529 Plans for Children with Special Needs

Millions of families with children who have special needs face a unique college savings challenge: how to save without jeopardizing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In this episode of The College Savings Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the lesser-known intersection of 529 plans and disability planning. They explore why a traditional 529 can trigger asset limits, how an ABLE account offers a parallel savings vehicle with key tax advantages, and the strategic trade-offs between the two. Referring to the SECURE Act 2.0 and recent IRS clarifications, the hosts explain a planning strategy that lets families use both accounts together — what planners call 'dual-account stacking.' They walk through a concrete example: a family contributing to both a 529 and an ABLE account to maximize education savings while preserving benefit eligibility. Whether your child has Down syndrome, autism, or another qualifying condition, this episode provides actionable guidance for a safer, smarter savings approach. #529Plan #ABLEAccount #SpecialNeeds #CollegeSavings #SSI #Medicaid #SECUREAct2 #DisabilityPlanning #SpecialNeedsTrust #EducationFunding #TaxAdvantaged #IRS #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #FamilyFinance #EstatePlanning Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo