At my church reunion, I was surrounded by friends I’ve known since childhood. Our moms were close, and we spent countless afternoons playing while they had coffee. Some of us even went to school together from kindergarten through 12th grade. One friend I hadn’t seen in person since high school remarked how good it was to see old friends, reminding me that “life is short.”
I am now 14 years older than my dad was when he passed away, and my children, nieces, and nephews are all older than my brother was when he died at 20. At the reunion, some friends used canes, and a few had walkers. Life truly is short, and I feel grateful that we’re still here to enjoy it.
We never know how many years we’ll have—18, 20, 53, 66, or even 91. We also don’t know what challenges life will bring, like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart failure, or the blessing of special needs children. What we do know is that we need to plan our estates to protect the loved ones we leave behind, especially those with disabilities, special needs, or other unique challenges. Trusts can ensure that funds are managed properly and that loved ones are cared for. Those on public benefits, such as SSI and Medi-Cal, need the added security of a Special Needs Trust to cover what public benefits don’t.
If you have loved ones you want to protect, give me a call.
