Secured Steps
Welcome to Secured Steps, the podcast where Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management helps families confidently navigate the financial planning journey for individuals with special needs. Each episode features expert insights and real conversations with advocates, professionals, and families from the special needs community—because every family deserves a secure path forward. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own qualified advisors before making any financial decisions.
Unlocking the DAC Benefit: A Hidden Key in Special Needs Planning
In this episode of Secured Steps, we dive into one of the most overlooked but powerful Social Security benefits available to families supporting a loved one with a disability—the Disabled Adult Child benefit, or DAC. Host Jeff Llewellyn from Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down what DAC is, who qualifies, and why traditional retirement planning strategies often miss the mark when a disabled loved one is involved. You’ll also learn how to apply for DAC, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how this benefit can dramatically impact long-term financial security. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episo...
Alphabet Soup of Government Benefits: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid & Community Waivers
Government benefits are some of the most important—and confusing—resources available to families supporting a loved one with disabilities. In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down the alphabet soup of programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Community Waivers in plain English.
You'll learn:
Who qualifies for SSI and how it's calculatedHow earned and unearned income affects monthly benefitsThe ins and outs of the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit under SSDIWhy Medicaid waivers matter and how to avoid losing eligibilityCommon pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid...ABLE Accounts Explained: What Every Family Should Know
If you’re caring for a loved one with special needs, you’ve probably heard about ABLE accounts—but do you know how they actually work, or how they can protect eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid?
In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management breaks down everything you need to know about ABLE accounts—Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts—and how they fit into a comprehensive special needs financial plan.
You'll learn:
Who qualifies for an ABLE account (including age and disability criteria)2025 contribution limits and how th...Trailer
Secured Steps is the podcast that helps parents, grandparents, and caretakers confidently navigate the financial planning process for individuals with disabilities. Hosted by Jeff Llewellyn of Rockwood Wealth Management — and a parent who’s walked this path — each episode delivers clear, practical guidance on topics including government benefits, special needs trusts, and budgeting, ABLE accounts, and investment management. Featuring expert guests in law, education, and community services, Secured Steps gives you the tools to build a secure and sustainable future, one step at a time.
https://rockwoodwealth.com/special-needs-financial-planning/
