 I have been on a mission to help others restore themselves to a vibrant and healthy state, using holistic approaches that empower you to take back your life. I firmly believe that just because you have a challenging child doesn’t mean you have to be “sick” with stress, worry, or despair. You can find emotional well­being, peace, and happiness again.

http://www.mad2glad.com/

My approach in health coaching helps you recover your child from symptoms of:

▪           Autism

▪           ADHD

▪           Sensory Processing Disorder

▪           “Almost autism”

▪           PDD-NOS

"This type of coaching supports your child’s adrenal health and thyroid health while controlling inflammation, which is a hallmark of neurodevelopmental disorders.

I can teach you which diet, lifestyle and therapy choices can help recover your child’s health as well as how they affect gut dysbiosis and immune dysregulation.

In addition, each child is different, so I help you understand the pros and cons of each type of intervention as it relates to your child.

I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that I look at how all areas of your child’s life are connected."

For more information about Maria Rickert Hong, please check out her website below:

www.mariarickerthong.com