Oak Wealth Advisors'
Special Needs Advisories

Guest Speakers – Dan & Samuel Habib, The Emmy award winning father-son filmmaking team behind My Disability Roadmap and The Ride Ahead share their lived experience promoting disability inclusion and challenging outdated societal limitations. Their filmmaking and advocacy work has sparked changes and been an inspiration to many.

Special Needs Financial Planning Tip No 10 by Mike Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors: Coordinate your planning with your relatives’ planning.

Guest Speaker – Rick Hayduk, CEO of Good Shepherd Hospitality, known for the Good Shepherd hotel located in Clemson, South Carolina, Rick is leading the charge in employing individuals with disabilities in the hotel industry. Built on a strong partnership with ClemsonLIFE, a career development program, Rick has seen first hand the mutual great benefits for employers hiring employees with disabilities in meaningful roles.

In this month’s installment, Randi Gillespie shares our next tip #9, from our Top 10 Special Needs Financial Planning Series. “A guide for the care of your loved one with special needs”.

Special Needs Financial Planning Tip #8 by Mike Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors: Develop A List of Future Caregivers…

Guest Speaker – Amy McCarty: Partner at Monahan Law Group in Chicago, Amy is recognized as a leading attorney in guardianship law, having handled thousands of cases throughout her career. She brings deep expertise in guiding families through the complexities of guardianship, explaining when and why it may be necessary while dispelling common misconceptions. She also shares alternative options, including limited guardianship, powers of attorney, and mental health declarations.

The Think Differently Database Act, which mandates the creation of a comprehensive national resource database for individuals with disabilities and their families, was signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025. This bill aims to be a game-changer by centralizing essential information on government benefits, Medicaid waivers, Social Security (SSI/SSDI), and other planning resources into one accessible platform.

Oak Wealth Advisors is thrilled to announce that Ryan Niemiller, the talented comedian who placed third in his season on America’s Got Talent, has agreed to write the foreword for our book, It’s OK to Laugh.

Tip number 7 is to establish an ABLE Savings Account to benefit an individual with a disability.…

For more than a decade, we have collaborated with various disability organizations to create artwork for our Oak Wealth Advisors holiday and birthday cards. In many cases, the art chosen came to us through a competitive process in which we awarded both the artist and the organization with a financial prize. The following are the most recent organizations that we partnered with to source the art…

At the beginning of 2024, we launched The Special Needs Voice, our original podcast, which highlights individuals and organizations in the disability community making strides to promote inclusion and equality. Over the year, we published 23 episodes featuring various guests from across the country. Each guest brought unique insights…

Guest Speaker Angie Gallus – Vice President of Mission Advancement at KLN Family Brands and co-founder of Finley’s a dog treat company, Angie shares how her career as a special education teacher led to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities as a part of Finley’s as ambassadors. Her inspiring story highlights the large impact that purposeful employment can have on individuals with disabilities.

Our goal is to help 10,000 people over the next 10 years! The future of Oak Wealth Advisors is very bright. You should be comforted and confident that you’re planning is in good hands for the long-term. Our internal succession plan has been implemented which will allow us to remain independently owned and client-focused in perpetuity.

Guest Speaker Katie Arnold – Executive Director of Our Place of New Trier, is dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build the skills they need to thrive in their communities. She shares her experience co-founding the Sibling Leadership Network which was inspired by her family’s journey.

Guest Speaker JJ Hanley – Deputy Chief Officer at the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer, shares her expertise on ABLE accounts and their benefits for individuals with disabilities. She also discusses upcoming changes and emphasizes the importance of advocacy in maintaining key features of the program.

Over the past 10 years, Oak Wealth Advisors has made it a priority to partner with organizations that provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities in sourcing our holiday thank you gifts for our clients. These partnerships highlight the abilities of those who often face barriers to employment.November is National Family Caregiver Month, an occasion dedicated to recognizing the invaluable role of caregivers and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

Denise Fisher is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Arts of Life, a nonprofit offering creative opportunities for people with disabilities in Chicagoland. Denny shares how their artist staff builds relationships and empowers artists. Approaching its 25th anniversary in 2025, she reflects on achievements and hopes for the future.

Tip #6 – Review beneficiary designations and account titles. This includes IRAs, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies…

Kandi Pickard is President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), which advocates for the rights and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Kandi shares her journey as the mother of her 12-year-old son, Mason, whose birth inspired her dedication to disability advocacy. She also discusses the NDSS collaboration with Mattel to create dolls with Down syndrome.

Compassionate, Dedicated, Patient, Attentive, Empathetic, Nurturing, Resilient, Reliable, Responsible, and Always Available. These are just some of the adjectives that describe a caregiver.
November is National Family Caregiver Month, an occasion dedicated to recognizing the invaluable role of caregivers and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

Lauren is the co-founder of The Nora Project, a nonprofit dedicated to training and coaching educators to promote empathy and inclusion around disabilities.

Today, Lauren shares how The Nora Project came to life, how feedback from students and families helped further develop the program, and success stories that highlight the life-changing relationships it fosters.

Executive Director of 21 Pineapples, an inclusive apparel company Holly founded with her son, Nate, who has Down syndrome. Holly discusses how having the highest expectations for her son has allowed him to have successes that “experts” thought were impossible.

An important update on a new rule from the Social Security Administration, effective as of October 1st, that could increase SSI benefits for those with rental agreements.Under this new rule, if you have a written lease agreement, or as we call it, a ‘fair share agreement’, for at least the Presumed Maximum Value, your SSI benefits will no longer be reduced due to…

Tip #5 is to surround your family and loved one with advocates and fiduciaries. Working with fiduciaries who are committed to acting in your family’s best interest is a crucial step in protecting your family. Additionally, having strong and determined advocates who will continue to support your loved one’s needs can make a great difference.

Caroline shares everything from how she first got involved, to how it’s shaped her worldview, and how she got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race in the Ironman world championships in Kona, Hawaii. Listen to her stories.

In this months installment, Neil Mahoney shares Tip #4 of our planning series:
How Special Needs Trusts can supplement government benefits.

Ashley uses her passion and social media savvy to provide advocacy and community for families seeking the best housing and future opportunities for their loved ones with disabilities. On our podcast, she shares examples of the best housing solutions from around the country.

Rosemary Alfredo shares her inspiring journey with her daughter, Collette, a 32-year-old motivational speaker, disability advocate, and owner of Collettey’s Cookies. Collette’s business, which began in a high school baking class, now sells cookies in over 1,000 stores and provides full-time employment to 15 others. Rosemary’s story highlights how having the highest expectations and ignoring preconceptions about Down syndrome can lead to exceptional outcomes.

Scott Nixon, Executive Director of Life’s Plan Inc. for over 17 years, shares his extensive experience managing pooled trusts that support individuals with disabilities. Scott offers valuable insights into enhancing the financial security for those with special needs.

Mike Walther discusses how you can safeguard your personal information by freezing your credit with the three major bureaus. It’s a crucial step in preventing fraud and protecting your financial well-being.

What is the most important document you can create to help ensure that your loved one has the best possible life after you die? Most people would think of a special needs trust or a comprehensive set of estate planning documents. While we would agree that these documents are essential, a care plan for your child’s future may be the most valuable thing you can leave behind.

Mike Walther, the founder and president of Oak Wealth Advisors, here to share Tip #3 of our Top 10 Special Needs Financial Planning Tips series.

With the start of the school year right around the corner, Randi Gillespie shares her tips for preparing students and families for a successful school year.

Alex Astrella shares his inspiring journey and perspective as a documentary filmmaker with Autism. His latest project, “Free Play” tells the stories of families in Gallatin, TN, and their efforts to create an inclusive playground that provides meaningful impact to their community.

Pam Cusick shares how her firm, Rare Patient Voice, gives individuals with disabilities opportunities to get paid for sharing experiences and participating in clinical trials with institutions seeking information that they have.

Tune in to hear what Randi Gillespie shares for Tip #2 of our Top 10 Special Needs Planning Tips series.

Oak Wealth Advisors is proud to celebrate Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July as it is the anniversary of the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA broke down the barriers that separated the disabled community and brought inclusion into society…

Tip number 1: Connect with other families facing similar challenges, both locally and nationally. Building a support network can make a huge difference. Look for organizations and nonprofits, join social media groups, and participate in community events. These connections can provide valuable insights and support. Stay tuned for tip #2 coming next month. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact us – we’re here to help! Thank you.

One of the most frustrating things for a family with a loved one with special needs is losing some of that individual’s benefits after working so hard to qualify to receive them. In many cases beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, can lose up to one third of their income from the government if they receive things for free from other people. This type of loss, is known as a reduction due to the receipt of in kind support and maintenance. In kind support and maintenance is commonly referred to as ISM. In 2024, new legislation will diminish the losses due to ISM.

A challenging journey for a family member with mental health challenges. In May, we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month and the challenges that many individuals face on a daily basis. Randi Gillespie, the Oak Wealth Advisors Director of Special Needs Resources, shares her perspective of the challenging journey her family has been on with their son and one shining moment that provides them all with hope for his future.

Nancy explains how she built a global network of playhouses for the Down syndrome community that provides resources and education for families and individuals that highlight their strengths and potential. Her mission is to create the greatest possible futures for all individuals with Down syndrome through advocacy and acceptance.

Our Director of Special Needs Services, Randi Gillespie is speaking with a friend of Oak Wealth Advisors, Susan Hudkins. Susan will share her expertise in drafting and updating her family’s letter of intent, which is among the best we’ve ever seen. A letter of intent, or what Oak Wealth Advisors likes to call the Ultimate Care Guide, is a dynamic, ever-changing document that will be the care giver’s road map to a happy, healthy life for our loved one.

The Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities at Baylor University. Widely considered to be the leading voice on the intersection of faith communities and the disability community, Erik shares the research and best practices that he has published in numerous journals and a book that provide the roadmap for congregations to be more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

Mike Walther highlighting the Skills in the Disability Community and Planning for those with Special Needs on the NAPFA Nation Podcast.

Does it make sense to maintain a Special Needs Trust if an individual is no longer seeking or eligible for means tested benefits? We believe so, find out why… Mike Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors explains

Supported Decision Making (SDM) is a mechanism that empowers individuals with disabilities…to maintain their decision-making capacity with the assistance of trusted supports, referred to as “supporters”. Supporters may include trusted family members, friends, advisors, and professionals, working together to help the individual make informed decisions.SDM retains the individual as the primary decision maker, while recognizing that the individual may require some assistance…

Episode 6 – Featuring Judy Reilly

The enthusiastic Director of the U Conn Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation. Judy shares details of their ground-breaking model that has been transforming employment opportunities for the neurodiverse community. Judy’s U Conn CNDEI educates and trains corporate leaders on how to create work environments that allow the neurodiverse community to add meaningfully to the success of the companies.

Ep. 4 – Blaine Brockman Blaine is the Chair of the ARC of Ohio and was instrumental in the creation of the nation’s first ABLE Account program. Blaine shares his…

Providing services for the neurodivergent community can be incredibly rewarding but it is also filled with challenges. Unlike many specific medical diagnoses, the spectrum of people diagnosed with autism, ADHD,…

211 Wisconsin – Connecting you with thousands of nonprofit and government services in your area. Wisconsin residents have access to the convenient 211 Wisconsin site and mobile app, offering a…

This podcast on spotify will feature guests from around the country, highlighting some of the amazing leaders in the special needs community. Our hope is to inspire our listeners with examples of great people and the wonderful work they are doing. This week featuring Ep. 2 – Meghan Burke and Ep. 3 – Craig Culp

Ryan McGuire, in collaboration with the Arc-Dane County, has created a video series covering the essentials of special needs financial planning on YouTube. This series covers public benefits, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, vocational and housing supports, and many more important planning topics.

“What makes parenting a young adult with Down syndrome different than parenting an adult without a disability?” My answer was simple… “not much.” My expectations remain the same for all three of my children: I want them to be happy, healthy, confident, and independent. My hope is that they find their “one true love,” and careers they enjoy, and they are happy waking up every morning.

Ryan McGuire was recently featured as a guest on the Healthy Love and Money podcast. In this insightful episode, Ryan provides a unique perspective on the intricacies of Special Needs Financial Planning, highlighting the tremendous benefits he has witnessed in the field.

Explore the Top 10 Special Needs Financial Planning tips in a short video presented by Mike Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors – A Special Needs Financial Planning Tips Video Feb 2024

We are very excited to announce the launch of our podcast, Special Needs Voice.

The podcast will feature guests from around the country, highlighting some of the amazing leaders in the special needs community. Our hope is to inspire our listeners with examples of great people and the wonderful work they are doing.

Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs – There are two main federal programs to be aware of that provide subsides to Americans with permanent disabilities for phone and internet service. They are known as the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible individuals/households do have the ability to participate in both programs.

Video Presentation on ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts to the non-profit group Together for Choice.

The ABLE Account and Special Needs Trust presentation includes our latest thoughts and best practices related to these essential elements of a special needs financial plan.

Oak Wealth Advisors was named the 2023 NAPFA Excellence in DEI Award Winner this month by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. NAPFA is the leading organization of fiduciary financial advisors….

The Challenges and Successes of Raising Two Young Adults with Disabilities The thrill of victory.  The agony of defeat.  This old catchphrase for ABC Sports was accompanied by video of…

Has anyone experienced raising a child where no matter what parental advice is offered, they deliberately choose the opposite? Please tell me I am not alone. My daughter Maddy is…

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Parents can play an important role in their child’s education by developing a strong partnership with teachers and support staff. For those who have a child receiving special education services, communicating, and collaborating with your child’s educational team can prove to be a delicate dance.

Here are some strategies we recommend to promote a successful school year for both you and your child.

To celebrate ABLE to Save Month, Oak Wealth Advisors would like to share a few resources and make you aware of how ABLE accounts could benefit even more people soon….

New National 988 Mental Health Crisis Number is Going Live! Beginning July 16th, any individual suffering from a mental health crisis or emotional distress can call, text, or chat the…

Here are suggestions for summer supports and services your family may be interested in pursuing:

Extended School Year (ESY) – If your child qualifies, you may wish to explore ESY services which extend and reinforce your child’s IEP goals and benchmarks learned throughout the year…

Below is link to a recent CNBC article summarizing the importance of special needs trusts. Oak Wealth Advisors was honored to be a major contributor to the article. Please share the article with your friends who have loved ones with special needs to reinforce the importance of the trusts in their family’s planning.

With food prices soaring, is your loved one with special needs taking advantage of their right to have the government pay for their groceries? Using a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

And I was worried that she would never speak or develop self confidence… There are mornings when my alarm does not go off and getting the kids out of their…

As parents, one of our fundamental goals is for our children to be happy. How would you feel if your child communicated with you every day that they were happy?…

SSI Recipients Now Have 50 More Days to Appeal and Retain Benefits The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued an Emergency Message extending the time that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries have…

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Illinois HB 2748 allows students with disabilities who turned 22 during the pandemic to remain eligible for educational services through the end of the 2021-2022 school year. This provides an additional year of transition services for those students who can benefit from it.

On March 8th, Dr. McDonald released her groundbreaking Autism research in a webinar that we were honored to present. One observer referred to the research as Nobel Prize worthy. If you or your colleagues were unable to attend the live presentation, please watch it and let us know what you think.

Ryan McGuire joins Oak Wealth Advisors in March of 2021 after spending nearly seven years working as a wealth manager within a large, multinational CPA firm. He brings his passion for serving families, like his own, who have loved ones with special needs. Embracing the mission of Oak Wealth Advisors, Ryan is looking forward to educating more families about planning opportunities and helping them maximize their resources.

Not all life insurance is the same. Term life insurance and Permanent life insurance vary significantly in cost and in terms of how they are structured. Watch the above video to learn…

Our Views on Social Justice The status quo will not do. As a firm that views itself as a pioneer in the financial services industry, we want to reiterate our…

When Experiencing Turbulence in Life, Put Your Own Mask on First I feel challenged by the limitations placed on our lives by the distancing required to combat the spread of…

DEVELOPING MY DAUGHTER’S LIFE SKILLS WHILE SHELTERING IN PLACE My daughter Maddy is learning how to cook and it is a life skill she enjoys developing.  When cooking and baking…

If you have school-age children like I do, they likely have completed their second or third week of remote learning.  In addition to your career you are trying to maintain…

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Special Needs Trusts are the cornerstone of a solid special needs financial plan. However, a common oversight by attorneys less familiar with drafting special needs planning estate documents can lead…

Some parents mistakenly believe, adding a child with a disability as a co-signer on a credit card is a harmless act. While it does make purchasing items easier, it comes…

Having thorough and current medical records can often be the difference between receiving or being denied benefits. Once benefits are in place, records need to be maintained.  It is common…

A Night with Illinois Special Needs Planning Experts. A Town Hall discussion covering housing for individuals with disabilities. Housing for Individuals Challenges and Realities Outcomes and Quality of Life One…

Special Needs Planning Mistake 5 Missing Government Benefits for Which You are Eligible …such as SSI, Medicaid, Social Security Disability. Read why it is a mistake to not have these…

Planning for a loved one with special needs extends beyond financial planning. Whether it is housing, educational, vocational or life skills planning, remaining proactive with their planning needs is an…

Special Needs Planning Mistake 4 Failing to Communicate Your Intentions to Your Relatives According to our financial planner for those of Special Needs, failing to communicate your intentions to your…

While getting and keeping Medicaid services has never been easy, the challenges are about to increase for Illinois residents. As of November 1, 2019, any prescription, referral, or order for…

When a Family Member With Special Needs Lives With Parents or Siblings In a perfect world, we would all live interdependently in safe houses in our desired neighborhoods, feel integrated…

Special Needs Planning Mistake 3 Not Verifying Beneficiary Designations, Retirement Accounts and more is a mistake. Learn why… Most people think that their will dictates where all of their assets…

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Essential Elements of a Successful Special Needs Plan – Join Mike Walther of Oak Wealth Advisors for an engaging and informative workshop that will help you create long-term plans for your loved one with special needs Sept 11, 2019 at the NAMI- CCNS Annual Meeting.

Learn from special needs planning experts and peers

Thursday, Sept 26, 2019
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Takiff Center Community Hall
999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe IL 60022

Watch The Complete Video Below…
A town hall Video discussion covering the most challenging issues facing families with loved ones with disabilities.

People with disabilities are entitled to a free, lifetime, National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass to visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. Included are National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and other federal recreation lands. In order to obtain a pass, you must provide documentation that you have a permanent disability.

In the special needs community, the end of supports through the school district can be a frightening time for families. There is no consistent age at which services end among…

ABLE accounts, which we have strongly recommended for several years, now have the additional benefit of providing an Illinois state income tax deduction for those who contribute to an Illinois ABLE Plan. We have been advocating for this tax deduction since the federal law creating ABLE accounts was passed in December of 2014. We are happy to see our efforts, and the voices of many other families, reflected in this new state income tax benefit.

From Randi Gillespie of Oak Wealth Advisors A few years back, I penned an article about my youngest child, Liam (then 7) and his older sister, Maddy (then 10) that…

One of the core missions of Oak Wealth Advisors is to improve the lives of families with special needs members. That mission extends well beyond providing fiduciary financial services to…

Having a mental illness presents challenges in individuals’ lives, but it should not define their lives. The same could be said for other disabilities, yet mental illnesses have such a…

As we start 2018, there are now 31 states offering ABLE accounts and 23 of them are accessible to residents of all states. While ABLE accounts have retained all of…

On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, the special needs community was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief.  The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision that upholds and clarifies…

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Please find important disclosures about this resource HERE.

Our recommendations for having successful Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings: Be Proactive.  Your role is equally important as the education professionals’.  You are an expert about your child.  You should…

As of June 1, 2016, Ohio is accepting applications for 529 ABLE Accounts.  As we had anticipated, they are the first state to offer the plans.  While being first is…

Before Signing Anything on Behalf of Someone Else, Talk to Your Special Needs Advisor.  Individuals lack the ability to sign documents for various reasons.  In some cases, a person has suffered…

A year after Congress authorized ABLE Accounts as tax-free savings accounts for individuals with special needs, the Internal Revenue Service has still not completed the regulations on how the accounts…

The following summarizes the United Cerebral Palsy’s annual study of the special needs programs and resources available across the country. For more information and access to the entire study, visit…

Six months after Congress authorized ABLE Accounts as tax-free savings accounts for individuals with special needs, the Internal Revenue Service has issued proposed regulations on how the accounts should be…

For most families, living with their adult child or parent with special needs is the reality.  However, the optimal situation for many individuals with special needs would be living elsewhere….

Congress has done little since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to improve the lives of those with disabilities. With the one exception being the Affordable…

Language is powerful. It can be used to inspire and empower, but also to dehumanize and ostracize. In the special needs community, we face a language minefield that creates challenges for even our best-spoken advocates. We hope that this article generates discussions, reflections, and actions that contribute to an improved use of language in the special needs community.

Originally Featured in the Chicago Tribune Written by Randi Gillespie It had been a typical morning in our house — kids waking up way too early to raid the freezer for frozen…

The school year brings with it a chance for growth, new experiences, and the comfort of routine. It is also often the time when the greatest progress is made in…

The North Shore Weekend article about Oak Wealth Advisors …Walther compares himself to a pilot for the families. “Ninety percent of flights are not on course but over 99 percent…

Serving as a trustee requires administrative and technical skills in addition to strong interpersonal communication skills. Identifying the appropriate trustee is difficult in general; a Special Needs Trust presents additional…

The U.S. Navy concludes their marketing pitch above with “an adventure.” While their focus is on recruiting for military service, the message in their ad should resonate with everyone in…