Special Care

Special Care Planning: Securing Futures and Enhancing Lives with Michael J. Sousou, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF, CRPS®, RICP®

At Coastal Wealth, we understand that every family has unique financial planning needs. For families with dependents who have special needs, planning takes on even greater importance. That’s where the… Read MoreSpecial Care Planning: Securing Futures and Enhancing Lives with Michael J. Sousou, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF, CRPS®, RICP®

300+ Advisors Across FL & GA

Affiliated with MassMutual

Supported Independence Platform

300+ Advisors Across FL & GA

Affiliated with MassMutual

Supported Independence Platform

With over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael has dedicated his career to helping families navigate the complexities of special needs planning. As a Special Care Planner, his mission is to assist families in protecting government benefits while enhancing the quality of life for their loved ones.

Meet Michael J. Sousou

Michael is more than just a financial planner—he is a dedicated advocate for families with dependents who have special needs. Based in Northeast Florida, he brings decades of experience and numerous industry designations, including CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF, CRPS®, and RICP®. He has been recognized as a past President of The Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida and Financial Service Professionals of Northeast Florida, among other accolades.

Beyond his professional life, Michael is a devoted husband to Suzy, who supports him in his practice, and a proud father to two accomplished children. When he’s not assisting families, you can find him running, working out, or enjoying time with loved ones.

Success Story: Turning Complexity into Confidence

Image used is not actual client/family.

In 2015, Michael met a family whose lives were centered around caring for their 17-year-old son with cerebral palsy. While their dedication was unwavering, they were unaware of the legal and financial challenges tied to special needs planning.

The family faced several key issues:

They hadn’t planned for guardianship as their son approached adulthood.
Their savings structure risked disqualifying their son from government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
They lacked a legal framework to protect their son’s financial future.

Michael worked closely with the family, providing tailored solutions:

Guardianship Planning: He guided them in securing guardianship before their son’s 18th birthday.
Legal Structure: Michael connected them with a Special Needs Planning Attorney to establish essential legal documents, including a 3rd Party Special Needs Trust.
Asset Protection: He helped them set up an ABLE account, transferring $10,000 in savings to protect government benefits.
Future Funding: Michael arranged for life insurance policies with the Special Needs Trust as the beneficiary, ensuring long-term financial security.
Letter of Intent: He provided a detailed roadmap for the family’s wishes, offering peace of mind.

The results were life-changing. The family expressed immense gratitude for the clarity and confidence Michael brought to their planning process. His work not only secured their son’s future but also expanded his outreach—connecting with other families and support groups to raise awareness through workshops and events.

Why Special Needs Planning Matters

For families with dependents who have special needs, financial planning is about more than managing money—it’s about protecting loved ones and creating a brighter future. Michael’s approach ensures families can navigate government benefits, legal considerations, and estate planning with confidence and care.

Learn More

If you or someone you know could benefit from special care planning, contact Michael J. Sousou and our Coastal Wealth team today. Together, we’ll create a plan that prioritizes what matters most: your family’s future.