The following books on financial planning have been reviewed for the Harried Parent's Book Club. They are sorted by Guide Rating, with five stars being best.
1. The Special Needs Planning Guide
Cover image courtesy of Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Planning for the legal and financial needs of even a "normal" family can be overwhelming, but add a child with special needs to the equation and the degree of difficulty soars. Authors John W. Nadworny and Cynthia R. Haddad have family members with disabilities, so they know the problems firsthand -- and try to guide you gently away from them in a calm, compassionate, and only mildly panic-inducing guide. There's even a CD of helpful files to get you going. 5 Stars
2. On Their Own
Cover image courtesy of Newmarket Press
Think learning disabilities stop when your child finally makes it out of school? Think again. Anne Ford, who first shared her daughter's story in the book Laughing Allegra, follows her into adulthood now with a look at the way problems with organization, focus and social skills just go on and on and on. Fortunately, parents can help -- once the kids are adults, and before they get there. 4.5 Stars
3. Make the Day Matter!
Photo courtesy of Brookes Publishing Co.
If you ever imagine your child growing up to a life with no work, no freedom, no friends, no reason for getting in the morning, this book will be immeasurably cheering. It spreads the current enthusiasm for inclusive education into a vision for inclusive life, with people with disabilities fully embraced by the community. Society's not there yet, but it's nice to dream of the possibilities.
4. More Than a Mom
Cover image courtesy of Amy Baskin and Heather Fawcett
Hurray for a book that makes special-needs parenting sound like something you can survive, even thrive with! Informed by a survey of over 500 moms who shared their worries, joys, tips and tricks, this book offers practical advice on topics as far-thinking as securing your child's financial future and as right-now as finding a good babysitter. 4 Stars
5. Planning for the Future
Cover image courtesy of L. Mark Russell
This huge, comprehensive, example-packed volume seeks to tell you everything you need to know to plan for your special-needs child's future, and probably quite a bit that you can't even process yet. If you think you've got it all figured out, this book may find a couple of loose ends for you to tie; if you know you don't, it will show you where to start. 4 Stars
6. Real Work for Real Pay
Cover image courtesy of Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Finding meaningful work is something that all parents wish for their children, and one of the dreams that parents of children with special needs most fear for. Real Work for Real Pay offers the prospect of real, inclusive employment for people with a variety of disabilities, and goes into great detail on the kind of groundwork and assistance needed to make that happen. 3.5 Stars
