Category

Financial Wellness
This post launches the Steady Steps series—a collection of grounded insights on life, disability financial planning , and resilience while living with Ataxia or navigating any rare condition. I don’t see many posts like this in Ataxia groups, and maybe that’s because it’s not as easy to talk about. It’s not a symptom, it’s not...
Are you wondering where your income will come from in retirement? You may have a pension, a 401(k), or even an IRA or other personal savings. No matter your situation, however, Social Security is almost certainly going to be a part of your retirement income mix. Nearly 90 percent of all retirees rely on Social...
While raising a child with special needs can be a rewarding experience, it also presents unique financial challenges.  Parents of special needs children must plan for both the child’s current needs and future needs. Below, I want to discuss how to build a financial plan for special needs children. Understand the Disability The first step...
Money milestones are an essential part of a personal financial plan. These milestones are financial goals that you set for yourself and your loved ones.   The idea is to achieve these milestones over time. While everyone’s financial situation is different, there are standard guidelines for money milestones that can help you assess your financial health...
Most people set up their 401(k) and then occasionally, they glance at how it is performing. What’s worse is that most employees never make any material changes to their 401(k)/403(b) plan. Often, they don’t even use the automatic rebalancing option that is offered within their 401(k) systems.  What if there was an option to have...
Are you approaching Social Security age? If so, you may be facing a difficult decision about when and how to file for benefits. It could be an important decision. If you’re like many retirees, Social Security will play a large role in your retirement funding strategy. Your decision on when and how to file will...
Retirement is a stage of life that everyone looks forward to.  The time comes when you want to stop working and enjoy the benefits of your lifetime of hard work.  However, retirement is not just about hanging out and relaxing.  There are many considerations to think about before you make that final decision.  Below, I...

My purpose

michael mantz
Life rarely goes as planned. This blog is about navigating what actually happens – major disruptions, health challenges, and the quieter work of figuring out who you are through all of it. I write from inside that process. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA 15), a rare neurological condition that shapes my perspective but doesn’t define this space. Some articles are personal. Some are practical. All of them are honest.

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