Today is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
In 2020, Aaron and Natalie Waters and their first daughter, Ella Kate, welcomed their second daughter, Collyns Claire, into their family. As a parent and a wealth advisor with Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies, Aaron was acutely aware of the costs the family would face.
The current cost of raising a child from birth to 18 years in a U.S. middle-class household is estimated to be a little over $300,000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While some costs can be anticipated and planned for, what happens when the unexpected occurs?
Whether your child is a newborn, in the midst of their teenage years or an adult, the time is always right to prioritize family finances. Simple tasks such as assessing your finances each year can help families avoid surprises, enjoy a sense of security and plan activities that cultivate joy. “Our whole story is filled with twists and turns and things we never expected or thought we wanted,” said Waters, “and while it has not been easy, it has changed our lives in ways we could have never imagined. We’ve stressed over hospital stays, heart surgeries, medical bills and everything in between, but when I look back on our last few years, I quickly realize how much joy and beauty has been brought to our family because of Collyns and her diagnosis.”
To read Aaron’s full article from Metro Family Magazine by Christina Mushi-Brunt, visit this link here.
Category: Financial Service Team
