| Legacy of Love founder and President Charles Massimo was motivated to form a new division of his wealth management firm, CJM Fiscal Management, based on his own personal experience. He and his wife are the parents of triplets, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Through their personal journey and learning experience, he recognized the need for a comprehensive resource to assist families touched by autism. Here is his story in his own words:
In November 1999, my wife, Stella, and I welcomed our beautiful triplets into the world. With two boys and a little girl, we were an instant family. Like most new parents, we had so many dreams for our new babies. The world was their oyster. It was such an exciting time in our lives.
In 2001, our sons were diagnosed with autism. Like most parents learning of this diagnosis, we realized life would not be the same. However, we were determined to give our boys, in addition to our daughter, the opportunity for the most fulfilled lives. We were proactive from the start seeking out the right resources, while trying to manage the daily challenges of life with two special needs children, along with a typically developing two year old. And, we were overwhelmed and frustrated by the lack of resources.
Over the past nine years, my wife and I have worked tirelessly to find the best doctors, therapists, schools and other resources that would provide our boys with the best possible care. Throughout this process, we have invested considerable effort and time, and incurred significant expenses. I soon realized that we needed to plan properly for these expenses and for our sons’ changing needs over each life stage, as well our daughter’s. This realization is what inspired me to form Legacy of Love.
Drawing on my over 20 years experience as a wealth manager and investment consultant, and as a father with autistic children, I am providing a fully-integrated, one-on-one service for families with autistic children. Our service encompasses a Wealth Management Plan for the whole family and an Individualized Life Plan® for the family member(s) with autism.
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“None of us makes our life alone. We each rely on a variety of formal and informal resources to create better life experiences…People with disabilities count on more able people’s planning and organizing skills for help to identify and coordinate resources to meet life’s challenges.”
John O’Brien
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While there are many support groups for families of autism, few are dedicated to helping families with their comprehensive financial and life planning needs. Throughout our one-on-one relationship with the family, we will serve as dedicated advocates for the family and child. This relationship will ensure continuity and integration between the family’s wealth management plan and a life plan, the ILP, for the child with autism. It will guide their life just as their IEP guides their education.
Additionally, we will be there for you, the parents. We’ll provide resources, referrals and a sounding board of experienced compassionate professionals, always available to help you through a tough day. I am confident that Legacy of Love’s services will give families touched by autism greater peace of mind in knowing they are taking all the right steps to protect their future and plan for their children. |