Caution: When Saving For Your Special Child’s Future
As you are probably aware Budget 2014 has increased the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) on all savings or investments to 41%. This comes at a time when interest rates are low and it is extremely hard to get a decent return (check www.bonkers.ie to compare saving products).
It worries me that you may be encouraged to take a bigger risk with your saving and investment products. It may be sold to you under the premise of beating inflation. But buyers beware, as most of these higher risk products carry additional charges such as levies and management fees. Please feel free to contact me for some independent advice before you set up a saving or investment product.
Saving Tip
You may be able to claim an exemption from paying some or all Deposit Interest Retention Tax on your child’s savings if they have special needs. Check out www.revenue.ie for more information. Alternatively, if you email me I am happy to send you on the relevant form to complete. As you can imagine, with DIRT at 41% this is a significant boost to your child’s savings.
However, before you start any saving plan always have your personal loans cleared. The reason for this is the interest you have to pay your lender will be far greater than the interest you will receive from any savings you may have. Your priority should be to clear loans first then redirect all your money into savings.
Remember
Any money you save in your child’s name will be taken into consideration when they apply for any means tested payments such as Disability Allowance or Medical Card.
The key to a secure financial future for your child will be highly dependent on the percentage of your child’s current entitlements you can save for their future. There are a few option available to parents that will provide a solution but it will depend on each parents specific set of circumstance.
Fund Your Special Child’s Trust From Entitlements Today – For A Brighter Tomorrow
This article was prepared by Allan Cuthbert, a Special Needs Trust Planner. If you would like to discuss your child’s savings needs in private, feel free to email allan@financialwellbeing.ie or call 021 482 3635. To understand the significance and benefits of setting up a Special Needs Trust, check out www.financialwellbeing.ie