Retirement Unlocked
Business & Finance
About
Retirement Unlocked. With Larry Heller, CFP®. Your life. Your way. How financial resilience can let you live it – for life. While money matters, being able to pursue the things that enrich our individual lives also matters. Having the financial resilience to live life without limits is just one of the wide range of subjects discussed on the ‘Retirement Unlocked’ podcast. Join Larry Heller, certified financial planner and president of Heller Wealth Management, as he covers topics from tax tips to investment strategies, to healthy lifestyle practices, and trekking the globe!
Episodes
- IRMAA Explained, How Income Decisions Today Can Increase Medicare Costs Tomorrow (Ep. 199)
Many retirees assume their Medicare premiums will stay consistent once they enroll. But that’s not always the case, especially for higher-income individuals. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down IRMAA, the income-related…
- The Retirement Danger Zone: What to Know Before and After You Retire (Ep. 198)
Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but in reality, the years surrounding it are where some of the most important decisions get made. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains the concept of the retirement “danger zone”,…
- From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy (Ep. 197)
Retirement can look solid on paper, but confidence doesn’t come from a number; it comes from how your money actually works for you. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP® breaks down why cash flow, not net worth, is the true driver of financi…
- Why Retirement Is a New Phase of Estate Planning (Ep. 196)
Retirement often changes how your wealth is structured, distributed, and taxed, potentially exposing estate planning gaps that were easy to overlook during your working years. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores why retire…
- Life Insurance That Works While You’re Living with Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado (Ep. 195)
Most people think life insurance is only about what happens after they are gone. But what if part of your coverage could support you during a serious health event while you are still living? In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits…
- Why Taxes Often Go Up in Retirement, and What Planning Ahead Can Change (Ep. 194)
Many people enter retirement expecting their taxes to decline, but for many retirees, the opposite happens. In this episode, Larry explains why retirement income often becomes more taxable over time and how a lack of coordination can quiet…
- Why Investing Feels Harder Than It Should: Understanding Investor Behavior and Bias with Scott Bosworth (Ep. 193)
Why does investing feel so emotional, even when the plan is solid? This episode explores how psychology, and not just numbers, shapes the way investors react to markets. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA, is joined by Scott B…
- Starting the Year With the Right Retirement Questions (Ep. 192)
The start of a new year is one of the most valuable planning moments for retirees, not because everything needs to change, but because the right questions can shape better decisions all year long. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®…
- Selling Your Business the Right Way: Timing, Buyers, and Value with Gregg Schor (Ep. 191)
Selling a business is one of the biggest financial decisions an owner will ever make, and the right preparation can shape both the outcome and the next chapter of life. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, speaks with Gregg Schor, C…
- Key Decisions to Get Right in Your 60s for a Confident Retirement (Ep. 190)
Planning for retirement in your sixties involves a series of decisions that shape the rest of your life. Many retirees and pre-retirees are unsure how Social Security, healthcare, taxes, investments, and estate planning all work together,…
- How to Build a Confident Retirement as a Northwell Employee with Belinda Tsui (Ep. 189)
Retirement planning for Northwell Health employees involves understanding a range of unique benefits and making strategic financial decisions. Many employees across all tiers and roles are unsure how these pieces fit together as they appro…
- What You Can Still Do to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill with Jonathan Niyazov (Ep. 188)
Year-end tax season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the latest tax law updates now in effect, there are new windows of opportunity, but also new limitations, especially for high-income earners and business owners. In this episode…
- Later-in-Life Marriages: What You Need to Protect (Ep. 187)
When love finds you later in life, what happens to your legacy? With over 1,300 stepfamilies forming every day, later-in-life relationships are more common than ever, but so are the financial complexities that come with them. Whether you’r…
- Modern Estate Planning for Modern Retirees with Wendy Goidel (Ep. 186)
Planning for the future isn’t just about what you leave behind; it’s also about how you live today. Yet far too many retirees assume that a simple will is enough to protect their assets, their wishes, and their loved ones. In reality, effe…
- How to Avoid a Tax Time Bomb in Retirement (Ep. 185)
Roth conversions may be one of the most overlooked tax planning opportunities in retirement, and the cost of waiting could be staggering. With recent legislative changes, longer life expectancies, and compressed inheritance timelines for y…
- Our recommended title: How to Exit Your Business on Your Terms with Paul Cronin (Ep. 184)
You’ve built a business with care, grit, and vision. But what happens when the finish line is in sight and you realize you’re not ready to cross it? For business owners nearing retirement, the decision to sell is about far more than spread…
- SIMPLE IRA vs. 401(k): What’s Best for Your Business? (Ep. 183)
What seems like a small business decision, choosing between a SIMPLE IRA and a 401(k), can quietly shape everything from your personal retirement strategy to your firm’s employee retention. The truth? It’s not just about cost. It’s about c…
- Charitable Giving in Retirement & Smart Tax Strategies to Maximize Your Impact with Joshua Chadajo (Ep. 182)
How can you give more to the causes you care about while keeping more of your hard-earned money? Charitable giving isn’t just a personal act of generosity; it’s also a strategic financial opportunity. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked…
- What Should You Do with Your 401(k) When You Retire? (Ep. 181)
Your 401(k) could be your largest retirement asset, but are you making the most of it? In this episode of Retirement Unlocked , Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares the essential steps to take with your 401(k) as you approach retirement. From…
- Top Retirement Tax Pitfalls to Avoid with Rob Premselaar (Ep. 180)
Think you’ve done everything right for retirement? One overlooked tax detail could cost you thousands. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked , Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, welcomes Rob Premselaar, CPA and founder of Premselaar CPA LLC, to s…
- How Much Cash Should You Have in Retirement? (Ep. 179)
Are you holding too much, or too little cash in retirement? Finding the right amount of cash to keep on hand is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating a retirement income strategy. The wrong decision could lead to st…
- More Time, Less Stress: Why Smart Businesses Are Outsourcing Their Bookkeeping with Cheri Giglia (Ep. 178)
Outsourcing your bookkeeping isn’t just a cost-saving move; it could be the smartest strategic decision your business makes this year. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Cheri Giglia, Owner and Managing Director of…
- The 6 Retirement Mistakes To Avoid (Ep. 177)
The market is unpredictable; your retirement plan shouldn’t be. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked , host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down six of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when planning for retirement. Fro…
- Breaking the Health Insurance Mold: The New Health Plan Playbook with Louis Bernardi [Ep. 176]
Health insurance is one of the largest expenses for many businesses, but are you getting what you’re paying for? In this eye-opening episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, speaks with Louis Bernardi of BrightPath Benefit Advisors about the outdated…
- Your 5-Year Retirement Countdown: Key Steps to Take Now [Ep.175]
What are some steps you should be taking 5 years before your retirement? This question sets the stage for an engaging episode with Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ®, where we delve into the crucial five-year countdown to retirement. Larry emphasi…
- Understanding the Insurance Market Crisis: Higher Rates, Tougher Carriers, and Smart Moves with Gregg Knepper [Ep.174]
Wildfires. Hurricanes. Cyber Attacks. How are today’s biggest threats reshaping the insurance industry—and what can you do to stay protected? In this episode of Retirement Unlocked , Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Gregg Knepper,…
- 5 Tax Gotchas That High-Net-Worth Individuals Overlook [Ep.173]
What tax traps could derail your retirement plans? In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down five major tax “gotchas” that high-net-worth retirees must navigate to protect their wealth and retirement security. From the impact…
- Accounting Firm M&A: Trends, Valuations & Challenges with Geoff Bruskin [Ep.172]
It’s time to discuss the world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in accounting. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ® sits down with Geoff Bruskin, M&A specialist from White Tiger Connections, Inc., to discuss the bustling landscape…
- Retirement Unlocked: Managing Sequence of Returns Risk [Ep.171]
What does it mean to face the ‘sequence of returns risk’ when you retire? In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses why the order of your investment returns matters as you enter retirement. Larry also bre…
- 2025 Tax Changes: What You Must Know to Protect Your Wealth with Bill Minoff [Ep.170]
Are You Prepared for the Biggest Tax Changes in Years? The 2025 tax landscape is about to undergo a massive shift as key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire. These changes could mean higher tax rates, fewer deductions, and…
- Mastering Retirement Withdrawals: Expert Tips for Smart Distribution Planning [Ep. 169]
Do you know the smartest way to manage your withdrawals in retirement? In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares expert strategies for managing retirement withdrawals to ensure financial stabilit…
- Legal Recruiting Trends: Attract and Retain Top Talent with Shari Davidson [Ep. 168]
The legal industry is evolving, and law firms are facing unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. In this episode of Life Unlimited , Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Shari Davidson, founder and president o…
- 7 Costly Financial Planning Mistakes You’re Making (And How to Avoid Them!) [Ep. 167]
How well do you truly know your tax bracket? Did you know that not knowing enough could cost you thousands? Get ready to learn some critical financial planning mistakes that might secretly derail your financial security. This week on the L…
- Protecting What Matters Most: Estate Planning for Women with Allison Dolzani [Ep. 166]
Estate planning goes beyond documents—it’s about protecting loved ones, achieving financial independence, and aligning plans with long-term goals. In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down wit…
- Navigating S Corps: The Pros, Cons, and Tax Implications for Small Businesses [Ep. 165]
Choosing the right business structure isn’t just about compliance – it’s about maximizing tax efficiency and aligning with your long-term goals. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, and William Huether, CPA, CGMA, MBA, discuss how S-Corporations can…
- Beyond Accumulation: Mastering Your Retirement Distribution Strategy [Ep. 164]
Retirement isn’t just about accumulating wealth – it’s about making sure it lasts. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the essential elements of a well-rounded distribution strategy for retirement, including guiding you th…
- Risky Business: The Hidden Risks of Handshake Agreements with Rachel Partain [Ep. 163]
Handshake deals might seem convenient, but they could put your business at serious risk. Discover how to protect your company from these hidden dangers and build a reliable foundation. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by Rachel Partain…
- The Ripple Effect: How Recent Fed Actions Affect your Financial Plan [Ep. 162]
Interest rates may be falling, but your financial strategy doesn’t have to follow. Learn how to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing financial landscape. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down how these shifting rates impact everything from…
- Breaking Free: Unmasking High Conflict Divorces with Susan Bernstein [Ep. 161]
High-conflict divorces are some of the most emotionally draining and complex experiences a family can face, especially when children with special needs are involved. In this episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits d…
- The Six Silent Threats to Your Retirement [Ep. 160]
Could these six retirement mistakes jeopardize a successful retirement? What steps can you take to avoid them? In this eye-opening episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, reveals six critical retirement mistakes that cou…
- Divorce Without Drama: Understanding Collaborative & Mediation Options with Andrea Vacca [Ep. 159]
Divorce is rarely easy, but what if there were alternatives to the adversarial process of litigation that could lead to more peaceful resolutions? In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® is joined by A…
- New Laws, New Opportunities: Secure Act 2.0 Changes to 529 Plans [Ep. 158]
Could your children or grandchildren’s 529 plan be the key to their future retirement success? In this insightful episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the new provisions of the Secure 2.0 Act that allow 529 p…
- Unlocking Real Estate Wealth: 1031 Exchanges and DSTs with Stephen Davis [Ep. 157]
Ready to transform your real estate assets into a tax-efficient retirement plan? Want to maximize your real estate wealth without the headache of property management? Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, as he explores the world of 1031 ex…
- Corporate Benefits to Cash Management Plans: A Deep Dive Into How We Work with Business Owners (Ep. 156)
How can business owners keep their financial strategies effective for long-term success? In this informative episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, reveals the intricacies of corporate benefits and cash management tailo…
- ESOPs Explained: Bridging the Wealth Gap with Chris Coates [Ep. 155]
What if your employees could help drive your business to new heights while investing in their own financial futures? Uncover the power of ESOPs now! Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, as he discusses the intricacies of ESOPs with Chris C…
- From Planning to Investments: A Deep Dive Into Our Services (Ep. 154)
Beyond managing your investments and portfolio, have you ever wondered what else financial advisors do? Understanding the full scope of financial advisory services is essential to maximizing the benefits of your financial plan. In this enl…
- Financial Health for Your Business: Top Mistakes to Steer Clear Of with Tricia M. Taitt (Ep. 153)
Financial missteps can derail even the most promising businesses. In this impactful episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by Tricia M. Taitt, CEO of Fincore and skilled fractional CFO. They dive into the top…
- Unlocking Tax Strategies to Optimize Your Retirement (Ep. 152)
Are you effectively using tax strategies to boost your retirement investments? Explore this insightful episode of the Life Unlimited Podcast featuring Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®. Larry delves into strategic tax planning and investment strat…
- Navigating the Medicare Maze with Craig Smith (Ep. 151)
There is no secret to Medicare, you just need the proper guidance. In this insightful episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, welcomes Craig Smith, Medicare professional. With a focus on senior healthcare since 2013, Cra…
- An Employer’s Guide to 401(k) Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part IV) (Ep. 150)
Are your 401(k) offerings impacting employee wellness and engagement? Join Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, in the concluding episode of our four-part series, “An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans.” This final segment focuses on the broader impact…