Amanda Corral’s journey into the world of special needs financial planning began with a personal story—her father, Roberto Corral, founded Corral Financial Strategies in 2017, inspired by their family’s experience with her brother, who is on the autism spectrum. His passion for helping families navigate the complexities of special needs planning resonated deeply with Amanda, who learned the ropes of the business alongside him.

Tragically, Amanda’s father passed away in March of last year, but his legacy and the mission he started continue to drive her. She now runs the business, having fully embraced the challenge and responsibility of providing essential services to families in need.

In an interview, Amanda shared her motivations, her vision for the future of the industry, and the unique personal connection she feels with her clients.

Amanda’s inspiration is grounded in the emotional connections she forms with the families she helps. Special needs planning often involves families who are dealing with significant challenges, such as the shock of a recent diagnosis. Many of her clients come to her in a state of fear and uncertainty, and Amanda sees her role as not just a financial planner, but a guide through these difficult times. Helping these families shift from a place of fear to one of clarity and confidence is what keeps her going, despite the emotional difficulty of the work.

“It can be emotionally difficult sometimes to do what I do,” Amanda says. “But helping those families get the clarity and resources they need is what drives me.”

Her passion for serving others is rooted in her father’s philosophy: “Help others first, and the money will follow.” This perspective has shaped Amanda’s approach to financial planning, where the focus is on making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives.

Amanda’s connection to NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) started early—her father was a past president of the NAIFA Foothills chapter, and Amanda remembers attending events with him as a child. However, it wasn’t until she took over the business and started attending NAIFA events as a business owner herself that she began to truly appreciate the value of the organization. “It’s all about the people in it,” Amanda says, noting how NAIFA has helped her make valuable connections that have supported her growth in the industry.

She sees the future of the business expanding into a broader vision for special needs planning. Amanda believes that financial planning for families with children who have disabilities should not be a standalone specialty but should be integrated into every area of financial planning. Whether it’s college planning, estate planning, or retirement planning, Amanda envisions a future where all these areas are adapted to the unique needs of families with special needs children.

“Every aspect of financial planning should have a special needs counterpart,” Amanda explains. She aims to revolutionize the field by ensuring that no matter what area of financial planning a family needs, there’s a trusted expert who understands the complexities of their situation.

Before entering the financial planning field, Amanda pursued a career in the music industry, working toward a degree in music business. However, when the pandemic hit, her plans shifted. She transitioned to studying law and became a paralegal, eventually stepping into the role at her father’s company. While her path to this industry may seem unconventional, Amanda believes her background in music and the arts plays a significant role in her ability to connect with clients on an emotional level.

“As a performer, you learn how to convey emotions without losing your composure,” she says. This ability to maintain professionalism while empathizing deeply with her clients has proven invaluable as she works in an emotionally charged industry like special needs planning.

As Amanda continues to lead Corral Financial Strategies, she is focused on expanding the company’s role in the community. Her vision includes attending and supporting events like autism walks, offering pro bono services for families in need, and providing resources to help parents find specialized services, such as dentists skilled in working with children with disabilities.

“I want to provide resources that I’ve personally vetted and know are helpful,” Amanda explains. She’s dedicated to ensuring that families have access to information that can make their lives easier, even if they cannot afford full financial planning services.

While Amanda is focused on her clients and their immediate needs, she’s also keeping an eye on legislation that could impact the special needs community. Currently, she’s tracking potential changes to legislation surrounding special needs trusts, accounts, and tax benefits, which could benefit families she works with. Staying informed on these issues is key to advising her clients accurately and effectively.

Amanda is passionate about helping people, and she encourages others to consider a career in special needs planning if they have a heart for service. The industry offers an emotionally rewarding career where the primary goal is to make a real difference in people’s lives. As she puts it, this career isn’t just about making a living—it’s about making an impact.

“Special needs planning makes a difference. It’s about helping families who don’t know where to turn, and being that person who can guide them through the unknown,” she says.

Her work is not just about the numbers—it’s about building trust, offering compassion, and supporting families through some of their toughest challenges. In the end, Amanda’s work is deeply personal, both because of her family’s history and the deep emotional connections she forms with her clients.

As Amanda looks to the future, her goal is simple: to honor her father’s legacy, continue his work, and build on it by making special needs planning a more integrated and widely accessible service. By doing so, she hopes to make a lasting impact on the special needs community while ensuring that her father’s vision continues to thrive.