Category: Financial Strategies

10 Common Estate Planning Mistakes Made by Divorcees With Keren Birnbaum, Esq. (Ep. 97)

10 Common Estate Planning Mistakes Made by Divorcees With Keren Birnbaum, Esq. (Ep. 97)

You don’t know what you don’t know. Whether you are contemplating divorce or are in the process, you want to protect yourself by having the proper communication and documentation.

In this episode, Larry Heller talks with Keren Birnbaum, Esq. a partner with Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC who focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and elder law. Keren shares 10 common estate planning mistakes that divorcees need to be aware of to retire right.

Keren discusses: 

  • Repercussions of not having estate planning documents
  • The mistake of not updating your estate planning documents
  • Not updating beneficiary designations in your retirement accounts and insurance policies
  • Why it’s critical to educate yourself on the assets you own
  • And more

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About Our Guest:

Keren G. Birnbaum, Esq. is a Partner with Schwartz Ettenger, PLLC where she concentrates her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration and Elder Law. She has over 10 years of experience advising clients on how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their business in the event of death, incapacity or disability. 

Ms. Birnbaum earned her law degree at Hofstra University School of Law and her Bachelor’s Degree at Brandeis University. She is admitted to the New York State Bar, is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Queens County Bar Association, Brandeis Association, and is an active member of the Elder Law and Trusts and Estates Sections of the New York State Bar Association. Ms. Birnbaum has also lectured and published articles on various elder law and estate planning issues.

 

What You Need to Know About Life Insurance With Neil Himmelstein (Ep. 96)

What You Need to Know About Life Insurance With Neil Himmelstein (Ep. 96)

Life insurance should be customized to you and your needs. As such, your planning professional should provide you with multiple options for insurance that will fit your lifestyle and unique circumstances.

In this episode, Larry Heller interviews Neil Himmelstein, the owner of Main Street Planning Group. Neil reveals the value of customized life insurance and shares strategies and tips you can start using right away with your life insurance policy.

Neil discusses:

  • The reasons why people need life insurance
  • Identifying possible living benefits
  • The different types of permanent policies
  • Why it is important to review your policies
  • And more

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About Our Guest:

Neil Himmelstein, is an independent wholesaler of insurance products, life disability, fixed annuities and long-term care and strategic partner to advisors across the country. Neil has a graduate degree in economics from the university of Maryland and has done postgraduate studies. He is a proud recipient of the Rudy Stegman award for outstanding achievement in leadership in the industry by long island. Neil has been involved in case design and agency management for over 20 years, specializing in high net worth programs, such as premium finance and restricted property trust and finding solutions for clients with health impairment needs.

 

HWM Strategies to Save Income Taxes on Your Investments (Ep. 95)

HWM Strategies to Save Income Taxes on Your Investments (Ep. 95)

It’s not what you make but what you keep. Do you know that the taxes you pay on your investments can vary?

Well then, this episode is for you!

In this information-packed episode, Larry Heller discusses diversification, taxes, and different strategies you can use to maximize your return by minimizing your taxes. 

Larry discusses: 

  • What cost basis is and how to lower your capital gains tax
  • How to select the proper method for reducing taxes on your mutual funds
  • Why it’s helpful to know what tax bracket you’re in to save you money
  • Why not knowing about mutual fund distributions and turnover can lead to surprise taxes

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How Climate Change Can Impact Home Insurance with Paul Wickel (Ep. 94)

How Climate Change Can Impact Home Insurance with Paul Wickel (Ep. 94)

These days, climate change is a big topic everyone is talking about. But do you know what is and isn’t covered under your home insurance policy?

In this episode, Larry Heller talks with Paul Wickel, a insurance producer at Remco Agency, about the different homeowner policies available and what you might be missing in your coverage to protect yourself from expensive claims.

Paul discusses: 

  • Who needs flood insurance––and what it does and does not cover
  • How to know if you have the insurance coverage for your climate
  • Ways insurance companies are helping homeowners
  • The common drawbacks for homeowners purchasing insurance
  • And more

Connect With Paul Wickel:

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About Our Guest: 

Paul Wickel is an independent insurance broker with Remco Agency on Long Island. Paul holds a number of industry related achievements and degrees and has over 37 years experience serving individuals and small businesses in the tri-state area. Paul’s specialty is working with high net worth individuals.

 

The Boring Investor: Why Boring Can Be Better for Investors (Ep. 93)

The Boring Investor: Why Boring Can Be Better for Investors (Ep. 93)

Why is boring sometimes better when it comes to investing?

Find out in this episode, as Larry Heller explains why boring can be better when it comes to investing. Plus, discover how “boring” compares to the things that people typically want to talk about with investing.

Larry discusses: 

  • Why boring can be better when creating a investment strategy
  • Mutual funds versus individual stocks
  • Benefits of being a boring investor
  • And more

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The SilverBills Solution to Bill Payment With Marci Lobel-Esrig (Ep. 92)

The SilverBills Solution to Bill Payment With Marci Lobel-Esrig (Ep. 92)

Do you struggle with making sure your household bills are paid correctly and on time? Did you know that there are options designed to help you stay on track securely and without stress?

In this episode, Larry Heller speaks with Marci Lobel-Esrig, founder and chief executive officer of SilverBills, a concierge bill management company designed to help the elderly age with dignity and security. Marci explains the SilverBills program and how the service works to help individuals decrease their financial stress by automating the payment of their household bills.

Marci discusses: 

  • What SilverBills is and who they serve
  • The cost of the service and how it works to assist the elderly with their household bills
  • How SilverBills can improve your financial wellbeing
  • And more

Connect With Marci Lobel-Esrig:

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About Our Guest:

Marci founded SilverBills after witnessing the challenges faced by her elderly relatives paying bills on time and correctly. As an accomplished attorney adept at solving complex issues, Marci leads the team at SilverBills which successfully developed a technology solution to the problem of paying bills accurately. Marci has been a practicing attorney for more than 20 years. For approximately 8 years until 2015, she was an in-house attorney for a well-known real estate investment company. 

How Much Cash Should You Have in Retirement? (Ep. 91)

How Much Cash Should You Have in Retirement? (Ep. 91)

Whether you’re three years away from retirement or are in retirement now, many pre-retirees and retirees have the same question in mind: How much cash do I really need?

In this episode, Larry Heller reveals his answer to this question and shares what’s going to have a dramatic effect on your cash during your retirement planning. Plus, he discusses how to stay the course with your money so you can retire right.

Larry discusses: 

  • The importance of knowing your annual expenses
  • Why Cash in a low interest rate environment
  • The “Sleep Factor”
  • And more

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Inside Out Yoga: Discovering the Practice of Yoga With Authors Sandra K Schoenbart and Joanne de Simone (Ep. 90)

Inside Out Yoga: Discovering the Practice of Yoga With Authors Sandra K Schoenbart and Joanne de Simone (Ep. 90)

Yoga is beneficial to both the mind and the body. Through yoga, you gain mental and physical strength, an elevated spirit, and improved balance, focus, and concentration.

This practice teaches you how to stay grounded and present in the moment, and how to let go of things that no longer serve you.

In this insightful episode, Larry Heller welcomes Sandra K Schoenbart and Joanne de Simone, authors of Inside Out Yoga. Together, they explore the benefits of yoga, the meanings of different poses, and how to execute them for ultimate peace and release of negative energy.

Sandra K Schoenbart and Joanne de Simone discuss: 

  • Their inspiration for writing Inside Out Yoga
  • The purpose of including illustrations of various yoga positions and postures
  • Why breath is an important part of the yoga practice
  • Their favorite poses and how they correlate to their personality  
  • Why they choose to incorporate a journal entry and vision board into their book
  • And more

Resources: 

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About Our Guests:

Sandra K Schoenbart: Sandra is a certified hot yoga instructor, actress, and host and producer  of the LTV East Hampton Channel 20 talk show Café with Sandra K. She enjoys teaching yoga in private groups at places of worship and on the beach. She also loves spreading the word about the mental and physical advantages of yoga practice with all. 

Joanne de Simone: Joanne is a writer, film historian, award-winning playwright, poet and former film columnist for Fire Island News. Her work has been featured in various publications, film journals and been produced in New York city festivals, and many of them may be viewed on Youtube. She currently hosts notes and notations from the writing desk on LTV East Hampton.

 

Determining the Optimal Investment Asset Allocation For Retirees (Ep. 89)

Determining the Optimal Investment Asset Allocation For Retirees (Ep. 89)

Asset allocation is one of the most important concepts for investors to grasp. 

That’s why one of the most-asked investment questions is, “How can we achieve optimal asset allocation, particularly during retirement?”

In this episode, Larry Heller addresses some of your questions and fears about asset allocation for retirees. He provides sound advice on your investments and walks you through some of the ways Heller Wealth Management can assist you in creating a portfolio that is tailored to your specific needs.

Larry Heller discusses: 

  • Why some of the most frequently used asset allocation rules should be avoided when constructing a portfolio
  • Three factors to consider when creating an optimal asset allocation portfolio
  • What a withdrawal is
  • How the Heller Wealth Management Reservoir Strategy works and how it may help you overcome panic selling and market fears 
  • And more

Resources: 

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How to Travel in a Post-Pandemic World — With Gary Portuesi of Authentic Explorations (Ep. 88)

How to Travel in a Post-Pandemic World — With Gary Portuesi of Authentic Explorations (Ep. 88)

As New York gradually reopens and restrictions begin to lift, many people are wondering how soon they can resume traveling, how safe travel will actually be, and what needs to be considered before booking their next trip. 

Today, Larry Heller speaks with Gary Portuesi, a travel consultant and the managing director and owner of Authentic Explorations. They discuss what travel will be like post-pandemic and how Gary’s skills and experience can help you plan your upcoming trips and adventures.

Gary Portuesi discusses: 

  • COVID-19 procedures, requirements, and conditions in different countries 
  • The challenges and opportunities when travelling abroad
  • Permanent changes to luxury travel
  • The benefits of working with travel professionals, consultants, and agents
  • How Gary creates the ideal itinerary for his clients 
  • And more

Connect With Gary Portuesi

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About Our Guest:

Gary Portuesi, managing director and owner of Authentic Explorations, fell in love with travel at an early age when he and his family made yearly trips to Italy. Spending summers in Sicily and exploring the northern, central and southern regions through the years, Gary realized that the American idea of Italy fell decidedly short of the real deal. And as he explored other countries, he found the same was true. That’s when he was struck by an idea: why not allow people to explore the authentic sides of the world?