In this milestone 200th episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller reflects on the journey of building the podcast from an audio-only show into a growing multimedia platform focused on helping people make smarter retirement decisions. Joined by co-host Bill Tucker, Larry shares why the podcast was created, the lessons learned over 200 episodes, and how …
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 surcharge that can increase your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums based on income from two years prior. He explains …
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”, the five years before and after retirement when financial, tax, and lifestyle decisions can have …
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 financial confidence in retirement. He explains how multiple income sources, tax considerations, and …
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 retirement is a new phase of estate planning and what families, especially those with higher net worth, should be reviewing now. …
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 down with Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado to explore how life insurance has evolved …
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 quietly increase stress, healthcare costs, and long-term tax exposure. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses: Why …
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 Bosworth, CFA, Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to discuss …
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®, walks through the key January questions retirees should be asking, covering taxes, withdrawals, cash …
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, CEO of Protegrity Advisors, about what business owners need to understand before entering the …