Financial Planning

It’s never too early to begin planning financially for the future – evaluating your income, assets, debts, benefits, and other resources is essential to being well-prepared for a future with MS.

The Financial Education Partners (FEP) program was established in 2006 by the Foundation for Financial Service Professionals. It provides pro bono financial planning and education to individuals with special health or financial circumstances.

What might be addressed during a planning session?

• Savings vehicles — pros and cons of various instruments
• Insurance analysis
• Employee benefits analysis — retirement planning, medical plans, disability coverage and life insurance
• Retirement planning — analysis of adequacy and tax effectiveness
• Estate planning — strategies to maximize inheritances/minimize taxes
• Legal planning — wills, special needs trusts, living trusts, etc.

Participants in the FEP program will receive reliable financial counseling, provided by a professional who adheres to the Society of Financial Service Professionals' Code of Professional Responsibility.

For more information about the FEP program, connect with an MS Navigator by calling 1-800-344-4867 during standard business hours or complete the contact form.

Elder Law

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

• Provides referrals to experienced elder law and special needs planning attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of older Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities
• Why hire an elder law attorney
• Video series: Legal and Care Planning for People with Multiple Sclerosis

National Elder Law Foundation (NELF)

• Provides referrals to certified elder law attorneys
• What issues does an elder law attorney address? 

Estate Planning

Certified Medicaid Planner Governing Board

• A CMP™ is a professional in the Medicaid planning field who has earned certification by the CMP™ Governing Board. A CMP helps a client achieve Medicaid eligibility in the most cost-effective and legal way.
• Locate a Certified Medicaid Planner™

National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC)

• Provides referrals to credentialed estate planning professionals

Personal Finance

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

• U.S. government agency that works to protect consumers & empower them to take more control over their economic lives
• Access downloadable worksheets & publications to help you create a budget, learn about your rights, make informed financial decisions, use credit wisely, save at tax time, and more.

• Learn how to make a budget, manage debt and be an informed buyer

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) /
Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE)

• IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)

• Largest non-profit financial education and counseling organization in the U.S.
• NFCC credit counselors are advocates, empowering consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, student loans, housing decisions, and overall money management.
• Find a certified consumer credit counselor 

• Provides referrals to Daily Money Managers (DMMs)
• Daily Money Managers (DMMs) provide confidential professional services including financial and bookkeeping services to people who have difficulty managing their personal monetary affairs.

• ABLE savings accounts allow people with disabilities to save money that is not counted towards asset limitations set by benefit programs such as Medicaid or SSI.

This 85-page financial planning guide provides information and strategies to help families plan wisely for the future and meet financial challenges that often accompany life with MS. Topics addressed include:

• financial organization and planning
• insurance options
• employment concerns
• benefits

Download now.

• Financial Planning for a Life with MS (.pdf)

This financial planning guide is a collaborative project of the National Endowment for Financial Education, the National MS Society, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

In addition to the physical and emotional impact of multiple sclerosis, the disease may also impose financial challenges. It is estimated that the cost of living with MS is upward of $70,000 per year, per person. MS may impact the ability to work and may generate out-of-pocket costs related to medical care, rehabilitation, home and auto modifications, and more. To learn more about financial assistance resources available to persons with MS, visit the Financial Resources page.

• 8 Steps to Fiscal Fitness – Momentum article