Special Needs Financial Planning (Part 1) – Building the Foundation (S8E09)

Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful three-part series focused on special needs financial planning. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Katy Bryan, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant from Skylight Financial Group. Katy brings over 14 years of experience helping more than 250 families plan for their future. We’re breaking things down into real, understandable steps—starting with the basics.

This episode focuses on the early stages of the journey—from diagnosis (or even before) to preparing for the unexpected. We talk about what parents should start thinking about when they first realize their child may need lifelong support, and how to start planning financially without being overwhelmed.

What We Cover:

• Why financial planning matters early in the special needs journey

• Common challenges families face right after diagnosis

• How and when to reach out to your county Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD)

• Understanding Medicaid, Social Security, and how income affects eligibility

• What a waiver is and why you want to get on the list ASAP

• Navigating stigma, burnout, and the lack of direction many parents feel

• The emotional toll of those early years—and why it’s okay if you’re not thinking long-term yet

• When to start thinking about special needs trusts, STABLE accounts, and other tools

Katy helps parents shift from survival mode to building a solid financial foundation for the future—one step at a time. Whether your child just received a diagnosis or you're several years into the journey, this episode is full of validation, guidance, and real-world advice.

Guest Info:

Katy Bryan

Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Skylight Financial Group

📧 Email: KBryan@financialguide.com

🌐 Licensed to work nationwide

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If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a

review, and share it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps bring

more resources to families like yours. Thanks for being here, and I’ll talk to

you next week!

Disclaimer:

Kathryn Bryan is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC.

OSJ: 1956 Carter Road, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113 • (216) 621-5680

CA Insurance License number: 4175736

The information in this podcast is not a recommendation and is not intended as financial, tax, legal or estate planning advice. You should seek guidance from a qualified financial advisor, accountant, and attorney regarding your personal situation.

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