Category: Financial Strategies

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How High Deductible Plans Can Save Your Business Money (Ep. 147)

How High Deductible Plans Can Save Your Business Money (Ep. 147)

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Is opting for high-deductible health insurance plans a smart financial move for businesses?

Larry Heller’s latest episode of the Life Unlimited Podcast features Jeff Weiner, CEO of HKM Associates, who brings his extensive experience spanning over four decades in life, health insurance, and financial services. Throughout the episode, Jeff offers invaluable insights into working with businesses to maximize savings through high-deductible plans. He provides comprehensive explanations on the mechanics of these plans and showcases their efficacy in saving costs, employing real-world examples to illustrate their practical application.

Key points covered:

  • Exploring New York’s distinct health insurance market for small and medium-sized businesses and its unique challenges
  • Unveiling the significant savings companies can achieve with high deductible plans through real-life comparisons with traditional plans
  • Emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial implications behind health insurance plans and the role of third-party administrators in managing high deductible plans
  • Plus more insights on transforming your business’s health insurance strategy!

Resources:

Connect with Jeff Weiner:

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About Jeff Weiner: Jeff Weiner, the CEO of HKM Associates has named his company after his wife, Helene and his daughters, Kelsey and Megan. HKM Associates strives to provide excellent service in the areas of Life Insurance, Health Insurance and Financial Services both in the personal and corporate marketplace. Jeff brings extensive knowledge to these areas and has been the recipient of many industry awards in his 40 years in the field.

Nothing makes Jeff happier than supporting organizations which are doing good things in our communities and benefiting the causes closest to his heart. Jeff started his charitable initiatives with the SUNY Albany 24-hour telethon during his college days. Since then, he has made leaps and bounds, held many key positions and raised millions of dollars for over a dozen organizations locally and nationwide.

Jeff’s pay-it-forward attitude has transferred to his daughters who are proud to involve themselves in the causes that speak to them the most. When his daughter, Megan, fell ill with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2011, the family did what they do best, support and get involved. With initiatives like “Like the Night”, “5 and Alive” and participating in organization events through Stupid Cancer and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Jeff and his family were able to help many other struggling families receive benefits through fundraising.

Jeff’s business goal is to be able to sustain himself to focus on his passion of working within the charity world, organizing, and coordinating fundraising events through his networks and providing the benefit to those who need them the most.

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

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

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Are you confident in your mastery of 401k fiduciary responsibilities?

Continuing the engaging “Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans“ series with Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, this second installment dives deeper into the crucial topic of 401(k) fiduciary governance. Building on the foundational knowledge from Part I, Larry guides listeners through the intricate responsibilities and best practices essential for effectively managing a 401(k) plan.

Larry Discusses:

  • The broad scope of fiduciary responsibility, extending beyond plan sponsors to key employees involved in plan management
  • The crucial role of adhering to the plan document as the governing ‘bible’ of the plan
  • Common pitfalls in 401(k) management, such as failing to timely notify eligible employees, and the significant consequences of these oversights
  • The pivotal role of 401(k) plans in employee retention and attraction, highlighting their importance as a core employee benefit
  • Investment oversight essentials, including the need for diversification, low costs, regular reviews, and the advantages of model portfolios
  • The necessity of regular benchmarking and impartiality in selecting service providers
  • The importance of education and effective communication about the plan to employees
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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Decoding Legal Changes: Unpacking the 2024 Corporate Transparency Act and Proposed Non-Compete Agreement Changes with Yogi Patel (Ep. 145)

Decoding Legal Changes: Unpacking the 2024 Corporate Transparency Act and Proposed Non-Compete Agreement Changes with Yogi Patel (Ep. 145)

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A new year has begun, and with it comes significant legal changes for corporations and small businesses. How should you prepare?

In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, talks to Yogi Patel, managing partner at Outside Legal Counsel, LLP, in a revealing discussion about the details of the Corporate Transparency Act and the potential changes with non-compete agreements in New York State. This discussion is critical for anyone wanting to keep abreast of these legal developments and their potential impacts on business operations.

Larry & Yogi discuss:

  • The 2024 Corporate Transparency Act that becomes effective in January and the new requirements and exemptions imposed under this law
  • The proposed changes concerning non-competition agreements in New York State Labor Law*
  • Strategic Insights for business such as navigating the implications, recommended changes and other crucial aspects like enforcement, exceptions and penalties within these laws
  • And much more!

*Update: On December 22, 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the bill that would ban all new non-competition agreements for workers in New York. Lawmakers have indicated they expect to submit a revised bill with a salary threshold.

 

About Yogi Patel:

Yogi Patel, Managing Partner at Outside Legal Counsel LLP, is a versatile legal expert serving a wide array of privately held businesses and professionals. He specializes in commercial transactions, compliance, labor law, and both sides of commercial litigation. Yogi’s expertise extends to advising executives in technology, finance, and medicine on contract, equity, and severance matters, as well as representing parties in restrictive covenant litigations. An Adjunct Professor at CUNY School of Law since 2016, he imparts knowledge in commercial law and mentors law graduates for the New York Bar Exam. Yogi’s background includes roles as in-house counsel in construction and at a boutique law firm, handling diverse legal challenges.

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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!

 

Resources: 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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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!

 

Connect with Alona Gornick:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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!

 

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)

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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!

 

Resources: 

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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

Resources:

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Connect with Apollo Lupescu:

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

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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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

Resources: 

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens:

Connect with Larry Heller: