Book excerpt: When your adult son or daughter is diagnosed with a serious mental illness, everything changes. Suddenly all your financial planning is thrown into turmoil as your focus turns from your needs to the immediate and long-term care of your child. The costs of diagnosis and treatments can derail your retirement plans unless you develop a financial strategy that provides for your child's future while safeguarding your own. Allen Giese has been where you are, and in this practical, compassionate handbook he offers invaluable advice, solutions, resources, and hope, including how to: - Invest efficiently - Apply for (and keep) government benefits - Build a systematic financial plan - Create ABLE accounts and special needs trusts - Take advantage of strategic life insurance - Avoid crucial mistakes - And more When mental illness strikes, you don't have to sacrifice your financial security. This book can be your lifeline to the best possible future for yourself and your children.