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 emphasizes the importance of timely planning and actionable strategies to ensure a smooth shift into this new life phase. From building up cash reserves to maximizing 401(k) contributions, Larry walks us through a comprehensive guide tailored to those nearing retirement.
Larry covers topics such as:
Building cash reserves and why they’re crucial for a stable retirement [00:01:06]
Strategies to maximize your 401k contributions, especially for those over 50 [00:02:33]
Tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and their significance in your retirement plan [00:06:23]
The concept of a ‘Retirement Lifestyle Dry Run’ to mentally and financially prepare for life after work [00:10:34]
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, President of Integrated Coverage Group, to break down the rapidly changing insurance landscape. With more than 15 years of experience in risk management and personal insurance, Gregg shares expert insights into how natural disasters, inflation, and digital threats are driving up premiums—and what you can do about it.
From rising home and auto rates to the hidden gaps in your umbrella and cyber insurance, this conversation is packed with practical tips for protecting what matters most.
Key discussion points include:
Understanding personal insurance market challenges [01:00]
Impact of national disasters on local insurance premiums [02:45]
Adjusting policies with higher deductibles for cost efficiency [10:30]
The role of umbrella coverage and uninsured motorist protection [18:15]
The rise of cyber threats and the necessity for cyber insurance for individuals and businesses [24:00]
Gregg Knepper is an experienced Insurance Adviser specializing in helping businesses and individuals limit their risk. As the President of Integrated Coverage Group, a rapidly growing insurance brokerage, Gregg brings over 13 years of expertise in the industry. Unlike traditional brokers who work for specific insurance carriers, Gregg is dedicated to working solely for their clients, ensuring that each client receives a solution tailored to their unique needs.
With a focus on reducing risk, Gregg works closely with clients to craft personalized insurance strategies across a wide range of areas, including workers’ compensation, employee benefits, and cyber insurance. Known for their trustworthiness, knowledge, and honesty, Gregg partners with clients every step of the way to ensure that their risks are managed effectively.
Specializing in supporting quickly growing businesses with sophisticated insurance and risk management needs, Gregg has extensive experience in serving industries such as technology firms, medical practices, real estate, manufacturing, and restaurants and hospitality.
Whether a client is a small startup or a large, complex organization, Gregg Knepper provides the expertise and dedication to meet their specific insurance needs.
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 of required minimum distributions to the looming expiration of the 2017 tax cuts, Larry sheds light on often-overlooked tax challenges. He also explores strategic solutions like Roth conversions and income planning to help retirees minimize surprises and maximize financial confidence.
Key episode discussions include:
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and their tax impact [03:09]
Expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act [04:04]
The “Widow Penalty” and implications for single retirees [07:37]
Gifting strategies and estate planning considerations [10:03]
The consequences of leaving large IRAs to children [11:05]
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 of M&A, particularly within accounting. Geoff, with his extensive background in business brokerage and private equity, sheds light on why accounting firms have become hot commodities for private equity firms and other investors in today’s market.
They explore the emergence of PE interest in an untapped sector, revealing insights on operational optimization and technology’s transformative role. The conversation touches on AI’s potential to reshape professional services and offers a roadmap for navigating talent challenges in the industry.
Key conversations in this release include:
Why accounting firms are gaining traction in M&A
The impact of subscription-based and value-based billing
Geoff Bruskin helps CPA firms and wealth management practices scale, merge, acquire, and ultimately realize the enterprise value they’ve built. As the founder of White Tiger Connections, Geoff operates at the intersection of M&A advisory, business brokerage, and strategic growth – whether organic or through acquisition.
Beyond the accounting and financial services sectors, Geoff works with firm owners and their clients across industries – construction, logistics, IT/MSP, marketing, manufacturing, and beyond – helping them navigate liquidity events, capital raises, and succession planning with precision.
Geoff also hosts The Nexus Point Podcast, where he sits down with industry leaders, investors, and operators to dimensionalize trends in M&A, private capital, and firm growth strategy.
At the core of everything: relationships. The best opportunities emerge from trust, alignment, and a clear understanding of what success looks like – today and years down the road.
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 breaks down this critical aspect of retirement planning and introduces strategies that can safeguard your financial future.
Key episode discussion points include:
The shift from “Life Unlimited” to “Retirement Unlocked”
How the sequence of returns can impact retirees
Historical examples of sequence of returns risk
The reservoir strategy for mitigating those risks
Insights on adjusting your withdrawal strategy
Behavioral finance and the psychological aspects of investing
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 major implications for your income, business, and estate.
In this episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with tax expert Bill Minoff to break down exactly what’s coming and what you can do now to protect your wealth. From the potential reduction in estate tax exemptions to adjustments in Social Security and corporate taxes, they uncover the critical updates that could reshape financial planning.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—understanding and preparing for these changes now could make all the difference.
Key episode discussion points include:
The significance of the 2025 tax year
Key provisions that might sunset, including the top tax rates and pass-through business deductions
Changes in estate tax exemptions and their impacts
The potential shift in state and local tax (SALT) deductions and ongoing negotiations.
The return of miscellaneous itemized deductions if no agreement is reached
Bill Minoff is a dedicated and trusted tax executive with a proven track record of effectively managing the needs of a large family tax planning and compliance practice. With a focus on balancing the priorities of the family, Bill oversees a team responsible for preparing and reviewing a wide range of returns, including individual, fiduciary, small business, exempt organization, and business filings.
Bill collaborates closely with family members, company and outside counsel, family office executives, and other employees to provide expert tax planning and consulting in areas such as federal and state income tax, estate and gift tax, as well as executive compensation and benefits matters.
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 stability and tax efficiency.
Larry covers essential steps for building a smart distribution plan, emphasizing pre-retirement planning and proactive wealth management. The episode explores the benefits of Roth conversions, the impact of the Secure 2.0 Act, and critical topics such as the widow penalty, annuities, and estate planning, all supported by real client insights.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical tips to help you minimize taxes, optimize withdrawals, and protect your wealth and legacy. Don’t miss this valuable guide to mastering your retirement finances!
Key episode discussions include:
Strategic tax planning to minimize taxes before the distribution phase
Understanding different income streams like Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts
Real client scenarios illustrating the impact of effective and missed strategies
The effects of federal and state estate taxes, plus planning for longevity
Integrating attorneys and other professionals for a holistic financial plan
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 of On Balance Search Consultants, to explore the shifting dynamics of legal recruiting and career transitions.
Shari brings over two decades of experience in legal search consulting, offering valuable insights into pressing issues like the ongoing talent shortage, succession planning, and the challenges smaller firms face in staying competitive.
Discover how clear communication, firm culture, and leadership impact career success, and gain actionable tips on navigating mergers, acquisitions, and career transitions in today’s legal landscape.
If you’re a law firm leader or a legal professional seeking to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with must-hear advice to help you thrive in a rapidly changing industry.
Key episode discussions include:
The nationwide talent shortage and its roots
Challenges in succession planning for law firms
The culture clash and its impact on legal firms
Advice for attorneys considering retirement or career transitions
Shari Davidson is the founder of On Balance Search Consultants LLC & On-Balance Life Centers.
On Balance Search Consultants is a boutique search firm that specializes in finding top talent in the legal community. Shari has placed lateral partner attorneys, as well as group acquisitions and law firm mergers, and has assisted her clients in recruiting lateral associates, paralegals, and legal secretarial positions.
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 Life Unlimited podcast, Larry Heller identifies the seven most common financial mistakes people make and how to avoid them—such as lacking knowledge about their tax bracket and neglecting estate planning updates.
Key conversations include:
Understanding Your Tax Bracket: Learn why knowing your tax bracket is essential for maximizing opportunities like Roth conversions and minimizing overpayments.
Zero Capital Gain Brackets: Discover how to take advantage of tax-free gains to grow your wealth.
Investment Pitfalls: Avoid the dangers of chasing past investment performance and align your strategy with your goals.
Estate Planning Essentials: Ensure your estate planning documents are up to date and reflect life’s changes.
Liability Insurance: Protect yourself and your family with adequate coverage, including an umbrella policy for uninsured motorist protection.
Heir and Spouse Preparedness: Steps to prepare your loved ones, including non-financial spouses, for managing wealth.
Spending and Withdrawal Strategies in Retirement: Avoid overspending while ensuring your savings last throughout your lifetime.
Actionable Takeaway: Through practical examples and insightful advice, Larry highlights the importance of staying informed and proactive with your finances.
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 with Allison Dolzani, estate planning attorney and partner at Julie Kessler, LLP, to explore strategies tailored to women navigating major life transitions like divorce, widowhood, or retirement.
They discuss critical topics, including naming guardians for minor children, safeguarding inherited assets, and maintaining up-to-date estate plans. Allison also emphasizes the importance of foundational documents like healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and trusts in creating a solid plan.
With actionable insights on avoiding costly mistakes and tailoring plans to personal and family goals, Allison provides a clear roadmap for building an estate plan that safeguards your future and protects what matters most.
Key Points Covered:
Unique Considerations for Women: Proactively update estate plans after major life events and align documents with custody agreements.
Guardianship Essentials: Designate primary and successor guardians to ensure your children are cared for according to your wishes.
Critical Documents: Secure essential documents such as wills, trusts, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney for comprehensive protection.
Managing Inherited Assets: Protect personal wealth from marital commingling and preserve assets for future generations.
Legacy Planning: Create a lasting impact by incorporating charitable contributions or personal wishes into your estate plan.
Tax Planning: Navigate challenges like New York’s “cliff tax” and take advantage of exemptions tailored for single women.
Empowering Financial Independence: Use estate planning to confidently manage transitions, secure financial stability, and achieve long-term goals.
And much more!
Actionable Takeaway: Estate planning is vital to stabilizing your family’s future and building financial independence. Start today by consulting an estate planning professional to create a plan tailored to your unique needs.
Allison Dolzani specializes in estate planning, estate administration, and Surrogate’s Court practice. Allison represents domestic and international individuals and multigenerational families in sophisticated estate planning, emphasizing minimizing the impact of gift, estate, generation-skipping transfer, and income taxes.
Allison joined the firm in September 2018. Before joining Julie Kessler LLP, Allison was an associate at a New York City law firm focused on estate administration and litigation.
Allison earned her law degree from Touro Law School. While in law school, Allison served as Research Editor of Touro Law Review and authored Intellectual Property and Constitutional Law articles. Allison graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
