How to Be an Advocate of the Enable Savings Plan April 27, 2021 Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
Did you know that according to the National Association of State Treasurers, fewer than 5% of individuals who are eligible for ABLE accounts like the Enable Savings Plan take advantage of this valuable financial resource?
Robyn Roberts, Treasurer, Autism Society of Nebraska
Every year, the month of April is an opportunity to come together and raise autism awareness. In an exciting update, this year advocates are expanding the scope to include acceptance and autonomy, two key considerations for the community and an exciting step forward in the disability movement.
Rachel Biar, Assistant State Treasurer, Director of Enable
Spring has officially sprung! Not only is it my favorite season, but it also serves as the perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning and organizing - especially when it comes to one's finances. To help boost your savings, check out Enable's top tips:
J.J. Arcishewsky, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome Omahadid
World Down Syndrome Day is this weekend, and the Enable team is taking time to reflect on the strength and vibrancy of the Down syndrome community both at a local level and nationwide. One of those community pillars is Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome Omaha (D.A.D.S. Omaha) - who have been doing important work for over 12 years!
Rachel Biar, Assistant State Treasurer, Director of Enable
From new Account Owners to seasoned savers, no matter where one is in the savings process, questions and ideas will always arise. To help you gain clarity and make the best choices for your savings, this blog addresses common misperceptions related to the Enable Savings Plan.
Great Resources for Individuals with Disabilities February 16, 2021 Kendra Werth, Assistant Director of Enable
One of my favorite things about Enable is seeing firsthand the strong connections and support within the local disability community. It's always rewarding to hear from our Account Owners, and learn their inspiring stories as they navigate their savings journeys.
Nina Baker, Parent Specialist, Parent Training & Information Nebraska
The Enable Savings Plan understands the incredible value of community support and empowerment - particularly for individuals with disabilities and their families. We are proud to use our platform to uplift voices and raise awareness of services in our community, while providing a clear and accessible path to financial independence. On today's blog, learn more about PTI Nebraska, one of the organizations making a big difference for families in our area.
Rachel Biar, Assistant State Treasurer, Director of Enable
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to create better savings goals, and form long lasting habits for success. Not sure where to begin? To help make the most out of your savings this year, we've put together a few of our recommended money savings tips for Account Owners to implement into their routines.
The start of the year brings a sense of excitement, renewed motivation and the chance to put the unprecedented events of 2020 behind us. To help kick off the year on the right note we've assembled three simple New Year's resolutions that will help Account Owners revitalize their savings journey and boost progress for the months and years to come. Read on for more details!
To celebrate our community this season, give a cheer to the amazing organizations and members of the Nebraska disability community. Read on for my favorite excerpts from our blog to learn about what brings them strength and joy:
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
As we close upon the calendar year, now is the perfect opportunity to reflect on one's savings progress and begin to plan out financial goals for 2021 and beyond.
More than ever, this year has emphasized what truly matters: family, friends and community support. As we kick off the holiday season, your loved ones may be in search of a gift that communicates how deeply they care for their friends and family with disabilities.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
From Thanksgiving through the holiday season, there are no shortage of festive occasions between now and the end of the year. While the holidays may look a bit different this year due to the impact of the pandemic, there is still a way to make everyone feel special on your list, and make this holiday season one to remember. To help spread the holiday cheer, we've put together some tips for consideration to help improve your holiday shopping experience and help keep your budget on track.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
With Halloween right around the corner, haunting season is in full swing. However, when it comes to your finances, we are here to assure you there are no tricks - only treats ahead - when it comes to achieving financial independence.
Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This month serves as a global celebration of individuals with Down syndrome, and the positive impact they have on their families and communities.
In celebration of this month, Enable has put together some tips to benefit our Account Owners with Down syndrome. Read on to learn more:
Author: Mary Sweeney, Marketing and Development Director, Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska and Melanie Kirk
Every day the Enable Savings Plan team is grateful for and motivated by our community of Account Owners and their loved ones. We cherish every opportunity to highlight stories from our community, and today we are delighted to share a conversation between two fantastic leaders and moms, who discuss their stories and the importance of saving for disability-related expenses. To read more about Melanie's story, and for other great resources, visit the Down Syndrome Association for Families blog.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Looking to improve upon your current savings? There are many simple yet effective measures you can implement into your everyday life to help maximize your finances. Even for those who consider themselves as expert savers, there are always additional ways to help further your savings goals.
Author: Deb Safarik, President, Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska
The Enable Savings Plan is thrilled to celebrate the amazing organizations making a difference in our community. For this blog, we reached out to Deb Safarik, the President of Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska (DSAA) to highlight the work that they are doing to support individuals with Down syndrome in Nebraska.
Author: Erin Stoll, Major Gifts Officer, Special Olympics Nebraska
At Enable, we are driven by a commitment to our Account Owners' wellbeing and success through financial independence. By working together with other organizations and advocates in the disability community, we are able to support both our mission and those of our partners - coming together to create a strong and vibrant community for all.
Our partnership with Special Olympics Nebraska is a perfect example of these wonderful partnerships.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
In times of economic uncertainty, sticking to your savings goals can become more challenging. Luckily, there are many tactics that Enable Account Owners can implement to help stabilize and boost savings, no matter one's financial situation. To help get on track, start with these smart savings tips.
This July marks the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that is fundamental in ensuring equality in all areas of public life for individuals with disabilities across the country.
As I think back on this past weekend's Fourth of July festivities, and the celebration of the independence of our nation, I feel so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family to celebrate with, even while social distancing. Being an American means access to vital freedoms including but not limited to freedom of speech, freedom of religion to freedom of expression. Important among those is one freedom I hold close to my heart as Nebraska State Treasurer: financial freedom.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Are you a current or potential Account Owner? If so, we encourage you to stay up to date about all things Enable – including costs and management fees related to your account. To help you stay informed, we answered some of the most common questions we receive from our Account Owners. Read on to learn more.
On June 30, 2016 my predecessor Treasurer Don Stenberg, Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley, Nebraska Senator Kate Bolz, representatives from the First National Bank of Omaha and around 450 members of the disability community gathered at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha to celebrate the official launch of the Enable Savings Plan. An innovative new program, Enable was one of the first tax-advantaged savings plans for individuals with disabilities offered in the country.
Have you been sticking to your 2020 budget and making smart financial decisions? If not, don't panic - it's not too late to get back on track. This May is National Recommitment Month, which serves as a great opportunity to 'recommit' to your finances. Read on to read a checklist to help you stay on track.
In honor of Mother's Day we are proud to celebrate the loving, driven and exuberant parents within the Enable Savings Plan community - each of whom are committed to helping their child achieve financial stability and independence. Read on for excerpts from a few of these exceptional moms!
Author: Kevin Mahler, Director of Development, Autism Society of Nebraska
Last summer, we had the pleasure of featuring Kevin Mahler, Director of Development at Autism Society of Nebraska on the Enable blog. His post celebrated disability pride and highlighted some of Autism Society of Nebraska's recent work. In honor of April's Autism Awareness Month, we are thrilled to feature an update from Kevin about his organization and to raise visibility for their work in the community.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, we explore easy ways to maximize your savings by inspiring some 'spring cleaning' energy into your financial life. Read on for a few simple yet beneficial ways to organize and simplify your finances.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Unlike a standard savings account, an Enable account offers a number of benefits tailored to the unique financial needs of individuals with disabilities. Most importantly, Enable funds are not counted when calculating eligibility for resource-based benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, that's far from the only benefit of saving with Enable.
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Enable is proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of such a diverse, driven and joyful community. Read on for some of our favorite recent highlights, and 'Like' us on Facebook @EnableSavingsPlan for more uplifting stories!
Worldwide, there are an estimated 17 million individuals with cerebral palsy. With March being Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we'd like to use this opportunity to highlight a few inspiring individuals who are making headlines and bringing joy to their communities.
Author: Terry Severson, Director, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank of Omaha
International Wheelchair Day is on the horizon. The annual awareness day on March 1st serves as a global celebration of the positive impact wheelchairs have on the lives of individuals with disabilities. In honor of this awareness day, Enable has put together some tips to benefit our Account Owners who use wheelchairs.
Author: Julie Anderson, Mother of an Enable Account Owner
When my son Joe was born in 1996 with spina bifida, I had no clue how much I was about to learn. Luckily, we had an awesome Early Intervention coordinator who helped us through the early years.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plan, First National Bank of Omaha
Saving for the future can often be a challenge, especially when it feels like every cent is already accounted for. But your savings don't always have to feel like a compromise - even small measures can help maximize your savings over time. In today's blog we explore Enable's top strategies to cut spending and foster more frugal habits. Try them out, and you may soon find new room in your budget for saving.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
As we begin 2020, now is the perfect opportunity to make a plan and get your finances in order. Simple strategies can be an effective way to ensure financial success for the year to come, and there's no better time to enact these financial resolutions than at the start of the year.
As the close of the year draws near, we find ourselves looking back at 2019-the milestones we reached (1400 Enable Accounts), the friends we supported (Go Homer's Heroes!) and the savings opportunities, like the Enable New Account Bonus Program, that helped this community grow-all while looking ahead to 2020.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Winter is my favorite time of year - from holiday celebrations to family gatherings, there is lots to celebrate. As you start your winter planning, keep in mind that many of your seasonal expenses may be considered a qualified Enable Savings Plan account withdrawal, so consider putting your funds towards the various approved uses. Qualified Disability Expenses include basic living expenses and are not limited to items for which there is a medical necessity or which solely benefit a disabled individual.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Before this 2020 planning begins in earnest, we at Enable encourage you to take a moment to focus on the last few weeks of 2019. In today's blog, we provide an end of year checklist to help make sure you're getting the most out of your Enable Savings Plan account-both today and for years to come.
Gifting into an Enable Savings Plan is the one size fits all gift that allows the account owner the ability to choose how your generous contribution can best benefit their life. Give today!
It is gratifying and energizing to hear what Enable can do for so many people, each with unique needs, goals and plans for the future. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I am delighted to share just a few of the reasons why I and so many Account Owners are thankful for Enable.
Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Since founding the Enable Savings Plan, our goal has been to provide individuals with disabilities and their families with a reliable and easy-to-use savings option. To support this mission, Enable offers a host of relevant and simple tools that Account Owners can use to optimize their savings experience.
To celebrate Spina Bifida Awareness Month this October, we reached out to Nia Karmann, President of Nebraska Spina Bifida, to learn more about how she and her colleagues support the disability community through programming, financial support and spreading awareness about spina bifida. Read on to learn more about their organization.
If you're new to the Enable Savings Plan community, welcome! The second annual Enable New Account Bonus Program kicks off this fall, and there's no better time to learn more about the Plan's many benefits. Read on for everything you need to know about the bonus, and about saving with Enable.
In the first episode we ask: what is ABLE to Work, and what can it offer Enable Account Owners? Join Enable Outreach Specialist Diane Stewart as she discusses these questions and more.
Author: Terry Severson, Director of Marketing, First National Bank
September is National Preparedness Month, and here at the Enable Savings Plan we are doing our part to help ensure you are prepared when it comes to your finances. Read on for our favorite tips to help keep you accountable and set you up for financial success in the long term.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
At Enable, our job is to help individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses, providing a path to financial independence and opening doors to disability inclusion. This Labor Day we are celebrating these efforts, and the many benefits that Enable provides for individuals with disabilities in the workforce and beyond.
Our mission at Enable is to make our Account Owners’ savings journey as simple and transparent as possible. To help you stay on track with your savings goals and keep you informed about your account, we’ve highlighted a few of the most common questions we receive from Account Owners.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
It can often be easy to get caught up in the hubbub of the everyday, and forget to keep the big picture in mind. But National Simplify Your Life Week is a reminder to do just that – take a break from all the commotion, evaluate your options and use the features and tools Enable offers to make life a little easier. Taking a moment to focus on your Enable Savings Plan account is a great way to start.
Though it seems like a given that individuals with disabilities ought to have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, discrimination based on ability was not federally illegal until the passage of the ADA in 1990. Prior to 1990, accessible parking spaces were few and far between, restaurants, business and recreational areas were not accessible and sensory impairments often went overlooked and unaccommodated.
Independence Day celebrates what makes this nation so special. It is a time for individuals from coast to coast to appreciate the freedoms that those before them have secured, as well as look towards the future to discover how we can expand those freedoms and build upon our independence. On the third anniversary of the Enable Savings Plan, I can’t think of a better time to celebrate financial independence, a freedom every individual deserves.
Author: Leah Janke, Executive Director, Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands
When I first found out about the passage of the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (better known as the ABLE Act), I was ecstatic. I was thrilled for the disability world, for the national Down syndrome groups who had become the face of the campaign, and for my son – who could now have a savings account in his name.
Spending can often increase in the summer months, and forethought and planning are key tools to keep you on budget and worry-free. To help you coast through the summer, we’re sharing our top five strategies for smart summer spending:
Author: Mary Sweeney, Marketing and Development Director, Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska
On March 17, 2014, our beautiful son Henry Lucas Sweeney was born. It was the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, we had green shamrock lights hung in the labor and delivery room and Dancing with the Stars was playing on the TV in the background. Family was waiting just down the hall for the exciting news of whether we had a baby boy or baby girl.
From well-rounded employee recruitment processes to accessible commuter transportation options for people of all abilities, disability inclusion creates a better standard of living for us all. At its core, disability inclusion means access—that is, access to the same opportunities and activities that those without disabilities are privy to.
When it comes to saving and planning for disability-related expenses, financial literacy is an integral part of the journey. In honor of April’s Financial Literacy Month, we drew up a plan of action to help Account Owners navigate their finances with even greater confidence.
Author: Ryan Wirth, Deputy Director, Expansion Programs, Best Buddies
We sat down with Ryan Wirth, Deputy Director, Expansion Programs for nationwide disability organization Best Buddies to learn more about how they support the disability community.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Knowledge is power—especially when it comes to your savings journey. The most successful monetary strategies are those grounded in a comprehensive understanding of what your choices are and how you can utilize your savings plan to maximize your potential for growth.
Author: Terry Severson, Director of Marketing, First National Bank
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was passed in 2014 to better provide individuals and families with a tax-deferred savings option for qualified disability-related expenses. As a refresher, the following tax reforms affecting ABLE accounts have provided Enable Savings Plan Account Owners with added flexibility.
I’ve found a community with the Enable Savings Plan. Since joining First National Bank of Omaha as the Enable Outreach Specialist in 2017, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with our Account Owners and partners to develop relationships that extend beyond discussions of finances and savings.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
From building your savings to managing your finances, the Enable team is here to help you get the most out of your account. To keep you informed about all things Enable we’ve created a list of Enable ABC’s – because understanding key terms should be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Author: Terry Severson, Director of Marketing, First National Bank
While we at Enable are confident that you can do whatever it is you set your mind to in the coming year, know that you’re not alone if you encounter some obstacles while trying to achieve your savings goals in 2019.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
This coming year, we want to encourage all of our account owners to stick to their short- and long-term savings goals by following a few pieces of simple advice.
Author: Rachel Biar, Assistant State Treasurer, Director of Enable
As one of the first national ABLE savings plans offered in the United States, Enable’s impact has touched the lives of individuals with disabilities far and wide, and I am proud of the continued success and improvements that we have demonstrated in 2018.
Our goal at Enable is to ensure that every individual with disabilities has access to financial security and independence, so that our account owners are empowered to live their best lives and be their best selves.
Nearing the end of my tenure as Nebraska State Treasurer, I have the opportunity to step back, reflect on the accomplishments of the past eight years and give thanks. In particular, I am thankful for the Enable Savings Plan and the economic independence it offers Nebraskans with disabilities.
We recently sat down with Jodi White, Program Director of the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF), to learn more about the organization’s accomplishments and goals.
We spoke with Edison McDonald, executive director of The Arc of Nebraska, a local disability advocacy group. Edison shed light on the organization's goals and discussed the many ways that the Arc of Nebraska serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
In honor of National Service Dog Month this September we spoke with Domesti-PUPS, a Nebraska-based service dog organization, about their work with our furry friends and the disability community.
Happy 4th of July! As Americans, we celebrate our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those of us who are in the disability community now can also celebrate the right to save money.
Guest Blog: Melissa Giersch on What Special Olympics Means to Her
I have been part of the Special Olympics since I was 5 years old. My most memorable experience in the Special Olympics was the 1999 World Games in North Carolina.
Author: Joanna Swanson, Head of Direct Sales, First National Bank of Omaha
One exciting way to make the most of summertime is to enroll in a summer camp or program, opening up a host of opportunities to try something different, form friendships and build new skills.
In light of April being National Autism Awareness Month, we spoke with the Autism Society of Nebraska for an inside look at one of the local organizations making a difference in the autism community.
For those who may be unfamiliar, occupational therapy (OT) is a form of treatment intended to help individuals maximize their independence by improving, recovering, developing, and maintaining the skills needed for daily living.
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month (MS), a time centered on raising awareness for the 2.3 million people with MS worldwide, illuminating research efforts, and working to spread hope and support for those affected.
Q&A with the CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute-Paralympic Sport Omaha
February 27, 2018
With the 2018 Winter Paralympics right around the corner, the Enable team is not only excited to see the Games, but also the inspiring messages it perpetuates...
My love for non-profit organizations began when I started my career at First National Bank in 1994. It was immediately impressed upon us that making a difference in our community and in the lives of others is the true measure of “success.”
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank
With Thanksgiving two short days away, I have not only been pining to gather with my family, but I’ve also been reflecting on the many things, people, and experiences I am thankful for.
Author: Joanna Swanson, Head of Direct Sales, First National Bank of Omaha
The month of November is designated as National Epilepsy Awareness Month, which poses an opportunity to educate the public about epilepsy and shed an important light on the epilepsy community.
Hi, I’m Addie. I’m 22 ½ years old and I have Down syndrome. That half really is important to me because it means I'm getting older and becoming more mature.
Author: Rachel Biar, Assistant State Treasurer, Director of Enable
I am excited to announce the Enable Savings Plan is teaming up with the ABLE National Resource Center and ABLE plans across the country this August to kick off #ABLEtoSave month.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
On behalf of the entire Enable team, we want to wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July! Put an extra spark in your Enable Savings Plan to help celebrate the holiday.
Last week on June 30, a seven-month effort to offer a nationwide ABLE program culminated in the official launch of the Enable Savings Plan at Omaha’s...
It was a little over a year ago when our team at First National Bank of Omaha first sat down to begin designing our ABLE Program, which became the Enable...
Hello. My name is Jacob. I am 20 years old. I am in my 2nd year of vocational training. I work on teaching pre-schoolers numbers and letters, supporting...
Special Olympics Nebraska transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through programs in Sports, Health and Education. We are excited...
The best ideas (for systemati change) come from the power of the people. In the case of what ultimately evolved into the federal Stephen Beck Jr,. Achieving...
For so long, individuals with disabilities had to limit their savings to $2,000 per month in order to retain their benefit. The good news is that now,...