Secured Steps

Choosing a trustee for a Special Needs Trust is one of the most important decisions a family can make—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Secured Steps, we break down the key differences between bundled and unbundled trustee arrangements. You’ll learn how each model works, who’s responsible for what, and the pros and cons of each structure. Whether you're considering a corporate trustee, a family member, or a hybrid approach, this conversation will help you make an informed decision that protects your loved one and aligns with your planning goals. 

What does inclusive higher education really look like in action? In this episode of Secured Steps, we shine a spotlight on Georgian Court University’s Transition and Career Studies (TCS) Program—an empowering path for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers.

Joining us are two of the program’s key leaders: Dr. Sharlene Smith, Operational Director of the TCS Program, whose expertise spans adult education, autism, and applied behavior analysis, and Tammy Laverty, the program’s Campus Life Coordinator and Admissions Counselor, who brings a rich background in education and technology to her working creating a vibrant, inclusive student experience.

Together, they share how the TCS Program supports not only academic growth but social and emotional development—giving students the tools they need to thrive in college and beyond.

To learn more about inclusive postsecondary programs, visit thinkcollege.net. For details about Georgian Court University’s TCS Program, visit georgian.edu/tcs. 

 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 episode is a must-listen. 

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 calculated
• How earned and unearned income affects monthly benefits
• The ins and outs of the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit under SSDI
• Why Medicaid waivers matter and how to avoid losing eligibility
• Common pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them

Whether your child is nearing age 18 or already navigating adult services, this episode will help you take clearer, more confident steps forward.

📍 For more resources and guidance, visit rockwoodwealth.com/snfp.

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 the ABLE to Work provision expands savings potential
• What counts as a Qualified Disability Expense (QDE)
• How ABLE accounts interact with SSI and Medicaid rules—including the $100,000 balance limit
• Key differences between ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts, and how they complement each other
• Common mistakes to avoid 

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode will equip you with practical guidance to make the most of one of the most powerful tools in special needs planning.

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/