Category: Financial Strategies

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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)

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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)

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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. 

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

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

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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!

 

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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)

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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!

 

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Investment Insights: Embracing Asset Class Strategies with Apollo Lupescu (Ep. 140)

Investment Insights: Embracing Asset Class Strategies with Apollo Lupescu (Ep. 140)

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“Swimming with a school of fish”, that’s how Apollo from Dimensional Fund Advisors describes asset class investing in this episode of Life Unlimited. 

Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ® welcomes Apollo Lupescu, Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a prominent global investment management firm to discuss the emotional and logical thought process associated with investing. Listen as Apollo delves into the distinctive investment approaches employed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, placing significant emphasis on their meticulous data analysis and their commitment to asset-class investing. The conversation also touches on the significance of effectively managing your investment expectations, the merits of diversification, and gaining a deep understanding of market probabilities.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

  • The importance of asset class investing and understanding stock behavior
  • Why managing your expectations is beneficial to your investment strategy, and your sanity  
  • Differences between a Bear and Bull market and how they can often be predicted
  • Understanding that investing is mainly about grasping the concept of statistics and probabilities 
  • Why limiting how often you check the markets can produce a better outcome
  • And more

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About Apollo Lupescu:

Apollo Lupescu is a Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, where he started in 2004 after finishing his Ph.D. in economics and finance at the University of California, Santa Barbara. During his tenure at the firm, Apollo has gained experience in a wide variety of practical subject matters. He was part of the Dimensional Investment Strategies group, worked directly with financial advisors in the Northeast area to assist in the development of their business, managed the internal Client Services team that provides broad analytical support, and then oversaw the firm’s national advisor retirement business. He is currently Dimensional’s “secretary of explaining stuff.” In this role, he frequently presents around the country and the world at financial advisor professional conferences and individual investor events.

Prior to joining Dimensional, Apollo had his own consulting firm, which provided services to the US Department of State and the White House on a variety of projects. His interests in finance and investments led him to teaching engagements at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition to his Ph.D. from UCSB, Apollo has a BA from Michigan State University, where he competed in and coached water polo.

 

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Year-End Tax Planning Unveiled: 10 Tips to Implement Before Year-End (Ep. 139)

Year-End Tax Planning Unveiled: 10 Tips to Implement Before Year-End (Ep. 139)

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Tax loss harvesting – ever heard of it? It’s a strategy where you sell investments that have decreased in value to offset any gains and save on taxes.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® overviews ten savings and tax planning tips to implement before the end of the year. He goes into detail on topics such as maximizing savings in retirement plans, choosing the right type of IRA or 401(k), doing backdoor Roth or Roth conversions, understanding changes in inherited IRA rules, and seeking professional advice for overall tax planning. 

Larry discusses: 

  • Tips on maximizing itemized deductions, using a donor-advised fund, tax loss harvesting, utilizing flexible savings accounts, and contributing to a 529 plan for education savings
  • New law allowing business owners to put a retirement plan in place retroactively
  • Choosing the right type of IRA or 401(k) based on individual circumstances and tax deductions
  • Backdoor Roth or Roth conversions for potential tax savings
  • Changes in inherited IRA rules and required minimum distributions 
  • And more

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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)

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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

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Navigating the Founder Exit Paradox with Jerome Meyers

Navigating the Founder Exit Paradox with Jerome Meyers

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What happens after you retire or sell your business?

Today’s guest, Jerome Myers is certain that you will fall victim to the ‘founder exit paradox’ and experience feelings of uncertainty and loss of purpose.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ® chats with Jerome about why many business owners suffer an existential crisis after selling their business or retiring from a leadership role. Listen as he explains the ‘eight exits of a founder’ and how you can emotionally prepare for your next phase.

Jerome discusses: 

  • The importance of focusing on the human element of a profession rather than the financial benefits
  • How he helps clients gain clarity and formulate a strategy for their next phase of life
  • Uncovering the ‘six centers of doubt’ and how to build clarity 
  • How his framework helps individuals successfully transition away from corporate America 
  • And more

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About Our Guest:

Jerome Myers is an award-winning engineer, investor, mentor, and business strategist who helps founders navigate their Exit Paradox through his masterminds and coaching programs.  

Prior to leaving his corporate leadership position, Jerome built a $20 million, 175-person division of a Fortune 550 company from scratch.  He now uses his project management, engineering, and business expertise to advise business leaders on key areas such as: leadership strategy, process improvement, sales and data analytics in real estate, financial services, business services, and health care to help his clients double their revenue, time off and charitable giving.

Jerome is also a general partner in a multifamily real estate portfolio and serves on the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.

In 2022, Jerome won the prestigious alumni achievement award for the North Carolina A and T State University College of Engineering where a fully endowed scholarship has been created in his family’s name.  A noted media expert, Jerome has been featured in Business Insider, Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur, Biznow, CBS, ABC, and Fox.

 Jerome has interviewed numerous newly exited operators (NEOs) on his top-ranked Dreamcatchers podcast which provides inspiration, education, and direction to his audience of founders who are building companies to sell after they exit the “Matrix”.

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Retirement Reality Check: Are You Spending Enough?

Retirement Reality Check: Are You Spending Enough?

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Many people are afraid to spend money during retirement because they worry they will run out, but in actuality, many people aren’t spending enough!

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® provides insight and education surrounding how much you can afford to spend once you retire. Listen as he highlights what you need to consider when determining your financial plan, and the different variables surrounding your age, health, expenses, investments, and income streams.

Learn along with Larry as he discusses: 

  • The importance of having a sound financial plan before you approach retirement 
  • Why you need to be familiar with your expenses and anticipated lifestyle 
  • How the Reservoir Strategy helps you prepare your time horizon while considering market fluctuations
  • The benefits of working with a Certified Financial Planner® 
  • And more

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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)

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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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