Certified Financial Planner Rob Wrubel joins Annette Hines all the way from Colorado Springs, Colorado for this episode of Parenting Impossible. Rob focuses on financial planning for families with special-needs members. It’s a community familiar to him both professionally and personally. Rob is the father to three children, including his 17-year-old daughter Sarah who has Down Syndrome. He is also an author and has written books titled, “Financial Freedom for Special Needs Families,” as well as “Protect Your Family, Life Insurance Basics For Social Needs Planning.” Rob is getting ready to release a new book titled “Special Needs Trusts in 30 Days.”
During part 2 of Annette’s interview with Rob, they focus on the topic of life transitions. It’s a subject that’s near and dear to Annette’s heart and one she’s extremely passionate about. Rob is a huge advocate of preparing for the many transition periods special needs families will navigate throughout their lives. “I wish I had a great answer; here’s a list of things one through 12 and this is how it goes, but every family is so different,” says Rob.
Later, Rob and Annette discuss the importance of being proactive when it comes to planning for the future. According to Rob, while it’s great to take in information and learn, it’s even more crucial to take action. “Take solid steps, have the building blocks in place, and life will be better. Think about what you can do today, a month from now, or a year.”
Finally, Rob suggests making time for yourself. He recommends getting out a pen and paper and creating a list of what you really want out of life. He advises prioritizing those ideas and dividing them into areas like financial, family, and career goals. Rob also stresses the need to establish a great network of people who can help you along the way. “Take the time to say, this is my time, and these are the things I want to change.”
Annette Hines has been practicing in the areas of Special Needs, Elder Law, and Estate Planning for more than 20 years. Ms. Hines brings personal experience with special needs to her practice and podcasts as the mother of two daughters, one of whom passed away from Mitochondrial disease in November 2013. This deep, personal understanding of special needs fuels her passion for quality special needs planning and drives her dedication to help others within the special needs community.