Written by: Jody Ellis, ABLE NRC Director
Jody advances the mission to educate, promote, and support the positive impact ABLE accounts can make in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Prior to joining ABLE NRC, Jody worked collaboratively with National Disability Institute for several years in different capacities including the Financial Integration Team Community of Practice, Real Economic Impact Network Advisory Committee, and as a member agency representative with the American Dream Employment Network providing employment and work support services to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries through the Ticket to Work program.
Jody holds a master’s degree in social work and has 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit industry as a service provider for people with disabilities, with a focus in behavior analysis, transition, post-secondary education, and workforce services. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Certified Work Incentives Practitioner. She is passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion efforts and enhancing individuals’ financial well-being.
Jody lives in Florida. She is a life-long learner who enjoys the beach, going for walks, watching sunsets, and traveling.
Investing Is for Everyone—Including You
When people hear the word “investing”, they often
think of Wall Street, fancy financial advisors, and people with lots of extra money. It can feel like something only “other people” do, those who already have wealth or understand complicated terms like stocks and bonds.
Here’s the truth: you belong here, too.
If you’ve ever thought investing isn’t for you because you live on a fixed income, receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or are simply trying to make ends meet, you’re not alone. The financial system hasn’t always been inclusive or accessible, but things are changing. Tools like ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience) now make it possible for people with disabilities to save and invest without losing important benefits.
And here’s some good news: you don’t have to start big. You can begin with as little as $25 and grow your future through something called compound interest, where your money earns more money over time.
Why Many People Feel Left Out of Investing
Money and investing can feel intimidating, especially for people with disabilities who already deal with extra rules and limits just to get basic support.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have heard that saving too much could put your benefits at risk. For a long time, that was true. That made many people afraid to save or invest.
ABLE accounts are changing who can save and invest, especially people with disabilities who previously faced strict asset limits. Learn more about how these special savings accounts let eligible people with disabilities save and invest without losing benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can put in a certain amount each year, and your money grows tax-free.
The key is to stop thinking of investing as something “risky” or “out of reach.” Instead, see it as a tool to help you feel more confident and in control of your future.
You Already Have What It Takes
If you’ve managed a monthly budget, planned around health needs, or stretched a dollar to make ends meet, you already have skills that make a great investor: patience, planning, and persistence.
The truth is that the less money you have, the better you are at making smart choices. Investing works the same way. You don’t need to know every market term or have thousands of dollars. You just need to start small, build confidence, and celebrate your progress.
Start Small—It Really Works
One big myth about investing is that you need a lot of money. Starting small and staying consistent can lead to big results over time.
Think of investing like planting a seed. If you water it regularly, it grows, not overnight, but slowly and steadily. That growth comes from compound interest, which means you earn interest on your original money and on the interest you’ve already earned.
Here’s an example:
- If you invest $25 a month and earn about 4% a year, after 10 years you’ll have put in $3,000, but your account could grow to about $3,675.
- After 20 years, it could grow to nearly $9,000.
The longer your money stays invested, the more it grows. Time and consistency are powerful. You can adjust as you go.
ABLE Accounts: A Game-Changer
For people with disabilities, ABLE accounts are one of the best tools available today. They were created to help people save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
Here’s why they’re great:
- You can save and invest without it counting against your SSI asset limit.
- Your money grows tax-free when used for qualified expenses.
- You can usually start with as little as $25.
- You can choose from different investment options offered through your state’s ABLE plan.
If you’re worried about the $2,000 SSI resource limit, an ABLE account lets you safely save much more.
How to Get Started
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, especially with money. The best way is to take one small step at a time.
Here are a few tips:
- Set a small goal. For example: “I’ll put $25 in my ABLE account this month.”
- Automate it. Set up automatic transfers so you don’t have to think about it every month.
- Track your progress. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or your ABLE dashboard to see your savings grow.
- Celebrate wins. Every time you contribute, give yourself a small reward—listen to your favorite song, enjoy a treat, or simply say, “I’m building my future.”
Think of investing like eating healthy. Make it a habit. Over time, those small steps add up to positive results.
You Belong Here
The financial world isn’t just for people who already have money. It’s for anyone who wants more stability and independence.
You don’t have to look or live a certain way to be an investor. You already have what it takes: patience, persistence, and the ability to take small steps. Visit the ABLE National Resource Center at www.ablenrc.org for more information and to access free tools and resources that can support your investing jalong your investment journey.
By investing, you’re not just building money, you’re building hope, confidence, and control over your future. If you’ve ever thought, “People like me don’t invest,” it’s time to change that. You belong here.
