Moderate Support • Mid-Career • Goal 7:
Evaluate Financial Standing
Action step 1.
Explore Financial Planning Tool Kit.
The Autism Speaks Financial Planning Tool Kit was created to help you develop a financial roadmap for your future. It contains expert information, personal stories and in-depth coverage of financial topics such as ABLE accounts, special needs trusts and financial assistance.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 2.
Explore your banking options.
Things may have changed for you since you originally set up a checking or savings account. Maybe you moved away from your bank or you need a service your bank does not offer. It is absolutely fine to change banks and the process is not as scary as you might think. Think about what it is you want from a financial institution and if the one you are currently with is still right for you.
Resources
Action step 3.
Educate yourself on common scams.
Unfortunately, scammers are a part of everyday life. You may get a phone call, letter or email saying you owe money to a company and need to send funds immediately or else risk jail time. This is an example of a common money scam that many people fall for every year.
People might also contact you phishing for your personal information, like your social security number, password or credit card information, to steal your identity. Educating yourself on these scams can help save you money, time and trouble in the end. To avoid falling for a scam, remember these helpful tips:
- Don’t give anyone your personal information, like your address, ID number, password or social security number.
- Never send anyone your banking or credit card information, even if they seem to be calling from your bank. Remember that your bank will never contact you asking for private information.
- Never send money to anyone you meet online.
- Never click on links to websites you don’t recognize, as they may take you to a website that will compromise your computer’s security.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 4.
Re-evaluate your Supportive Decision-Making (SDM) team.
There are people in your life who can help support you to make choices to lead your best life. Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is different from guardianship, as it allows you to keep your own rights while still receiving support from others.
Your SDM team may change throughout the different stages of your life. You may have a spouse involved now instead of (or in addition to) your parents. Explore if there are new people who can be added to your team or if others should be removed.
