Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) are joined by Betsy Larson, a financial planner for families with special needs. Betsy emphasizes the importance of planning for a "three-person" retirement, considering the needs of both parents and their child with disabilities. Betsy talks about her "bucket plan," (categorizing funds into now, soon, and later) to manage finances effectively. Betsy highlights common mistakes, such as not planning at all or leaving assets directly to a child, and stresses the importance of tax-efficient strategies, like using life insurance and Able accounts. The trio also cover the necessity of family conversations and proper inheritance planning to ensure long-term financial stability. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Special needs planning, financial planner, three-person retirement, government benefits, bucket plan, now bucket, preservation bucket, distribution bucket, special needs trust, Able account, tax management, inheritance, guardianship, letter of intent, legacy planning.

Links:
Special Needs Advanced Planning (link)
YouTube Channel (link)
Podshare - Six Pillars of Financial Planning (link)
Ep. 70 ABLE Accounts vs Special Needs Trust (link)
Ep. 92 Interview: Kelly Nelson & Understanding ABLE Accounts (link)

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Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) discuss Endorsements (new in the state of Maryland) for students who are presently on the certificate track. The duo talk about how endorsements include community and citizenship, career and work readiness, post-secondary education and how competencies can be documented through various sources like IEPs, classroom assessments, and work evaluations. Meghan speaks to how endorsements aim to provide formal recognition and clear pathways for students' post-secondary goals, enhancing their employability, community engagement and so much more. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
Postsecondary transition, students with disabilities, endorsements, certificate of completion, diploma track, community and citizenship, career and work readiness, post-secondary education, competencies, IEP, Maryland, transition readiness, vocational training, employment prospects, community engagement.

Links:
Certificate Track - Where to Start (link)
Acronyms and Definitions (link)

Maryland (specific) Links/Supports:
Maryland Certificate of Program Completion Endorsements FAQ 1 PDF (link)
Maryland Certificate of Program Completion Endorsement Parent FAQ 2 PDF (link)
Maryland Certificate of Program Completion Endorsement Attainment Rubric PDF (link)
PPMD Maryland Certificate of Program Completion Endorsements (video)

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.

Hosts Meghan (Smallwood) and Patrick (Cadigan) revisit earlier discussions and chart the transition planning process across all four years of high school, highlighting how supports, planning, and responsibilities evolve for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and their families. Beginning with freshman year, they discuss understanding the IEP process, learning transition-related terminology, organizing documentation, and exploring state-funded agencies. As students move into sophomore year, the conversation shifts toward career exploration, school-based work programs, transition fairs, ABLE accounts, assistive technology, academic planning, and independent living skills for both diploma-bound and certificate-track students. During junior year, they talk about medical assistance, Social Security, healthcare transitions, financial planning, career development, and strengthening everyday independent living skills. Concluding with senior year, they emphasize finalizing student-centered transition plans, participating in transition meetings, understanding accommodations and supports, differentiating pathways for diploma-bound and certificate-track students, and developing strong self-advocacy skills and support networks for life after high school. Join the conversation!

Episode Keywords:
senior year transition, diploma bound, certificate track, student centered plan, transition meetings, financial aid, FAFSA, standardized tests, college applications, scholarships, disability support, employment preparation, support network, self-advocacy, at-home folder, students, families, transition, junior year, resources, college, discussion, update, IEP, diploma, information, interests, high school, process, parents, certificate, conversation, disabilities, acronyms, middle school, freshman, present levels

Original Discussion Links:
Ep. 50 - Changes for Middle & onto Freshman Year (link)
Ep. 51 - Sophomore Year (link)
Ep. 55 - Junior Year (link)
Ep. 63 - Senior Year+ (link)

Send Us Questions or Comments

Support the show

To download a copy of a transcript for this episode or any of our previous conversations, click here.
Also visit our Podcast webpage to find links to all of our other discussions; go to www.p2transition.com.
Additional information about post-secondary transition can be found at our website.
The Post-Secondary Transition Podcast Facebook page.
Visit our YouTube Channel to find additional video resources.
Intro/Outro and Ad Music by Oleksandr Stepanov & AudioCoffee from Pixabay.
Transition music by Joseph McDade from Transistor.