Life care planners are professionals with specialized training and expertise in assessing and planning for the long-term needs of individuals who require ongoing care. They often have backgrounds in nursing, rehabilitation, social work, or case management. Many hold certifications, such as the International Commission on Health Care Certification’s Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) certificate, which ensures adherence to established professional standards and practices.

For many parents of children with special needs, caregiving is not a temporary role but a lifelong responsibility. This role can be deeply meaningful and filled with love, yet it often comes at a steep personal cost. Caregiver parents may find themselves emotionally drained, socially isolated, and physically exhausted, with little time left to nurture their own needs. Over time, the weight of being “always on” can erode their sense of identity and their well-being.

Every day, 2,300 people are reported missing in the United States. When an adult with a cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disability goes missing, they can be especially vulnerable to bad actors or accidents.

If lost, intellectually disabled adults may become confused or be unable to recognize signs of danger. In some cases, individuals may be nonverbal or not know how to ask for help. Others may not understand how to respond to commands from law enforcement.

As the year draws to a close, it's a great time to take a proactive approach to your finances. A few strategic moves before December 31 can help you lower your taxable income, reduce your tax bill, and set yourself up for a stronger financial future.

In the world of investing, a set-it-and-forget-it approach can be costly. Even if you've built a well-diversified portfolio, its components can drift out of alignment over time. This is why periodically reviewing your investment strategy and rebalancing your portfolio is one of the most important habits for long-term financial success.

When interest rates are low, it can feel like a mixed bag. On one hand, your savings may not be growing as fast as you'd like. On the other, it creates unique opportunities to save money and accelerate your financial goals. A low interest rate environment, often a signal of a central bank's effort to stimulate the economy, can be a powerful tool in your financial toolbox—if you know how to use it.

Preparing to apply for Social Security disability benefits involves understanding the two main programs (SSDI and SSI) and the SSA’s strict definition of disability.

The SSA’s Adult Disability Starter Kit provides a checklist, worksheet, and fact sheet to help applicants organize personal, medical, and employment information, increasing the chances of a successful application.

Living with a chronic health condition often means navigating a complex health care system, managing ongoing treatments, and making difficult medical decisions. For many, the uncertainty of how their health may progress raises important questions: What will happen if I can’t make my own health care choices? Who will speak for me if I become unable to express my wishes?