In finance, there’s a concept called the Time Value of Money. The idea is simple: a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow. Inflation, opportunity cost, and uncertainty all play a role.
But for families caring for a loved one with special needs, there’s another version of that concept that matters just as much.
We call it the Time Value of Mommy.
Every morning in our house starts the same way. Drew needs help getting dressed, moving through his routine, and starting the day. For 15 years, Christy and I have shown up – no clock punched and no invoice sent. That time doesn’t show up on a balance sheet, but it has real value.
And here’s the part many families don’t realize until much later: almost anyone outside your village will bill for that same time.
At Ability Wealth Group, we see this story play out again and again. Parents (often moms, but not always) quietly provide hours of daily care without thinking of it as a “cost.” It’s just what you do. It’s love, responsibility, and routine.
Until one day, it isn’t possible anymore.
There is a very real trend of “super moms” aging out of the ability to provide the same level of physical, emotional, and logistical care for their differently abled child. When that happens, families are often forced to quickly replace time with paid support at a much higher cost than expected.
This is where planning becomes functional, not theoretical.
The first place we look is the village. Are there siblings, grandparents, or trusted family members who can help? Can friends step in for certain tasks? Or will a Direct Service Provider (DSP) be needed for part or all of the day?
Then comes the next question: who pays?
Is this support covered by a Medicaid waiver? Is it private pay? Is it sustainable long-term?
The phrase “Time Value of Mommy” is intentionally playful. In reality, we mean the time and effort provided by the entire village. Sometimes it’s Mom, sometimes it’s Dad, and sometimes it’s a grandparent or guardian. And over time, every caregiver’s capacity changes.
While Ability Wealth Group can’t stop time, our SustainAbility Planning process is built to help families understand its impact. We help families look ahead and ask practical questions:
- How many hours of care will be needed each day?
- What time of day will support be required?
- What level of skill or supervision is necessary?
When families answer these questions early, they gain clarity. They can plan for the true cost of care before it becomes urgent or overwhelming. They move from reacting to preparing.
Because the most expensive care is often the care you didn’t plan for.
The Time Value of Mommy isn’t about replacing love. It’s about honoring it by making sure there’s a plan in place for the day when time, energy, or ability changes.
That’s thoughtful planning.
That’s SustainAbility Planning.
And that’s how we help families plan for life unscripted.