Secured Steps

Rockwood Wealth Management
  • 5,0 (14)
  • INVESTISSEMENT

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. 

  1. -3 J

    Am I Hurting My Child with Special Needs If I Save for Retirement First?

    If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, saving for your own retirement can sometimes feel selfish — even risky. But what if prioritizing your financial security actually strengthens your child’s future instead of threatening it? In this episode, I unpack one of the most emotionally loaded questions families ask: how to balance retirement planning with long-term financial planning for a child with disabilities. We explore the real trade-offs, common mistakes parents make, and how an integrated strategy can protect both your independence and your child’s lifelong care needs. You’ll learn how retirement security, Special Needs Trust funding, ABLE accounts, government benefits, and estate planning all work together — not against each other. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a practical framework to help reduce guilt, increase clarity, and move forward with confidence. If you’d like more guidance on special needs financial planning, visit www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp to explore ways we help families build secure futures.

    11 min

  2. 3 FÉVR.

    What Is a Special Needs Trust?

    A special needs trust can be one of the most important tools in a disability family’s plan—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I break down what a special needs trust is, how it works, and why it matters if SSI and Medicaid benefits are part of your loved one’s support system (now or in the future). You’ll walk away with a clear, plain-English understanding of the structure, the key players, the main trust types, and the practical mistakes to avoid. In this episode, we cover: What a special needs trust is (in plain English)The problem it solves: protecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and MedicaidHow special needs trusts work mechanically (trustee control + distribution rules)The 3 most common types of special needs trusts:Third-party special needs trustFirst-party (self-settled) special needs trustPooled special needs trustWhat a trust can pay for (and where families need to be careful)The 5 biggest mistakes that create benefit issues and family stressA simple checklist of next steps to get your plan alignedHelpful next step If you’re trying to make sure your trust planning fits with the rest of your financial plan—beneficiary designations, titling, ABLE accounts, benefits, and long-term family goals—you can learn more about working with my team here: www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp

    11 min

  3. 31 JANV.

    How to Open an ABLE Account the Right Way

    Podcast Show Notes Opening an ABLE account shouldn’t feel like a research project. In this episode, I walk you through how to open an ABLE account step-by-step—from confirming eligibility, to choosing the right state plan, to completing the online application and setting up contributions so the account actually gets used. What you’ll learn in this episode What an ABLE account is (and what it’s designed to do)How to choose an ABLE plan (you’re not always limited to your home state)What information you’ll need before you start the applicationThe step-by-step process to open an ABLE account onlineHelpful resource ABLE National Resource Center – State Plan Comparison Tool: https://www.ablenrc.org/compare-states/ (Use this to compare fees, investment options, and features across state ABLE plans side-by-side.)Want help building the full plan? If you’d like help navigating ABLE accounts (and how they fit into your bigger financial plan—benefits, trusts, investments, cash flow, and long-term planning), you can learn more about working with my team here: www.rockwoodwealth.com/snfp Subscribe / Follow / Share If this episode helped, please subscribe and share it with another parent or professional who’s trying to make sense of ABLE accounts.

    5 min

  4. 16/12/2025

    Navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A Primer for Families

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the most important — and misunderstood — disability benefits for families. In this episode, Jeff Llewellyn explains how SSI works, who qualifies, and why age 18 is a critical planning milestone for individuals with disabilities. You’ll learn how income and asset limits apply, what changes when parental finances no longer count, and why SSI often becomes the gateway to adult Medicaid and long-term services. Jeff also covers common planning tools — including ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts — and explains how to avoid benefit reductions caused by In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM). This episode is ideal for parents, caregivers, and professionals looking for clear, practical guidance on SSI eligibility, transition planning, and long-term financial stability.

    10 min

  5. 04/12/2025

    What Every Family with Special Needs Should Know About Life & Disability Insurance — with Brian Klazmer

    In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Brian Klazmer of Klazmer Financial Group for a deep conversation on how life and disability insurance really works for families with loved ones with special needs. We unpack the essentials — from the structure of permanent vs. term coverage to advanced strategies like second-to-die policies, funding Special Needs Trusts, insuring caregivers, and coordinating coverage with SSI/Medicaid planning. Brian brings decades of experience and a clear, practical perspective families rarely get to hear. You’ll learn: Why life insurance plays a unique role in special-needs financial planningCommon mistakes families make when selecting coverageHow to structure policies to support a Special Needs TrustThe difference between insuring parents vs. siblingsUnderwriting considerations for families navigating disabilityWhen to review, replace, or reinforce existing coverageHow life insurance integrates with your overall financial planWhether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or a professional serving families, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward with a safer, more sustainable plan. Learn more about the Klazmer Financial Group (www.klazmerfinancial.com) and explore Rockwood Wealth Management (www.rockwoodwealth.com/special-needs-financial-planning).

    44 min

  6. 26/11/2025

    From Overwhelming to Oasis: Sensory-Smart Interiors with Stephanie Lee Jackson

    In this episode of Secured Steps, Jeff Llewellyn sits down with Stephanie Lee Jackson, founder of Practical Sanctuary to explore how the spaces we live in can help — or hinder — our nervous systems. Stephanie designs sensory-smart interiors for families, caregivers, and individuals with special needs. Together, we talk about how intentional design can reduce overwhelm, support regulation, and create calm, functional environments that truly meet your family’s needs. You’ll learn: 🏡 How light, texture, layout, and color affect your nervous system 🧠 Why designing with regulation in mind is essential for neurodivergent and special-needs individuals 💬 Simple changes families can make to create more supportive and soothing spaces 💗 How caregivers can benefit from environments that restore their energy Whether you’re a parent, professional, or planner, this conversation will help you rethink the role of your home — not just as a place to live, but as part of your care system. 🔗 Learn more about Stephanie Lee Jackson: 🌐 Website: https://practicalsanctuary.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practicalsanctuary/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieleejacksonpracticalsanctuary/ About Secured Steps: Hosted by Jeff Llewellyn, CFA®, CFP®, ChSNC®, Secured Steps is a series dedicated to helping families and professionals navigate life, money, and disability planning with clarity and confidence. Learn more at https://rockwoodwealth.com/snfp #SensoryDesign #Neurodiversity #SpecialNeedsFamilies #CaregiverWellbeing #HomeEnvironment #PracticalSanctuary #SecuredStepsPodcast #DisabilityPlanning

    53 min

  7. 29/10/2025

    Power of Showing Up: Young Adult Transitions with Jack Hinman

    In this episode of the Secured Steps podcast, host Jeff Llewellyn engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Jack Hinman about the challenges faced by young adults, particularly those in the special needs community. They explore the intersection of personal and professional experiences, discussing the importance of family dynamics, developmental milestones, and the crisis of connection in today's youth. Dr. Hinman emphasizes the need for parents to encourage social skills and friendships while also addressing the significance of understanding attachment styles and increasing bandwidth for social interaction. The conversation concludes with success stories and strategies for coaching young adults to foster growth and resilience. Connect with Jack: https://engagelifenow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hinman-engagelifenow

    45 min

  8. 26/09/2025

    Parenting in an Atypical World: A Conversation with the Author of Hello Saturday

    In this episode of Secured Steps, host Jeff Llewellyn speaks with author Catherine Zoratti about her journey as a parent of two boys, one neurotypical and one neurodiverse. They discuss the inspiration behind her book 'Hello Saturday', the importance of finding joy in unexpected places, and the challenges of defining 'typical' in parenting. Catherine shares insights on building connections with like-minded families, the significance of advocacy for neurodiverse children, and the balancing act of meeting the needs of siblings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents and the value of children's literature in shaping perspectives. You can purchase Hello Saturday here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJN14NJD/ Connect here: https://nonverbalkids.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nonverbalkids/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/920212136370668117/

    35 min
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À propos

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. 

Informations

  • Création
    Rockwood Wealth Management
  • Années d’activité
    2025 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    22
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secured Steps
  • Site web de l’émission
    Secured Steps