
Joanna Craney, ChFC®,ChSNC®, WMCP®
Partner, Special Needs Planner
Hello. I am the co-founder of Empowered Financial Strategies. I am steadfast in building meaningful relationships with my clients, understanding their core values, and partnering with them to identify their evolving needs and financial objectives. I build and implement custom solutions to help each client achieve their financial goals through all of life’s stages. My client-service-oriented nature makes my clients feel right at home and part of the family.
Education has played a key role in my life. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy University. Thereafter, I received a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation and Chartered Financial Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) designation from The American College. I hold a Life and Health license and FINRA Series 6, 63, 65 and 7 Securities Licenses.
Growing up with siblings with Down Syndrome and mental illness has offered me the ability to extend my services into the special needs community. I am keenly aware of the unique challenges of caring for loved ones with special needs and the specialized planning process necessary to ensure a secure financial future for people with disabilities.
When working with parents and caregivers of those with disabilities, I create a comprehensive plan for their own personal needs and the current and future needs of their children or loved ones. I understand that a fiduciary carries even more weight when making these critical legal and monetary decisions. Some areas I lend expertise and assistance include the following:
- Planning income streams to support future care and quality of life.
- Protecting and maximizing government benefits.
- Legacy funding strategies for future care and quality of life.
- Designing a three-person retirement.
- Care management.
I reside right outside of Philadelphia with my family in a small, tight-knit community where I enjoy running, racing, yoga, entertaining and family fun. I am steadfast in my advocacy for women and the disability community. I am involved in Achilles International Philadelphia Chapter, Aaron’s Acres and am well connected in various professional women’s organizations. I lead 1847Financial’s Women Advisory Study group where I cultivate women’s empowerment in the financial industry.