Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha

With Halloween almost upon us, and tricks and treats a plenty, fall can be a spooky time of the year. However, when it comes to your finances – there is nothing to fear. To shed light on some of the most common Enable Savings Plan questions, we pulled together some tips that will alleviate your most haunting fears. 

1. Myth: Only the beneficiary can contribute money to their Enable Account.
   
   Fact: Anyone can contribute to a beneficiary’s Enable account (family members, friends, the beneficiary themselves), so long as the total amount per tax year does not exceed the $15,000 limit. Should family and friends wish to donate, an easy way to do so is through an Enable gift certificate contribution.


2. Myth: Only medical expenses count as qualifying disability expenses.
   
   Fact: Under the Able Act, a qualified disability expense is an expense related to the blindness or disability of the designated beneficiary. This covers a wide range of categories that extend beyond medical expenses, including those such as education, housing, transportation, financial management and administrative services and basic living expenses. For the full list of qualifying expenses visit: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130740


3. Myth: You are unable to save and keep your benefits.
   
   Fact: The money you contribute to or withdraw from an Enable account is not considered when determining assistance from resource-based programs like SSI, SNAP and Medicaid. In addition, the earnings on contributions grow tax-free while invested and tax-free if drawn for qualified expenses.

To kick off the Halloween festivities, we have a treat for you that is almost as sweet as candy. Now through December 31, the first 50 qualified individuals to open an Enable account will receive a $50 bonus contribution. Make sure to spread the word about this ‘sweet’ offering on Facebook. To learn more visit EnableSavings.com/bonus.

Have any questions? Click here to contact us or give us a call at 1-844-ENABLE4 (1-844-362-2534).