Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Enable Alabama 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 @EnableSavingsPlanAlabama for more uplifting stories!
Author: Leslie Walker, Community Engagement Manager, UCP Huntsville
Enable Alabama is committed to enriching our community through financial resources and education. As part of this mission, we are happy to shine a light on the enormous amounts of good that other local organizations bring to our community. This March begins International Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. In recognition of March's International Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we spoke with Leslie Walker, the Community Engagement Manager for the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Huntsville.
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 Alabama has put together some tips to benefit our Account Owners who use wheelchairs.
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director
Anniversaries are a time for us to reflect and appreciate how far we have come. Later this month we will celebrate three years of Enable Alabama.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, 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 Alabama'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.
Author: Alabama State Treasurer John McMillan
With 2020 just around the corner, the Enable Savings Plan Alabama team is filled with excitement for a new year. Before we forge ahead with our savings resolutions and financial fitness goals for the next 12 months, we'd like to share some of the highlights that Enable Alabama experienced in 2019.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Winter 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 Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Alabama account-both today and for years to come.
Author: Brooks Greene, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, The Arc of Central Alabama
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, Enable Alabama is delighted to feature leaders in our local community who bring friends and families together, fostering supportive and welcoming spaces for all. On today's blog, get to know The Arc of Central Alabama and four of its super stars - each of whom save for disability-related expenses with Enable Alabama.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
Since founding the Enable Savings Plan Alabama, 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 Alabama offers a host of relevant and simple tools that Account Owners can use to optimize their savings experience.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
At Enable Alabama, we continuously strive to celebrate Account Owners while advancing disability inclusion and awareness. The month of October is an exciting time - from Halloween, Down Syndrome Awareness Month and World Cerebral Palsy Day to Spina Bifida Awareness Day - there is no shortage of causes for celebration.
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 Alabama, 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 Alabama provides for individuals with disabilities in the workforce and beyond.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
Our mission at Enable Alabama 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 Alabama account is a great way to start.
Author: Alabama State Treasurer John McMillan
Nearly three decades ago, many curbs were not ramped, service animals were not always allowed into businesses like banks and hospitals and public spaces were very often inaccessible. The tide shifted, however, on July 26, 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
The disability community at large continuously serves as a great inspiration-from individuals achieving universally ambitious goals such as competing in the Special Olympics to becoming leaders in fields that they're most passionate about - I never cease to be amazed. This is why we have made it our mission at Enable Alabama to make sure all individuals receive fair and equal opportunities when it comes to their finances, and continuously strive to advocate on behalf of the amazing individuals within the disability community.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
With Independence Day next week, we at Enable Alabama are reflecting on the progress that the disability community has made towards securing and strengthening one of the most important freedoms we should all have access to: financial independence.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
School’s out, the sun is shining and summer fun is officially in session! Here at the Enable Savings Plan Alabama, we’re kicking off the season by highlighting the many activities and events going on in our community.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
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:
Authors: Lynne Stokley, CEO, Easterseals Alabama and Debbie Lynn, Executive Director, Easterseals Central Alabama
We spoke to Easter Alabama —an organization that serves children and adults with disabilities and special needs in Alabama—to learn more about the range of opportunities they offer to individuals across the state.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
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.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
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 Alabama Account Owners added flexibility.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
I’ve found a community with the Enable Savings Plan Alabama. 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 Alabama team is here to help you get the most out of your account. To keep you informed about all things Enable Alabama we’ve created a list of Enable Alabama 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 Alabama 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: State Treasurer Young Boozer
Enable Alabama made its own long-term resolution to help the disability community achieve financial independence, and we continuously work towards making this goal a reality.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
Our goal at Enable Alabama 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.
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director
I am thankful for ABLE and a career that has allowed me to go all over Alabama and talk to so many people about this wonderful program. I am grateful that as of 2014, individuals with disabilities attained before age 26 can now save up to $100,000 in an Enable Savings account.
Author: Terry Severson, Director of Marketing, First National Bank
We’re wishing a very happy birthday to the ABLE Act, which turns four this year!
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
To shed light on some of the most common Enable Alabama questions, we pulled together some tips that will alleviate your most haunting fears.
We recently sat down with Sue Tolle, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Alabama, to learn more about the organization’s accomplishments and goals.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
How do you create a labor force abundant in potential for advancement and innovation?
You make room for opportunity and allow for diverse perspectives to shape the future.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed by U.S. Congress December 22nd 2017, included a few key updates to ABLE account rules.
State Treasurer Boozer
In April the state of Alabama passed Act 2018-280, a landmark decision that has already benefited individuals with disabilities throughout the state.
We sat down with Gena Richardson, Executive Director, to learn more about the organization’s goals, advocacy work and educational initiatives.
Author: Vicki Sleder, Marketing Associate, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank
Whether you’re a brand-new account owner or are considering opening up an account, chances are you have questions about the Enable Savings Plan.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
July marks the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Author: Kim Bainbridge
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: Terry Severson, Director, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank of Omaha
Here at Enable Alabama, we believe that anything is possible, and that opportunities should be afforded to individuals of all abilities.
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.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank
Since launching Enable Alabama, my life has been touched by so many different mothers, bound together by a common thread—each one serving as their child’s number-one advocate, fighting for inclusivity while also ensuring they have access to the funds they need to achieve a better life.
In light of April being National Autism Awareness Month, we spoke with Melanie Jones, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Alabama, for an inside look at one of the local organizations making a difference in the autism community.
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
Enable Alabama is pleased to recognize Occupational Therapy Month this April. For those who may be unfamiliar, occupational therapy (OT) is a form of treatment intended to help individuals maximize their independence by improving, recovering,
Author: Diane Stewart, Enable Outreach Specialist
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.
Author: Kevin Miller, Senior Advisor, Wholesale Banking, First National Bank of Omaha
I find it difficult to believe that it has already been 10 years since receiving the Down syndrome diagnosis of our youngest daughter, Ashtin.
The 2018 Winter Paralympics are right around the corner, meaning athletes across the globe are gearing up to compete for the gold. At Enable AL, we are not only excited to see the Games,
Author: Kathleen Baxter, Alabama State Comptroller
Two years ago on Christmas Eve, my family’s life changed dramatically. My youngest son, Hunter—then 20 years old—was in a horrific car accident.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank
One of my favorite sayings has always been “Celebrate what you accomplish, but raise the bar each time you succeed.” Looking back on the past year, it is clear that the Enable Savings Plan Alabama has perfectly embodied this expression since its launch in February.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank
With the hectic holiday season operating in full swing, the clock is ticking for finding the perfect gift. Facing long lines and crowded department stores can be a hassle—especially if the present will only be returned or exchanged later on.
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.
Author: Terry Severson, Director, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank of Omaha
Something that recently captured my attention is the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual Buddy Walk. With events held around the country each fall,
Author: Amelis Long, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
This Friday, October 6th, World Cerebral Palsy Day will be observed around the globe. In recognition of this important day, we spoke with Alison Isbell, Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Alabama, to find out more about how the organization is spreading awareness of Cerebral Palsy and helping individuals with a range of disabilities and their families in Alabama.
Author: Isaac Beavers, Regional Director, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
I am Blind…
I wonder what images this statement conjured in your mind. Did you see a disheveled man sitting on a street corner playing guitar near an open case?
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank
As a dog lover, I know all too well that dogs make the best friends—and even family members. But for individuals with disabilities,
Author: Terry Severson, Director, Savings Plans Marketing, First National Bank of Omaha
It’s that time of year again—summer is ending and students, parents, and teachers across the country are preparing to return to school. As we brace ourselves for the new school year, I am reminded of a great story I recently encountered:
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director
Looking back on my childhood, some of my favorite memories were made during summer camp. Between arts and crafts, playing sports and making new friends, camp was always the highlight of my summer.
Author: Amelis Long, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
Despite the soaring temperatures, I live for summer! I love the smell of sunscreen mixed with fresh cut grass, and nothing can compare to the feeling of plunging into a refreshingly cold pool on a sunny afternoon.
Author: Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha
On behalf of the entire Enable Alabama team, we want to wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July! On this day, we’re always reminded about the freedom and independence that our Founding Father’s fought so hard for.
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director
Yesterday marked the fourth month since the Enable Savings Plan Alabama launched. These past months have been exciting, rewarding and educational for all of us in the Alabama Treasurer’s Office.
Author: Joanna Swanson, Head of Direct Sales, First National Bank of Omaha
Happy first day of summer! Here at Enable AL, we hope your summer is filled with sun and fun. But summer is not all play. For many of our account holders, this marks the start of their summer jobs.
Author: Treasurer Young Boozer
As Father’s Day approaches this Sunday, the entire Enable Savings Plan Alabama team wishes you a happy Father’s Day. Like every father,
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director, Alabama State Treasury
With the first day of summer right around the corner (June 21), thoughts of hiking, picnicking, kite flying and fishing have been consuming my mind—I love spending time outdoors,
Author: Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer
It was an exciting time in Alabama from May 19-21 as athletes across the state competed in Special Olympics Alabama. On behalf of the entire Enable Alabama team,
Author: Joy Cox, Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional and Work Incentives Practitioner with The Arc of Madison County, Alabama
The American Dream has been sold to millions of people. We’ve raised our children to believe they could be anything, do anything, and have anything if they work hard for it.
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director, Alabama State Treasury
In today's day and age, almost everything can now be accessed online or digitally. In fact, a majority of people use digital versions of books and receive most of their news through online websites,
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director, Alabama State Treasury
Every year as Mother’s Day approaches, I feel an immense amount of love and appreciation as I think about my mom, mothers across the world,
Author: Amelis Long, Enable Alabama Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives introduced a package of bills last month to enhance the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Referred to as “ABLE 2.0,”
Author: Anita Kelley, Director, College Savings Plans, Alabama State Treasury
Congratulations on making the decision to enroll in an Enable Savings Plan Alabama! Now the next step is to actually get your plan open—and I’m here to help. Below, I’ve provided a step-by-step guide to lead you through the enrollment process.
Author: Anita Kelley, Director, College Savings Plans, Alabama State Treasury
For so long, individuals with disabilities had to limit their savings to $2,000 per month in order to retain their benefits. The good news is now with Enable Savings Plan Alabama you can save so much more without impact.
Author: Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer
April is National Financial Literacy Month, a month dedicated to educating Americans on monetary concepts and skills.
Scarlet Thompson has led the fundraising and marketing efforts at The Arc of Jefferson County, Alabama's largest provider of services to the intellectually and developmentally disabled, for nearly four years. She'll leave the organization later this month to join Civitan International, where she will assume the role of Executive Vice President.
Author: Stephanie Miner
Hi, my name is Stephanie Miner and I have lived with my best buddy cerebral palsy my whole life. It has allowed me a unique perspective on life.
Sara Hart Weir, MS, is the President of the National Down Syndrome Society based in Washington, DC and New York, NY and is also the Co-Founder of the ABLE Alliance for Financial Empowerment
Author: Anita Kelley, Enable Savings Plan Alabama Director, Alabama State Treasury
Now that we’ve officially launched the Enable Savings Plan Alabama, it’s time to start thinking about what you will use your account to finance. Will you use your account for everyday expenses, to save for your long-term needs, or both?
Author: Amelis Long, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
I’ve always enjoyed the wait. The anticipation is thrilling, as my attention is captured by a countdown. Whether waiting for the first day of summer break or that Amazon package in the mail, excitement always builds.
Welcome to the Enable Savings Plan Alabama blog! This blog is dedicated to providing resources, sharing stories, and engaging with the community Enable Alabama is ready to build and serve.
Author: Amelis Long, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha
Summer is a popular time for families to travel—school is out, the weather is warm, and vacation days are ready to be used. Whether you fly across the world,
Enable Savings Plan Alabama ("Enable Alabama" or the "Plan") is sponsored by the State of Nebraska, offered by the State of Alabama, and administered by the Nebraska State Treasurer. The State of Alabama, through the Alabama Savings Board, contracted with the Nebraska State Treasurer to participate in and create Enable Savings Plan Alabama which is part of The Nebraska Achieving a Better Life Experience Program Trust (the "Trust") that offers a series of investment portfolios. The Plan is intended to operate as a qualified ABLE program to be used only to save for qualified disability expenses, pursuant to the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 and Section 529A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
An investor should consider the Plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. The Program Disclosure Statement located here, which contains more information, should be read carefully before investing.
Investors should consider before investing whether their home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified ABLE program and should consult their tax advisor, attorney and/or other advisor regarding their specific legal, investment or tax situation.
This material is provided for general and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide legal, tax or investment advice, or for use to avoid penalties that may be imposed under U.S. federal tax laws. This material is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offer to sell units within the Plan may only be made by the Program Disclosure Statement relating to the Plan.
Participation in the Plan does not guarantee that contributions and the investment return on contributions, if any, will be adequate to cover future expenses, or that an Account Owner is eligible to participate in the Plan.
Except for the Bank Savings and Checking Investment Options, investments in Enable Alabama are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any other government agency and are not deposits or other obligations of any depository institution. Investments are not guaranteed or insured by the State of Alabama, the State of Nebraska, the Alabama State Treasurer, the Nebraska State Treasurer, the Nebraska Investment Council or First National Bank of Omaha or its authorized agents or their affiliates, and are subject to investment risks, including loss of the principal amount invested. FDIC insurance is provided for the Bank Savings and Checking Investment Options up to the maximum amount set by federal law, currently $250,000.
Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* | No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee | May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings and Checking Investment Options
The Nebraska Achieving a Better Life Experience Program Trust Issuer
Alabama Participating State
Nebraska State Treasurer Trustee
Nebraska Investment Council Investment Oversight
First National Capital Markets, Inc. Distributor, Member FINRA, SIPC
First National Capital Markets and First National Bank of Omaha are affiliates.
