McNamaraOnMoney
McNamaraOnMoney
McNamara Financial
Safeguarding the Future: A Guide to Special Needs Planning
49 minutes Posted Jul 6, 2026 at 7:23 pm.
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Planning for a loved one with a disability involves more than saving money. It requires protecting their future without jeopardizing access to essential benefits. In this episode, Mike McNamara speaks with Joan McGrath, CEO of Plan of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, about the critical role of Special Needs Trusts, how they help preserve eligibility for programs like SSI and Medicaid, and the key differences between first-party and third-party trusts. They also discuss ABLE accounts, the responsibilities of professional trustees, and the unique value of social workers who provide ongoing advocacy and life care planning. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or financial professional, this conversation offers practical guidance for building long-term financial security while protecting the services that individuals with disabilities rely on.
Justin McNamara, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner with passion for investment strategy and selection. He works with small businesses and owners, parents of college-bound kids, job changers, pre- and post-retirees.
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McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care.
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