Michael Ringel — Planning for Two Lifetimes: Protect, Grow, and Enjoy (Without Losing Your Benefits)

Send us a textIn this conversation, Michelle sits down with special-needs family wealth strategist Michael Ringel to demystify the money side of raising complex kids—how to get organized fast, protect eligibility for services, and build a plan that cares for your child long after you’re gone.Mike shares:Why families delay (and how to start in 15 minutes). Your financial life isn’t a mess—it’s a junk drawer. Mike’s free “Living Balance Sheet” tool turns scattered accounts into a single snapshot and scorecard so you know what is and what’s possible.Benefits without the gotchas. The big rule of thumb: assets over $2,000 in your child’s name can jeopardize SSI/Medicaid. How third-party Special Needs Trusts preserve benefits, and when an ABLE account (tax-advantaged, spendable for qualified needs) makes sense—plus the key difference on what happens to leftover funds.Funding the future (without wrecking today). Why many families combine term and permanent life insurance to ultimately fund a Special Needs Trust—while using riders and disability coverage to protect income now.Hope for the best, plan for the rest. Build a team—financial pro, special-needs attorney, and benefits optimizer—so you protect today, plan for tomorrow, and avoid painful “do-overs.”Cash-flow judo. Most households leak money in invisible ways. Mike shows how to capture “found dollars” to fund protection and long-term goals without lowering your lifestyle.Quote to tape on the fridge: “Something is worth what it can do for you—not the price you pay.”Whether your child is 3 or 33, Mike’s message lands: get organized, protect eligibility, and set up funding so your child—and your whole family—can live a life without compromise.👤 About Mike Ringel For over 20 years, Mike has helped families with complex-needs children protect, grow, and enjoy their wealth—planning for two lifetimes while preserving access to vital services. He coordinates with attorneys and benefits specialists to quarterback a clear, compassionate plan.🔗 Connect with Mike Website: mikeringel.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeringel/🧰 Get the Free Tool Mike mentioned: Ask Mike for access to the Living Balance Sheet to create your 15-minute snapshot and scorecard, then decide your next best step.#ComplexKidsSimpleSolutions #SpecialNeedsPlanning #SpecialNeedsTrust #ABLEAccount #SSI #Medicaid #IEPParents #TwoLifetimesPlanning #ParentAdvocacy #CaregiverFinance