Tag: Heller Wealth Management

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The Retirement Confidence Checklist: 6 Things to Review Before You Retire (Ep. 206)

The Retirement Confidence Checklist: 6 Things to Review Before You Retire (Ep. 206)

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Are you approaching retirement and wondering whether your spending, investments, taxes, insurance, estate plan, and retirement lifestyle are all working together?

A retirement plan should do more than help you reach a savings goal. It should support the life you want while preparing for changing markets, rising costs, healthcare needs, and a retirement that could last 30 years.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares a six-part retirement planning checklist designed to help people approaching retirement or already retired review the financial and personal decisions that can shape their future.

Larry discusses: 

  • How much you may be able to spend in retirement without constantly worrying about running out of money
  • Why taxes, insurance, and estate planning deserve regular review
  • How purpose and lifestyle planning can be just as important as your finances
  • How tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and Roth conversions may help reduce taxes throughout retirement
  • Why reviewing your estate plan, insurance coverage, and life after work can help you retire with greater confidence
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

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What to Do After Selling Your Business: 5 Mistakes That Could Affect Your Retirement (Ep. 204)

What to Do After Selling Your Business: 5 Mistakes That Could Affect Your Retirement (Ep. 204)

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What should you do after selling your business? Closing the deal is a major milestone, but it’s only the beginning of a new chapter. Without a thoughtful plan, emotional decisions, tax surprises, and a lack of direction can undermine the financial freedom you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the most common mistakes business owners make after selling their business and shares practical guidance for turning a successful exit into a successful retirement. He discusses how to make intentional financial decisions, prepare for taxes, invest with purpose, and build a retirement that offers both financial security and personal fulfillment.

Larry discusses:

  • What business owners should do immediately after selling a business and why rushing financial decisions can create long-term challenges
  • How to balance enjoying the proceeds from a business sale while avoiding lifestyle inflation that could threaten retirement security
  • Why keeping too much money in cash after a liquidity event can be just as risky as investing too aggressively
  • Capital gains tax planning opportunities business owners should consider before and after a sale, and why waiting until tax season may be too late
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/
Retirement in a Digital World: What Every Retiree Should Know (Ep. 203)

Retirement in a Digital World: What Every Retiree Should Know (Ep. 203)

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Retirement today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Managing your finances, protecting your identity, staying connected with family, accessing healthcare, and preserving your legacy are all becoming increasingly digital. While these advancements offer greater convenience and flexibility, they also introduce new risks that deserve careful planning.

In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores how technology is reshaping retirement and why digital preparedness is essential to protecting your financial future. From cybersecurity and AI-powered scams to digital estate planning and everyday technology that supports independence, Larry shares practical insights to help you embrace innovation with greater confidence.

Larry discusses: 

  • Why retirement planning now includes cybersecurity, digital assets, and the protection of your online identity.
  • How AI-powered scams, voice cloning, hacked emails, and identity theft are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the practical steps retirees can take to protect themselves.
  • The growing role of telehealth, wearable technology, and other digital tools in helping retirees maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
  • How technology is making it easier to travel, manage finances remotely, stay connected with family, and enjoy greater flexibility throughout retirement.
  • Why organizing your digital assets, passwords, online accounts, and estate documents is becoming just as important as traditional estate planning.
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

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Why Saving for Retirement Is Easier Than Spending in Retirement (Ep. 202)

Why Saving for Retirement Is Easier Than Spending in Retirement (Ep. 202)

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Many retirees wonder whether they can safely spend more money in retirement without jeopardizing their future. Questions about retirement income, withdrawal rates, market volatility, healthcare expenses, and the fear of running out of money often prevent retirees from enjoying the wealth they’ve accumulated. 

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses the often-overlooked challenge of transitioning from a saver mindset to a spender mindset in retirement and why many financially secure retirees struggle to enjoy the assets they’ve accumulated.

Larry discusses:

  • Why many retirees experience anxiety around spending, even when their financial plan supports it
  • The psychological shift required when moving from accumulation to distribution
  • Common fears about running out of money and how those concerns impact retirement decisions
  • How retirement income planning can help create confidence around spending
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/
How Widowhood Can Change Your Retirement Tax Picture (Ep. 201)

How Widowhood Can Change Your Retirement Tax Picture (Ep. 201)

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Losing a spouse is one of life’s most difficult experiences, emotionally and financially. Many retirees are surprised to learn that widowhood can also create significant tax and retirement-planning challenges that may affect income, Medicare premiums, estate plans, and long-term financial security. 

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains why the loss of a spouse can create unexpected financial challenges for retirees, including higher taxes, rising Medicare premiums, and changes to retirement income. He discusses how required minimum distributions, Social Security survivor benefits, and IRMAA thresholds can affect a surviving spouse’s long-term financial picture. Larry also shares proactive planning strategies couples can consider before widowhood, including Roth conversions, tax-bracket management, beneficiary reviews, and estate planning updates. Through real-life examples, he highlights how thoughtful preparation can help surviving spouses avoid costly mistakes and navigate a difficult transition with greater confidence and clarity.

What to expect:

  • Why surviving spouses often face higher taxes after the loss of a spouse
  • How the widow and widower tax penalty impacts retirement income
  • The effect of IRMAA and rising Medicare premiums for single filers
  • How required minimum distributions can create larger future tax burdens
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/
200 Episodes of Retirement Unlocked: The Lessons That Matter Most (Ep. 200)

200 Episodes of Retirement Unlocked: The Lessons That Matter Most (Ep. 200)

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In this milestone 200th episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller reflects on the journey of building the podcast from an audio-only show into a growing multimedia platform focused on helping people make smarter retirement decisions. Joined by co-host Bill Tucker, Larry shares why the podcast was created, the lessons learned over 200 episodes, and how financial education can truly impact people’s lives. 

In this episode, Larry explores how he has always aimed to make financial planning more understandable as he continues to stay ahead of constant changes in tax laws, and retirement strategies. He expresses gratitude to his listeners, clients, and guests who have helped the podcast grow to nearly 50,000 YouTube views as it continues into its next chapter. 

Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses:

  • How Retirement Unlocked has changed over the years
  • Why retirement planning is more about cash flow than net worth
  • How taxes can become more complicated in retirement
  • Why financial planning should evolve as life changes
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

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IRMAA Explained, How Income Decisions Today Can Increase Medicare Costs Tomorrow (Ep. 199)

IRMAA Explained, How Income Decisions Today Can Increase Medicare Costs Tomorrow (Ep. 199)

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Many retirees assume their Medicare premiums will stay consistent once they enroll. But that’s not always the case, especially for higher-income individuals.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down IRMAA, the income-related surcharge that can increase your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums based on income from two years prior. He explains how everyday financial decisions, from IRA withdrawals to capital gains and Roth conversions, can unexpectedly push you into higher premium brackets. 

Larry discusses:

  • What IRMAA is and how it impacts Medicare premiums
  • How income from two years prior determines your current costs
  • Common triggers like Roth conversions, property sales, and large withdrawals
  • Strategies to potentially reduce IRMAA through proactive tax and income planning
  • Why coordinating tax, investment, and healthcare decisions is essential in retirement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/
The Retirement Danger Zone: What to Know Before and After You Retire (Ep. 198)

The Retirement Danger Zone: What to Know Before and After You Retire (Ep. 198)

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Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but in reality, the years surrounding it are where some of the most important decisions get made.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains the concept of the retirement “danger zone”, the five years before and after retirement when financial, tax, and lifestyle decisions can have long-term consequences.

Larry discusses:

  • Why relocating for tax savings is not always as straightforward as it seems
  • The hidden costs of moving, including healthcare, housing, and lifestyle changes
  • How state-specific rules can impact taxes, estate planning, and retirement income
  • The importance of residency rules and avoiding costly mistakes
  • Real-life examples of retirees who experienced unexpected outcomes after relocating
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/.
From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy (Ep. 197)

From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy (Ep. 197)

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Retirement can look solid on paper, but confidence doesn’t come from a number; it comes from how your money actually works for you.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP® breaks down why cash flow, not net worth, is the true driver of financial confidence in retirement. He explains how multiple income sources, tax considerations, and withdrawal strategies must be coordinated to create a sustainable plan. Larry also highlights the risks of relying on outdated strategies like “living off income” and why a more dynamic approach is needed. Through real-life examples and practical insights, he shows how structuring cash flow properly can reduce stress and support long-term lifestyle goals.

Larry discusses:

  • Why net worth alone doesn’t determine retirement confidence
  • How income sources, taxes, and withdrawals must work together
  • The impact of required minimum distributions and future tax brackets
  • Why “living off income” isn’t always a sustainable strategy
  • How to structure cash flow to support lifestyle and long-term goals
  • The role of liquidity and short-term cash reserves in reducing stress
  • Real-life examples of retirees with strong assets but no clear plan
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures
Why Retirement Is a New Phase of Estate Planning (Ep. 196)

Why Retirement Is a New Phase of Estate Planning (Ep. 196)

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Retirement often changes how your wealth is structured, distributed, and taxed, potentially exposing estate planning gaps that were easy to overlook during your working years.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores why retirement is a new phase of estate planning and what families, especially those with higher net worth, should be reviewing now.

Larry discusses:

  • Why signed estate documents are not the finish line once you retire
  • How beneficiary designations can override your will
  • Common mistakes with outdated beneficiaries, minor children, and second marriages
  • Why asset titling and TOD/POD accounts must align with your estate plan
  • Key considerations for high-net-worth families, including New York’s estate tax cliff
  • The importance of revisiting trusts, executors, and family communication
  • And more!

Connect with Larry Heller: