Empowered Financial Strategies

06/17/2026

A child with a disability whose parent becomes disabled, retires, or dies, may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits on the parents’ work record. When those benefits are paid to an adult child whose disability began before age 22, they are commonly called Disabled Adult Child benefits, or DAC benefits. A common oversight in special needs planning that we often see at EFS is the loss of Medicaid when the DAC benefit begins. The good news is that federal law provides a protection that, in many cases, allows a disabled adult child to keep Medicaid even after SSI stops due to DAC benefits. Make sure to read on for more information.

At EFS, we serve families who are planning for their own retirement while simultaneously trying to plan for their loved one with special needs. For more information, contact [email protected].

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits can end Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and put Medicaid at risk, but many people can keep Medicaid under a federal protection. Learn who qualifies and what to do when a DAC award letter arrives.

06/15/2026

June is here, and with it comes National Annuity Awareness Month! This is an opportunity to better understand how different tools can support your retirement income strategy.

Annuities are designed to help:

Create a reliable stream of income in retirement
Provide income you won’t outlive
Add stability alongside market-based investments

They aren’t a fit for everyone, but they can play an important role as part of a well-rounded plan.

For more information on how EFS helps guide clients on the benefits of annuities, reach out to [email protected].

06/14/2026

Let’s celebrate that red, white, and blue spirit! At Empowered Financial Strategies, we're all about embracing the American spirit and what better day to do it than Flag Day? So, take a moment to appreciate the symbol of our unity and freedom.

06/12/2026

Taxes can have a big impact on your retirement planning strategy. But did you know that distributions from permanent life insurance are generally tax free? Let’s talk about your retirement and protection strategy and if permanent life insurance could help. Contact EFS today to learn more at [email protected].

06/10/2026

Learning that your child has a developmental disability can feel overwhelming. Many families are suddenly asked to make decisions while also trying to understand medical terms, school processes, and available supports. This guide walks through reliable online resources based on your child’s age and where you are in the process.

Learning that your child has a developmental disability can feel overwhelming. Many families are suddenly asked to make decisions while trying to understand medical terms, school processes, and available supports. Online resources can be a practical starting point.

06/08/2026

📅 June is National Men's Health Month.

☀️ With warmer weather around the country, it's a great time to reaffirm your dedication to your health.

👀 This means more than going for a run or going for a bike ride with the guys. It means taking a broader look at ways to take better care of both body and mind.

🩺 Don't skip your regular check in with your medical team. Don't ignore your mental health, either. And, yes, by all means, look into your fitness routine.

🌱 Taking steps now to improve your overall health will never be something you regret.

06/05/2026

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Stocks pushed higher in May, fueled by big tech names, positive economic news, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

06/05/2026

Love, identity, and authenticity deserve to be celebrated—today and every day. 🌈

This Pride Month, we recognize and honor the LGBTQ+ community for the strength, courage, and joy they bring to every space they’re part of.

06/03/2026

If you're a pre-retiree with a child who has special needs, you already understand that your planning horizon is different. You're not just mapping a retirement income strategy — you're simultaneously designing a care infrastructure that may need to function for decades after you're gone.

That complexity is compounded by one of the most important and often overlooked variables in the equation: taxes. The decisions you make in the five to ten years before retirement about account types, trust structures, asset titling, and income sequencing will determine how much of your wealth actually reaches your child — and whether it does so in a way that protects their government benefit eligibility.

This is not a simple checklist. Done well, it is a coordinated architecture of tax planning, benefit preservation, and legacy design. The goal isn’t simply to minimize your tax bill for this year, it’s to maximize lifetime value of your estate to your family, including leaving assets behind to a child whose financial wellbeing depends on your assets and public benefits.

To learn more, read on here in Joanna's latest Blog article.

For high-net-worth families, the intersection of retirement security and lifelong care planning demands a precise, layered tax strategy — one that protects your wealth, honors your intentions, and preserves your child's eligibility for...

06/01/2026

June is here, and with it comes National Annuity Awareness Month! Annuities can play a role in your retirement income planning when strategically placed into your overall financial plan. Each annuity comes with different benefits and each annuity serves a unique purpose. You don't have to research the universe of annuities alone. Reach out to [email protected] to see how annuities might benefit you.