The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child’’s Life

Cynthia R. Haddad, CFP(R), ChSNC(R) Founding Partner, Affinia Financial Group, Burlington, MA (www.affiniafg.com and www.specialneedsplanning.com) Cynthia grew up watching her parents love and care for her older brother with special needs, while juggling the needs of the whole family. She understands firsthand that lives are complex and with each day comes the possibility of new challenges and successes. Early in her career, she began to view her profession through a personal lens, recognizing the unique nature of the financial planning requirements of families like her own. Cynthia applies her extensive planning skills and empathetic approach to her practice advising individuals, families, and trustees. She understands the importance of taking a pragmatic approach to the planning process and focuses on communication, guidance, and encouragement to keep her clientsâ (TM) actions aligned with their goals. Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance and economics from Simmons University (formerly Simmons College) in Boston. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Academy of Special Needs Planners.

John W. Nadworny, M.B.A., CFP(R), ChSNC(R), Founding Partner, Affinia Financial Group, Burlington, MA (www.affiniafg.com and www.specialneedsplanning.com) John had both his career and family well underway when his third child, James, was born with special needs. This life event immediately and dramatically changed both the course of his plans for the future and his priorities. Planning with families over a span of decades has provided John with an education like no other. This specialized knowledge allows him to understand the personal and financial resources needed to present viable options and possible solutions for families with unique and challenging circumstances. He received industry wide recognition when Investment News chose to feature John and his family as the cover story of their September 2017 issue devoted to planning for individuals with special needs. They also produce a video, A Father First, telling the story of Johnâ (TM)s interwoven personal and professional lives. In Massachusetts, John was also a proud participant in the rollout of the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Account. John has earned a Master of Business Administration from Babson College, a Master of Science from Bentley College, and a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater State College. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Academy of Special Needs Planners.