Broker Check
Rob Hudson, CExP, CLTC®
Rob Hudson, CExP, CLTC®
Westshore Financial Group Financial Advisor/Managing Associate/Certified Exit Planner
https://www.westshorefinancialgroup.com/rob-hudson (813) 289-3632

Dedicated to managing your risk by providing the protection that you need to have confidence in your financial future.

I am a trusted advisor to many, working with business owners and in advanced markets, specifically medical, legal, and with highly compensated sales professionals. My clients understand that a one-size fits all approach to planning and investing may not create favorable financial outcomes. I believe that my unique approach to goal planning, combined with past experience and expertise in the markets I serve, enable me to provide tailored solutions to my client’s financial problems that help lead them to their goals.

An alumnus of The University of South Florida with a BS in Economics, I am a fourth generation Tampa native with deep roots in the community. I am also a proud graduate of Tampa Jesuit high school. My grandfather, Frank Llaneza, was regarded as a pioneer in the premium cigar industry and a pillar of the Tampa community. My father is a disabled CPA, so I have a thorough understanding of the importance of protecting and managing cash flow.

I entered the financial services industry in 2008, and joined Guardian Life and Park Avenue Securities in 2012, where I was awarded the agency's first Centurion Award. I have been featured in a number of publications, am a member of the Coastal Conservation Association, The Westshore Business Alliance, and the Million Dollar Round Table. I am also proud to be a representative in The Tampa Jesuit Alumni Council, as well as a preferred financial wellness provider for physicians-in-training through HCA East and West Florida teaching hospitals.

I come from a family of outdoors enthusiasts, am an avid fisherman, and regularly compete in professional tournaments. I've even managed to win a few. Ask me about the fishing tournament when I won a brand new boat!

 

Video: Personal finance is like fishing! Video: Risk Management for Attorneys Video: Protecting your Business

4 Steps to Protecting a Child with Disabilities

Estate Read Time: 3 min

Raising a child is expensive and can cost over a quarter of a million dollars, excluding college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than triple. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. It can be difficult to contemplate, but with patience, love, and perseverance, a long-term strategy may be attainable.1,2

Envisioning a Life After You
Just as every child with special needs is unique, so too are the challenges families face when preparing for the long term. Think about the potential needs of your child. Will they require daily custodial care? Ongoing medical treatments? Will your child live alone or in a group home? Can family members assume some of the care? Answers to these and other questions can help form the vision of what may need to be done to plan for your child’s care.

Preparing Your Estate
Without proper preparation, your child’s lifetime needs can quickly outstrip your funds. One resource is government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which your child may qualify for depending on their situation. Because such government programs have low-asset thresholds for qualification, you may want to consider whether to make property transfers to your child with special needs.

You should also make sure you have an up-to-date will that reflects your wishes. Consider creating a special needs trust, the assets of which can be structured to fund your child’s care without disqualifying them from government assistance. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.

Involve the Family
All affected family members should be involved in the decision-making process. If at all possible, it’s best to have a unified front of surviving family members to care for your child after you’ve passed on.

Identify a Caregiver
In order for a caregiver to make financial and health care decisions after your child reaches adulthood, the caregiver must be appointed as a guardian. This can take time, so start setting this in motion as soon as you are able.

To do this, you can write a “Letter of Intent” to the caregiver and family to express your wishes along with information about your child’s care. This isn’t a legal document, but it may help communicate your desires. Store this letter in a safe place, alongside your will.

Outlining an approach for a child with special needs can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with loved ones and qualified professionals can help you navigate the various facets of this challenge. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

1. Investopedia.com, December 14, 2023
2. AmericanAdvocacyGroup.com, 2024

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

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