Empowered Financial Strategies

10/14/2026

Guardianship is not always “all or nothing” — courts can tailor authority through limited guardianship or even a single-purpose guardianship. Many families can avoid court involvement by using less restrictive options like supported decision-making, a durable power of attorney, and a health care proxy. The best plan balances safety and support with independence, dignity, and as many preserved rights as possible.

Read on for more information.

Learn when full guardianship is necessary, when limited guardianship may fit better, and what alternatives (supported decision-making, power of attorney, health care proxy) can help protect a loved one while preserving rights.Elder Justice Initiative

10/12/2026

Let's talk about optimizing your cash flow. What are your biggest challenges when it comes to managing your cash flow effectively? At EFS, we focus on cash flow today and in retirement. Need help effectively managing your cash flow? Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

10/09/2026

October has arrived, marking the beginning of U.S. Financial Planning Month. Throughout this month, we will be sharing valuable insights and practical tips to help you make informed decisions. Our goal is to assist you in taking control of your financial goals. Let's make October a time to pause and reflect on your financial path and your goals.

10/08/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials.

10/07/2026

The Social Security Administration now offers new online tools for people with pending disability claims, appeals, or recently decided cases. The Claim Status Tracker lets users monitor key milestones and see an estimated timeframe for certain hearings and appeals. Claimants can submit select forms online instead of mailing or faxing them. More than two dozen hearing-related notices, including proffer letters, are available through the my Social Security Message Center. Users can receive email or text alerts when new notices are posted, while paper notices will continue to be mailed. These tools may make the process easier to follow, but they do not eliminate backlogs or change deadlines for responding to notices or filing appeals.

Read more here.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) website has announced new online tools for people with pending disability claims, appeals, or recently decided cases.

10/05/2026

Help Us Support Joanna Craney as a Best Buddies Champion of the Year!

We are incredibly proud to share that Joanna Craney, Founder of Empowered Financial Strategies, has been nominated as a Champion of the Year candidate for Best Buddies!
The Best Buddies Champion of the Year campaign brings together leaders who are committed to creating more inclusive communities and expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Throughout the campaign, Champions raise funds and awareness to support Best Buddies’ mission of creating one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support.

For Joanna, this cause is especially meaningful and close to her heart. ❤️ She is passionate about creating opportunities, empowering families, and helping build a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Now, we’re asking YOU to join us in supporting Joanna and the Best Buddies mission!

Your donation will not only help Joanna in her Champion of the Year campaign — it will directly support a mission that creates meaningful opportunities and lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families.

✨ Every donation makes a difference.
✨ Every share helps spread awareness.
✨ Every act of support brings us one step closer to creating greater inclusion.

Please consider making a donation, sharing this post with your friends and family, and helping us rally behind Joanna as she champions this incredible cause.

Let’s come together to support Joanna and Best Buddies!

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/philadelphia/supporting/ /5960225

09/30/2026

Not sure how much life insurance is needed or what type of coverage makes sense? You are not alone.

One in four Americans says uncertainty around coverage needs has kept them from purchasing life insurance.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Take some time this month to learn more about your options and review whether your current coverage aligns with your needs.

Reach out; we are here to help.
We help to educate you on types of life insurance. Help you understand options for what kind, how much and how to structure a policy.

09/28/2026

How Reforming the SSI Asset Limit Could Combat Poverty - read more

Disability advocates are calling for the elimination of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) asset limit, arguing that the current rules punish people for trying to achieve even a basic level of financial stability.

09/25/2026

Discover Artichoke Credit Union -

Artichoke Credit Union, designed with and for the disability community, will aim to increase financial inclusion for people with disabilities, who often face unique challenges in the financial services marketplace.

Read more -
https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/news-and-press/news/ford-macarthur-and-robert-wood-johnson-foundations-announce-first-of-its-kind-credit-union-for-people-with-disabilities/

09/23/2026

Life insurance serves different purposes for different families.

For some, it helps cover final expenses. For others, it helps replace income, pay off a home, support retirement goals, or leave a financial legacy.

Some policies can offer benefits, should you become disabled or need help for a chronic condition or a long-term care need. A properly structured life policy can offer much more than a death benefit.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. It is a good time to review your coverage to see whether it still aligns with your needs and goals.