Special Needs Planning: What Every Financial Professional Must Know

Special needs planning is one of the most important and often overlooked areas in financial services, and Penn Mutual is equipping financial professionals with the tools and expertise to make a meaningful impact. In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by Jenna Washatka, Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, and special guest Pat Bergmaier, financial planner with 1847Financial, to explore how thoughtful planning can protect benefits, provide lifelong care, and bring peace of mind to families with loved ones who have special needs.Together, they unpack why specialization matters, how to avoid costly mistakes, and the unique planning strategies that set this market apart. They also highlight resources like Penn Mutual’s Special Needs Planning Directory and tools available through Gateway to help financial professionals partner with experts when cases arise.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why special needs planning requires specialized knowledge• The role of special needs trusts in protecting benefits and funding care• How “three-person retirement” changes traditional planning conversations• Where to find resources and credentialing to deepen your expertiseIf you’re advising families or want to expand into this vital area of planning, this episode offers both inspiration and practical direction to better serve clients with confidence.Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected] Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/  Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/  This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.8395591NS_SEP27 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.