Who can help with planning?

By KARA McGUIRE, Star Tribune

Last update: October 10, 2009 - 4:37 PM

A survey by the Autism Society of America found 85 percent of families ask their doctor about where to find financial advice. It's no wonder. Few advisers nationwide specialize in this area, and the ones who do don't always advertise. The Financial Planning Association's Find a Planner tool revealed not a single adviser in Minnesota claiming this specialty. Planner searches from other financial planning organizations and brokerages yielded nothing.

You may have better luck with organizations that address your child's specific medical condition. Chances are other families already have asked the question. A particularly thorough financial guide developed by Easter Seals and the National Endowment for Financial Education can be found by searching for "financial guide" at www.Easterseals.com. Another resource specific to Minnesota families called "Who Pays?" can be found by searching that term at the Minnesota Department of Health's website, www.health.state.mn.us.

KARA MCGUIRE

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