As I prepare to retire from my "day job" as an actuary, my own family became one of my most important financial planning clients. What Are Our Goals? Retire at age 62 1/2. Send two daughters through college without debt. Maintain consistent charitable giving. Downsize our home after our youngest child graduates high school. Cover anticipated long-term care expenses. Adequately fund a special needs trust for our daughter. Schedule a modest annual vacation, alongside a larger t

The Situation: A couple came to me looking for health insurance options after experiencing a loss of coverage. They mentioned that their son had some "special needs" and had general questions about whether he could be added to their plan, or what would happen when he turns 26 and needs his own plan. The Solution: It turned out the son had both Medicare and Medicaid, which was making things complicated. I was able to enroll him in a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). Th