Category: Divorce

An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part I)

An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part I)

Is it possible for 401(k) plans to work harder for you?

Join Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, in this essential mini-series where Larry unravels the intricacies of 401(k)’s. This episode covers crucial topics such as the significance of proper plan design, the diverse types of 401k plans, and the advantages of offering these plans for business owners. From perspectives on contributions and matching to navigating investments and educational aspects, this podcast equips you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of 401(k) plans.

Larry Discusses:

  • Various 401(k) plan types like Regular, Safe Harbor, and Matching Contribution plans
  • The substantial tax benefits for business owners and grasping the real value of comprehensive 401(k) plans, transcending mere costs
  • How adaptable 401(k) plan designs cater to evolving company needs
  • The significance of early involvement in plans and the critical choice between Roth and traditional contributions
  • Emphasizing the necessity of specialized education and tools like retirement calculators for making well-informed decisions
  • Heller Wealth Management’s benchmarking service to compare 401(k) plans against industry norms
  • And much more!

 

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Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? The Rise of Private Credit with Alona Gornick (Ep. 143)

Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? The Rise of Private Credit with Alona Gornick (Ep. 143)

Is private credit the hidden gem missing in your investment portfolio? 

Explore the untapped potential of private credit in your investment portfolio with Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® and special guest Alona Gornick, Managing Director and Senior Investment Strategist at Churchill Asset Management. Together, they take us deep into the intricacies of private credit, a burgeoning asset class currently commanding a substantial $1.5 trillion in assets.

Larry & Alona discuss:

  • What is Private Credit, what advantages does it offer, and how it has experienced such growth
  • Private Credit’s diversity such as, asset based lending, equipment finance, venture debt, and more
  • The Investor Appeal to those seeking steady income and a buy-and-hold approach
  • How innovative fund structures break down barriers, making private credit accessible to individual investors and opening new avenues for diversified portfolios
  • And much more!

 

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About Alona Gornick:

Alona Gornick serves as a Managing Director, Senior Investment Strategist, and Co-Head of the Chicago Office for Churchill Asset Management. In her role, Alona provides meaningful investment insights across the private capital spectrum to the investment community, with a particular emphasis on the Private Wealth and Retail channel. She works closely with Nuveen’s global distribution team to deepen relationships with and educate Churchill’s investors and partners.

Alona also serves as Co-Head of Churchill’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, where she collaborates on initiatives that prioritize inclusion and authenticity. She joined Churchill in 2017 as an Originator, developing relationships with leading private equity sponsors to source and structure high-quality deal flow for the platform. Alona has spent 14 years in various investment, capital markets and investor relations roles at leading organizations, including Nuveen (Churchill’s parent company), Golden Gate Capital, and Oaktree Capital Management. 

The Great Wealth Transfer, Part 2: Bridging Generations (Ep. 142)

The Great Wealth Transfer, Part 2: Bridging Generations (Ep. 142)

As we delve deeper into the transformative phenomenon of the Great Wealth Transfer, Part 2 of our series further explores the staggering $68 to $74 trillion destined to cascade down over the next decade.

In “The Great Wealth Transfer, Part 2,” Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, guides us through the intricate dynamics of this wealth transition, offering crucial insights for aging parents and their millennial heirs. Larry sheds light on key aspects, empowering millennials to navigate challenging conversations with their Boomer parents and ensuring a seamless, secure transfer of wealth. This episode is a must-listen for those aiming to redefine their financial legacy in the face of this monumental wealth shift.

Key discussion points include:

  • Strategies for smooth talks about inheritance between the Boomer generation and the Millennial Generation
  • How advisors navigate the emotional and practical sides of wealth transfer
  • Insights into fair wealth sharing in complex family dynamics
  • Essential advice to keep everyone safe from fraud
  • Understanding the importance of Medicaid and trusts in financial plans & estate planning
  • A look at the bigger picture of estate planning beyond finances
  • The uncomfortable but necessary “end-of-life planning” conversation between children and parents
  • How staying organized can improve estate planning
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

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The Great Wealth Transfer, Part 1: From Boomers to Millennials (Ep. 141)

The Great Wealth Transfer, Part 1: From Boomers to Millennials (Ep. 141)

Ever heard of the Great Wealth Transfer? It’s about to change everything you thought you knew about money.

Imagine a staggering $68 to $74 trillion cascading down over the next decade or so. Could this make millennials the richest age group the U.S. has ever seen?

In this two-part series, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, offers a glimpse into the psyche of the baby boomers as they navigate this monumental transition of wealth to the millennials. Learn how you can prepare as Larry covers such topics as taxes, Roth conversions, estate planning, and the benefits of being diligent with your record-keeping.

Part 1 of this Great Wealth Transfer series highlights:

  • The intricacies of taxes associated with this massive wealth movement
  • A review of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Roth conversions
  • How to engage in family tax planning, including the importance of candid conversations 
  • Eyebrow-raising tales like the Miami Dolphins’ sale driven by unforeseen tax burdens
  • The often overshadowed aspects of estate planning, such as safeguarding assets and diligent record-keeping
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

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Life Beyond Divorce: Focusing on the Future with Gabrielle Clemens (Ep. 138)

Life Beyond Divorce: Focusing on the Future with Gabrielle Clemens (Ep. 138)

Juggling the various aspects of your life can not only be tricky, it can be very overwhelming. And then, just when you think you’ve got a handle on it all, a ball comes crashing down. No matter your financial situation, you deserve to come out happy and secure after a divorce. 

In this episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® focuses on helping women through the divorce process with guidance and expertise from Gabrielle Clemens, an award-winning attorney, and CDFA®. Listen as she shares her knowledge in divorce taxation, estate planning, and finance so women can focus on their future and set concrete goals. She also talks about her book, “Marriage is About Love, Divorce is About Money,” which sheds light on understanding the three levels of divorce, and how to make logical decisions pertaining to your post-divorce life.

Gain insight as Larry and Gabrielle discuss:

  • How to focus on the future and set concrete goals
  • Which professionals to include in your “divorce team”
  • A cost-benefit analysis in decision-making during divorce
  • The importance of aligning your interests with those of your attorney
  • Finding happiness 
  • And more

Resources: 

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When Poor Customer Service Leaves a Bad Taste in Your Mouth (Ep. 135)

When Poor Customer Service Leaves a Bad Taste in Your Mouth (Ep. 135)

Life happens – plans get changed, good weather turns to bad, and luggage gets lost.

In this episode of Life Unlimited, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA shares his story about his experience with a notable airline company and how his situation could have been made better with one simple thing: communication.

Larry chats with his long-time producer and friend, Aric about his turbulent encounter, and how the simple act of keeping customers in the know can make all the difference when navigating unexpected situations or unfamiliar terrain.

Fasten your seatbelt, and listen as Larry discusses:

  • The importance of consistent client communication, especially during times of change
  • How his poor customer service experience left him baffled that a business with so many systems in place couldn’t effectively communicate with their paying customers
  • The value of proactive planning, personalized attention, and building loyalty 
  • How following up and asking questions after a bad experience can benefit how you conduct business
  • Plus, a special sign-off from Aric Johnson, Larry’s long-time producer, and friend

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Mastering Divorce: Protecting Your Assets and Future with Lisa Zeiderman (Ep.134)

Mastering Divorce: Protecting Your Assets and Future with Lisa Zeiderman (Ep.134)

In today’s episode, Lisa Zeiderman, Esq., CDFA®, CFL™, and Managing Partner at Miller Zeiderman LLP, sheds light on the complexities and processes of divorce, particularly when it occurs later in life. This episode offers essential guidance to effectively navigate the challenges that may arise when dealing with shared assets and liabilities, the emotional strain of divorce, or intricate matters related to business ownership and tax implications.

Listen as Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, and Lisa share valuable insights on critical questions to ask when searching for a divorce attorney. They also discuss why divorce proceedings can differ when you own a business and delve into other significant issues, such as imputation of income, division of assets and liabilities, and maintenance laws.

Throughout this episode, you will gain useful insight surrounding divorce including:

  • Who to seek for help when dealing with assets, liabilities, and equitable distribution.
  • The emotional toll that divorce can have on your physical and mental well-being.
  • Tax implications surrounding the sale of the matrimonial home.
  • Considerations to keep in mind when divorcing with children, especially concerning custody arrangements.
  • How to address separate property claims, such as inherited assets or pre-marital property.

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About Our Guest:

Lisa Ziderman is a highly respected managing partner at Miller Ziderman LLP in New York. As a matrimonial attorney, CFL™ and certified divorce financial analyst, she specializes in complex financial and custody divorce cases for high net-worth individuals with multiple prestigious awards and memberships, including being named a notable woman attorney.

And a notable diverse lawyer by Cranes, New York. Lisa is a trusted expert in her field. She has been featured in renowned publications like Psychology Today and Financial Advisor Magazine.

The Gray Divorce Phenomenon: Redefining Your Life and Retirement with Andrew Hatherley (Ep. 133)

The Gray Divorce Phenomenon: Redefining Your Life and Retirement with Andrew Hatherley (Ep. 133)

Today’s guest, Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® is the founder and CEO of Wiser Divorce Solutions, LLC and Transcend Retirement, LLC. After going through a divorce at 52, Andrew realized that there was a niche that wasn’t fully being attended to; people who are divorcing later in life.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® gets candid with Andrew as they share their similar experiences of getting divorced after 50, how their practices (on either side of the US) help clients navigate their divorce, and why “gray divorce” is a growing phenomenon.

Listen as they list some of the things they wish they had known during their separations, as well as what their clients are experiencing as gray divorcees. Gain valuable insight into the importance of being knowledgeable in divorce proceedings and your options, how best to plan your financials, and why adapting your mindset is so beneficial to live your life with purpose and fulfillment.

Larry and Andrew discuss: 

  • The special concerns of someone getting divorced later in life including how it impacts retirement
  • Why it’s important to work with trusted professionals like attorneys, therapists, and financial advisors
  • The emotional and psychological components involved and how you can better cope
  • How to rebuild your life and approach retirement with a positive mindset
  • And more

Resources:

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Navigating Loss: 4 Essential Steps to Take as the Surviving Spouse (Ep. 132)

Navigating Loss: 4 Essential Steps to Take as the Surviving Spouse (Ep. 132)

Unfortunately, none of us truly anticipates the possibility of being thrust into the realm of widowhood. Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® as he guides widows and widowers through the essential steps you should be taking as the surviving spouse. 

In this episode of Life Unlimited, Larry discusses crucial steps to effectively manage your inherited assets. From reviewing the step-up basis for calculating capital gains tax to updating custodian accounts, he provides valuable insights to empower widows and widowers during this challenging time. Larry also delves into the topic of Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) and recognizing the importance of notifying the Social Security Administration. Don’t miss this episode as Larry equips widows and widowers with expert advice on navigating estate taxes and managing inherited assets with confidence.

Larry discusses: 

  • How to go about setting up a plan for your inherited assets and what a step-up in basis is
  • Planning processes to implement based on your retirement plan
  • Reminders about RMDs and things to consider 
  • What to know about social security measures when becoming a new widow
  • And more

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Unveiling the Emotional Side of Money: Insights from Christine Luken (Ep. 131)

Unveiling the Emotional Side of Money: Insights from Christine Luken (Ep. 131)

Prepare for an insightful exploration of the deep emotional connection between money and relationships in this thought-provoking episode. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by esteemed podcast host and founder of the Financial Dignity Movement, Christine Luken. With her expertise in coaching high-earning professionals, business owners, and divorcees to overcome overwhelming debt and achieve remarkable financial growth, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Join Larry and Christine as they delve into the intricate dynamics of using money as leverage, the power imbalances it can create within a marriage, and its profound impact on relationships. Gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the emotional aspects of money within your own partnerships.

Discover how to cultivate healthier, more balanced relationships with money as Christine discusses:

  • How she got into the financial industry and her turbulent relationship with money
  • Why our emotions have the ability to cloud our better judgment, leading us to poor financial decisions 
  • A word of advice to females who are in a financial relationship of any kind; what to consider, when to get involved, and how to take action
  • And more

Resources: 

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About Our Guest:

Ready to master your money and become a financial success? Then you need Christine Luken, the Financial Dignity® Coach in your corner!

As the Founder of the Financial Dignity® Movement & a Certified Financial Counselor, Christine has coached hundreds of high-earning professionals to pay off staggering amounts of debt and massively increase their net worth over the past fourteen years.

Christine’s three books, Money is Emotional, Manage Money Like a Boss, & Financial Dignity® After Divorce, have landed her over 100 podcasts, TV, and radio interviews, establishing her as the authority on money and emotions.

When she’s not coaching clients from her office in Cincinnati, you can find this Certified Divorce Specialist & member of the Financial Therapy Association curled up with a good book, a fluffy cat, and a strong cup of coffee.