Today we’re talking about something many families know they need to think about—but often don’t know where to begin: financial planning for children with disabilities. My guest is Mary McDirmid, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant and the co-founder and COO of All Needs Planning, a nationwide firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. In our conversation, Mary walks us through why proactive planning matters so much and what it can actually look like in practice. We talk about creating comprehensive care plans, protecting essential benefits, and building a long-term vision that supports not just financial security, but overall well-being. This is an empowering, practical conversation designed to help families feel more prepared, more informed, and more confident about the future.

About Dr. Devon Price 

Mary McDirmid, ChSNC, is the COO and co-founder of All Needs Planning — a nationwide financial planning firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. A Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Mary brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent navigating the special needs journey. She specializes in helping families create comprehensive plans that address the financial, legal, and care needs of loved ones with disabilities — from diagnosis through adulthood and beyond. Mary is co-author of the upcoming book Care, Protect, Grow: A Guide to Building Lasting Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs (Wiley, May 2026), which provides a compassionate, step-by-step roadmap for families facing the question of “what happens when I’m no longer here?”

Things you'll learn from this episode  

• Why early, ongoing planning is essential for families raising children with special needs

• How the Care, Protect, and Grow framework supports a comprehensive, long-term vision for care

• How creating and regularly updating care plans ensures continuity and security for loved ones

• Why involving siblings and considering long-term roles is an important part of the planning process

• How active advocacy and participation shape more effective, personalized support systems

• When and how to begin these conversations so families feel prepared rather than overwhelmed

Resources mentioned

• Mary McDirmid’s website

• Care, Protect, Grow: A Guide to Building Lasting Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs by Mary McDirmid

• Book a free meeting with Mary

• Care, Protect, Grow (on Mary’s website)

• All Needs Planning Learning Lab

• ABLE National Resource Center

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