Episode Details

What are ABLE accounts and how can they help disabled folks save money?

On episode 548 of the Queer Money Podcast, hosts John and David welcome back Brynn Conroy, founder of Femme Frugality and Disability Finance. They discuss the challenges Americans face in qualifying for social security disability benefits and how the system often forces poverty. Conroy delves into the details of ABLE accounts, designed to help those with disabilities achieve a better quality of life by offering tax advantages and allowing savings without jeopardizing benefits like SSI and SSDI. The conversation also touches on the impact of ableism in the workplace, systemic issues, and how the pandemic has strained systems for people with disabilities. Conroy provides insights from her lived experience and emphasizes the importance of financial education and legislative advocacy for improving disability finance.

Topics Discussed

• 00:00 Introduction to Social Security Disability Benefits
• 00:46 Welcome to Queer Money Podcast
• 01:45 Introducing Brynn Conroy and Disability Finance
• 04:47 Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals
• 06:56 Understanding Disability Definitions and Models
• 19:15 Income and Asset Restrictions for Disabled Individuals
• 23:30 Political and Social Issues Surrounding Disability
• 26:37 The Impact of ADAPT on Disability Laws
• 27:13 Understanding ABLE Accounts
• 29:04 ABLE Accounts and Inheritance
• 29:58 Medicaid Payback and Trusts
• 31:20 Housing Benefits of ABLE Accounts
• 31:58 Challenges and Resources for Disability Finance
• 35:51 Expanding Eligibility for ABLE Accounts
• 37:49 Disability in the Queer Community
• 42:23 Real-Life Benefits of ABLE Accounts
• 45:26 How to Open an ABLE Account
• 47:42 Global Perspectives on Disability
• 49:33 Final Thoughts and Resources

For the resources and to connect with our guests, get the show notes at: https://queermoneypodcast.com/subscribe 

Follow us:

• Queer Money Instagram
• Queer Money YouTube
• Queer Money on Tiktok
• Connect with John on LinkedIn
• Connect with David on LinkedIn

Download your FREE Queer Money Kickstarter a 9-step Guide to Kickstart Your Journey to Financial Independence

Mentioned in this episode:

It's time to create your retirement abroad plan

What if your retirement plan included a backup plan outside the United States? The Optimize Portugal Golden Visa Fund may give you the opportunity to invest existing IRA assets while also pursuing residency in Portugal for you and your family. That could mean greater flexibility, access to living and potentially working in Portugal, and a pathway to spending more time throughout Europe. Your retirement savings may be able to do more than fund your future. They could help expand where that future happens. Click the link below to learn how the fund works and request additional information.

Listen Now