Living with ALS can bring many changes, including financial questions that may be difficult to navigate. As needs evolve, people living with ALS and their families may find themselves considering income and benefits, taxes, care-related costs, legal planning, and other financial decisions.
To help people affected by ALS learn more about the options and supports available to them, ALS Canada is sharing a new Financial Planning and ALS resource, developed in collaboration with Paul Bishop, from the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning (CFFP) and ALS Canada Community Ambassador Mark Freedman.
The resource explores how working with a financial planner may support people living with ALS and their families as they navigate financial questions. It also provides information about the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning Program and connects people with additional resources, including webinars and other tools to explore when they are ready.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mark and Paul for sharing their knowledge and experience to help develop this resource,” said Kim Barry, Vice-President, Community Services at ALS Canada. “Financial planning can be difficult to navigate, particularly when you don’t know where to begin. This resource is intended to be a starting point, helping people affected by ALS understand some of the steps they may want to consider, questions they may want to ask, and who they can connect with for further guidance.”
For Mark, the resource reflects an understanding of how overwhelming these conversations can feel from his own experience living with ALS.
“For those of us living with this diagnosis, daily life can be focused on managing symptoms and holding on to as much independence as possible,” said Mark, a Certified Financial Planner. “[The CFFP Program] offers a chance to connect one-to-one with someone experienced in financial and estate planning, so you can make informed decisions with greater clarity and focus on what matters most to you and your family. I know how overwhelming these conversations can feel, and support like this can help ease some of the burden.”
Explore the Financial Planning and ALS resource: https://als.ca/get-support/financial-planning-and-als/
Disclaimer: This information and material provided is intended to be general in nature and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. We recommend that you consult your financial and legal advisors to seek the best planning options for you.