Karen Park & Ashley Velategui | The Must-Know Guide to Special Needs Trusts & Future Planning
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with disabilities, this episode could change everything. Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Karen Park, a financial expert and mom of a child with complex disabilities, and Ashley Velategui, a wealth strategist with personal experience supporting a disabled family member. Together, they cut through the confusion of special needs financial planning and give you the clear, practical strategies every family should know. In this eye-opening conversation, we break down: 🟡 Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts – Which one do you need (or both)? 🟡 Why $2,000 in assets could cost your child their benefits – And how to avoid it 🟡 The #1 mistake families make when planning for their child’s future 🟡 How to find the right attorney to set up your trust (hint: not every lawyer can do this) 🟡 What happens if your disabled loved one outlives the trust? 🟡 Why financial predators target people with disabilities—and how to protect your child "Caring for a disabled loved one is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone." – Karen Park This must-listen episode is packed with real-life advice, expert insights, and practical steps you can take today to secure your child’s future—without losing critical government benefits. Hit play now and take the first step toward peace of mind.
aren Park
Karen Park is a Principal at Bernstein Private Wealth and a mother of three, including her son Milo, who has complex disabilities. Her personal journey led her to become a passionate advocate for inclusive education, disability rights, and long-term financial planning. With years of hands-on experience navigating the complexities of special needs planning, Karen is dedicated to helping families secure their children’s futures with clarity and confidence. Ashley Velategui
Ashley Velategui is the Director of Wealth Strategies at Bernstein Private Wealth, specializing in trust and estate planning, tax strategies, and special needs financial planning. She brings both personal and professional expertise to the conversation, as she has a disabled sister and understands the challenges families face in balancing financial independence with critical government benefits. Ashley is on a mission to ensure that every family touched by disability has access to the financial tools and knowledge they need.