Planning for Special Needs

 

The MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning SM was established to help families plan for the financial future of their children or other dependents with special needs.

Launched in January 1998 as one of the first of its kind in the financial service industry, The MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning SM focuses on the concerns of families who have dependents with special needs. It offers a dedicated network of Special Needs Planners nationwide who provide customized financial solutions to meet families’ needs.

Planning for dependents with special needs can be complex, and every plan is unique to the family. This type of planning requires experience, knowledge, and access to resources.


Special Needs Planning:

  • Helps families make wise choices for the future
  • Creates opportunities
  • Helps protect those who cannot protect themselves
  • Is unique to each family


Special Needs Planners are given extensive training on how to…

  • Preserve government benefits
  • Network on an individual and organizational basis within the special needs community
  • Provide special needs educational workshops
  • Fund Special Needs Trusts
  • Identify and coordinate a team of advisors and advocates including qualified attorneys, non-profits organizations and service providers

 

Meet Bridge Financial Group's associate committed to helping families plan for their loved ones with special needs:

Douglas A. Vogel,is a Financial Services Representative with MetLife and a Registered Representative with MetLife Securities Inc.  He is also a Special Needs Planner, with the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning, a national network of planners that helps families plan for the future of their children or other dependents with Special Needs.  He was also the co-founder of SNAP, Special Needs Advocate for Parents, a national non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for children of all ages who have special needs and their parents or caregivers, by serving as a resource that empowers them through information, education advocacy and referrals. SNAP was acquired by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) on July 9, 2008.  Vogel has authored numerous articles on advocacy and special needs estate planning and is nationally recognized as one of the leading professionals  on estate planning for families with children or other dependents with special needs. He has been featured in many publications such as the New York Times, Bloomberg Wealth Manager, Forbes, and The Special Parent. Vogel has worked for over 22 years in the financial services industry. 

 Vogel is a member of NORD, National Organization for Rare Disorders; Autism New Jersey; CASA, Community Advocacy Services Association; West Morris Regional High School Special Education Parent Advisory Group and is a New Jersey Statewide Parent to Parent Volunteer.

 Vogel received a BA in Political Science from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, SC.  He resides in Mendham, New Jersey with his wife and two daughters, both of whom have special needs.

 

 

Anthony R. Calabrese is a Financial Services Representative with MetLife and a Registered Representative with MetLife Securities Inc. Anthony is also a Special Needs Planner with the MetLife Center For Special Needs Planning, a national network of planners that aids in the planning for families with Special Needs children or dependents, so they may maintain a lifetime quality of life.

Mr. Calabrese is highly recognized in our area as one of the leading professionals on estate planning for special needs children & dependents. He has been quoted in a NY Times full page article for special needs planning, appeared on NY One & S/I Cable TV numerous times discussing the steps families need to take in order to secure their children’s or dependent’s future & protect government benefits. He also conducts Special Needs Workshops that are open to any family in need of information & also for special needs organizations & schools such as The Autism Foundation of NY, AHRC, Eden 11, The Grace Foundation, Community Resources, FRAXA, V.O.A. The Hungerford School, Parent to Parent, SIDDC, U.C.P., PS37, PS372, PS373, PS58, PS25R, PS225 & others, in which he is voluntarily involved with throughout the year.

Mr. Calabrese attended the University of Maryland, & was a member of the United States Air Force for 6 years. He is a board member of Richmond Health Care Services & president of the Elmwood Park111 Condo Association. He lives in Staten Island, New York with his wife Susan. Between them, they have 5 children & 3 grandchildren.