Tag: Larry Heller

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Protecting What Matters Most: Estate Planning for Women with Allison Dolzani [Ep. 166]

Protecting What Matters Most: Estate Planning for Women with Allison Dolzani [Ep. 166]

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Estate planning goes beyond documents—it’s about protecting loved ones, achieving financial independence, and aligning plans with long-term goals.

In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Allison Dolzani, estate planning attorney and partner at Julie Kessler, LLP, to explore strategies tailored to women navigating major life transitions like divorce, widowhood, or retirement.

They discuss critical topics, including naming guardians for minor children, safeguarding inherited assets, and maintaining up-to-date estate plans. Allison also emphasizes the importance of foundational documents like healthcare proxies, powers of attorney, and trusts in creating a solid plan.

With actionable insights on avoiding costly mistakes and tailoring plans to personal and family goals, Allison provides a clear roadmap for building an estate plan that safeguards your future and protects what matters most.

Key Points Covered:

  • Unique Considerations for Women: Proactively update estate plans after major life events and align documents with custody agreements.
  • Guardianship Essentials: Designate primary and successor guardians to ensure your children are cared for according to your wishes.
  • Critical Documents: Secure essential documents such as wills, trusts, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney for comprehensive protection.
  • Managing Inherited Assets: Protect personal wealth from marital commingling and preserve assets for future generations.
  • Legacy Planning: Create a lasting impact by incorporating charitable contributions or personal wishes into your estate plan.
  • Tax Planning: Navigate challenges like New York’s “cliff tax” and take advantage of exemptions tailored for single women.
  • Empowering Financial Independence: Use estate planning to confidently manage transitions, secure financial stability, and achieve long-term goals.
  • And much more!

Actionable Takeaway: Estate planning is vital to stabilizing your family’s future and building financial independence. Start today by consulting an estate planning professional to create a plan tailored to your unique needs.

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Connect with Allison E. Dolzani: 

About Our Guest:

Allison Dolzani specializes in estate planning, estate administration, and Surrogate’s Court practice. Allison represents domestic and international individuals and multigenerational families in sophisticated estate planning, emphasizing minimizing the impact of gift, estate, generation-skipping transfer, and income taxes.

Allison joined the firm in September 2018. Before joining Julie Kessler LLP, Allison was an associate at a New York City law firm focused on estate administration and litigation.

Allison earned her law degree from Touro Law School. While in law school, Allison served as Research Editor of Touro Law Review and authored Intellectual Property and Constitutional Law articles.  Allison graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

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Navigating S Corps: The Pros, Cons, and Tax Implications for Small Businesses [Ep. 165]

Navigating S Corps: The Pros, Cons, and Tax Implications for Small Businesses [Ep. 165]

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Choosing the right business structure isn’t just about compliance – it’s about maximizing tax efficiency and aligning with your long-term goals.

Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, and William Huether, CPA, CGMA, MBA, discuss how S-Corporations can help business owners save on taxes, streamline compliance, and drive growth. They compare S-Corps to C-Corps, LLCs, and partnerships, offering insights on tax benefits, drawbacks, and strategies to align business structures with long-term goals. 

With practical advice on avoiding double taxation and leveraging pass-through entity tax (PTET) benefits, William provides a roadmap for optimizing your business structure.

Key Points Covered:

  • Why S-Corps Work: Reduce double taxation, save on self-employment taxes, and enjoy a corporate framework’s perks
  • PTET Benefits: Discover how to bypass the $10,000 SALT cap using pass-through entity tax strategies
  • Entity Selection Simplified: Weigh the pros and cons of S-Corps, C-Corps, LLCs, and partnerships to find the best fit for your business
  • Compliance Essentials: Stay on top of filing deadlines, salary requirements, and state-specific rules like New York elections
  • Avoiding Pitfalls: Learn about reasonable salary requirements, local jurisdiction limitations, and transition strategies between entity types
  • And much more!

Actionable Takeaway: The right business structure could be the key to significant tax savings and long-term financial success. Consult a CPA or tax professional to evaluate your options and create a tax plan tailored to your goals.

 

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

Connect with William Huether: 

 

About Our Guest:

William Huether is a Certified Public Accountant with over eleven years of experience with clients in a broad range of industries, including the retail, wholesale, distribution, restaurant/hospitality, not-for-profit, solar, investment company, manufacturing, and real estate industries.  William holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation from the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

William works in Sheehan’s assurance practice and provides auditing, accounting, and consulting services to clients in various industries in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards.  William also provides a variety of tax planning, compliance, and consulting services to individuals, corporations, flow-through entities, and trusts. He is an active member of the firm’s recruiting committee, a mentor in the firm’s career advisor program, and serves on the firm’s Quality Control Committee.

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Beyond Accumulation: Mastering Your Retirement Distribution Strategy [Ep. 164]

Beyond Accumulation: Mastering Your Retirement Distribution Strategy [Ep. 164]

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Retirement isn’t just about accumulating wealth – it’s about making sure it lasts. 

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the essential elements of a well-rounded distribution strategy for retirement, including guiding you through five key areas every retiree should prioritize: income vs. total return, tax management, investment allocation, longevity, and estate planning.

Larry dives deep into the shift from accumulation to distribution, revealing strategies to help retirees sustain income, reduce taxes, and cover health expenses—all while preparing a meaningful legacy. With a focus on turning retirement into a financially secure and fulfilling stage of life, this episode provides actionable advice on balancing your immediate needs with a long-term vision.

Whether you’re entering retirement or aiming to enhance your financial strategy, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to enjoy a confident and comfortable retirement.

Key Points Covered:

  • Combining income sources like Social Security, pensions, and investments to balance retirement income and comfort
  • Reducing tax burdens through Roth conversions and managing required minimum distributions (RMDs) under the latest Secure Act changes
  • Using the “reservoir strategy” to balance cash, bonds, and equities for steady income and minimized risk
  • Addressing healthcare and long-term care costs to protect assets and maintain financial stability
  • Aligning estate plans with tax strategies to maximize inheritance for heirs
  • And much more!

Actionable Takeaway: Review your retirement plan to ensure it supports your lifestyle, reduces tax impacts, and aligns with your legacy goals. Consult a financial planner to tailor it to your unique needs for a fulfilling retirement.

 

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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Risky Business: The Hidden Risks of Handshake Agreements with Rachel Partain [Ep. 163]

Risky Business: The Hidden Risks of Handshake Agreements with Rachel Partain [Ep. 163]

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Handshake deals might seem convenient, but they could put your business at serious risk. Discover how to protect your company from these hidden dangers and build a reliable foundation.

Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by Rachel Partain, a leading tax attorney and partner at Forchelli Law, to break down the risks of running a business without formal agreements. 

Whether you’re launching a startup, managing growth, or exploring new partnerships, Rachel provides actionable insights to help you understand the risks of inadequate documentation and strengthen your business with essential agreements and expert legal guidance.

Key Points Covered:

  • The widespread use of handshake agreements and the risks they pose to businesses
  • The impact on business management from operational turmoil caused by unclear leadership succession plans to disputes over roles, voting rights, and profit distribution
  • Barriers to securing loans and attracting investors due to informal business structures
  • Tax complications, such as IRS audits and challenges related to shareholder contributions
  • Legal exposure, including the risk of litigation and potential personal asset vulnerability
  • And much more!

Actionable Takeaway: Assess your current business agreements today and consult a professional to protect yourself against potential financial and legal challenges.

Connect with Rachel Partain:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

About Our Guest:

Rachel L. Partain is a Partner at Forchelli Law concentrating her practice on complex tax advisory and tax controversy services for low to middle-market businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Rachel advises businesses on how to structure transactions in a tax-efficient manner and handles general corporate and transactional matters.

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Unlocking Real Estate Wealth: 1031 Exchanges and DSTs with Stephen Davis [Ep. 157]

Unlocking Real Estate Wealth: 1031 Exchanges and DSTs with Stephen Davis [Ep. 157]

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Ready to transform your real estate assets into a tax-efficient retirement plan?

Want to maximize your real estate wealth without the headache of property management?

Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, as he explores the world of 1031 exchanges with Stephen K. Davis, President and CEO of Safe Harbor Asset Management. With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Davis discusses the benefits and intricacies of 1031 exchanges and DSTs, offering valuable insights for property owners and investors.

Key Points Covered:

  • Understanding 1031 exchanges and their role in deferring capital gains taxes
  • Significant tax advantages of 1031 exchanges, including indefinite deferral of taxes
  • How 1031 exchanges reduce property management responsibilities
  • The benefits of Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) for diversifying investments
  • Practical success stories illustrating the benefits of DSTs
  • The importance of tailoring DST investments to meet specific liquidity needs
  • The expected wealth transfer in the real estate market over the next 15 years
  • And much more!

 

Resources:

Connect with Stephen K. Davis:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

 

About Our Guest:

Stephen Davis, President and CEO of Safe Harbor Asset Management, specializes in tax avoidance strategies, particularly 1031 exchanges. With extensive experience in financial services, Davis provides guidance on transitioning to passive investments and maximizing tax deferral benefits through DSTs. His deep knowledge and practical insights help clients navigate complex real estate transactions and achieve financial security.

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ESOPs Explained: Bridging the Wealth Gap with Chris Coates [Ep. 155]

ESOPs Explained: Bridging the Wealth Gap with Chris Coates [Ep. 155]

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What if your employees could help drive your business to new heights while investing in their own financial futures? 

Uncover the power of ESOPs now!

Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, as he discusses the intricacies of ESOPs with Chris Coates, a skilled professional in business transition strategies. With over 30 years of experience, Coates offers an in-depth look at how ESOPs work, the benefits they provide, and why they are a compelling option for many business owners. 

Key Points Covered:

  • Understanding ESOPs, including their basics and role as retirement benefits for employees
  • Significant tax advantages of ESOPs for both C and S corporations, including potential legislative changes
  • Ways ESOPs foster employee loyalty and incentivize employees to act like owners
  • The role of ESOPs in leadership succession and long-term business sustainability
  • How ESOPs enhance employee retirement benefits alongside existing 401k plans
  • A balanced look at the pros and cons of ESOPs for business owners and employees
  • Plus, additional insights into maximizing the benefits of ESOPs!

 

Connect with Chris Coates:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

About Chris Coates:

In his role as Vice President, Chris advises companies, owners and other stakeholders on business transition strategies, with a particular focus on ESOP ownership transactions. He has extensive deal shaping, negotiation and operational management experience that provide him with a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges of companies seeking to implement employee ownership.

Prior to joining SES ESOP Strategies, Chris was a Managing Director with Accenture, a global consulting firm. During his 30-year career he has worked with various industries, including life sciences, utilities, consumer products, financial services and health and public service. In his most recent role as Commercial Director, Chris oversaw all operational aspects of sales and delivery to large, complex and global clients. This included oversight for the financial, legal, human resources and business operations aspects of the relationship.
What You Can Expect When Working with Heller Wealth Management (Ep. 102)

What You Can Expect When Working with Heller Wealth Management (Ep. 102)

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Our firm creates financial resilience, find out what that means.  

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, highlights how his business is so much more than just an investment management company—it is a place where you can achieve financial resilience. Larry dives into all the ways that they help their clients achieve their financial goals.

Larry discusses:

  • Why it is important to know your ambitions and desires before creating an investment plan
  • The importance of tax strategies when it comes to your investments and how to keep the most money
  • Creating a financial plan so you know how much you need to save before retirement and how much you can spend after retirement
  • Making sure your legacy plan is properly set up to your wishes
  • And so much more!

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The 100th Episode: Introducing Life Unlimited (Ep. 100)

The 100th Episode: Introducing Life Unlimited (Ep. 100)

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“We hit 100 and we’re not stopping!” – Larry Heller, CFP®

Larry has reached his 100th episode of the Retire Right podcast, a huge milestone in podcasting. During these episodes, Larry has provided his audience with all kinds of valuable information on various topics surrounding retirement. 

Now, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the podcast so far — and to break down the exciting news of the rebrand of the Retire Right podcast to the newly titled Life Unlimited. Find out what you can expect for the future of the podcast, as Larry looks back on how far he’s come!

Larry also discusses: 

  • What inspired the change from “Retire Right” to the “Life Unlimited” podcast
  • His favorite highlights and guests from previous episodes, including a professional organizer and a full-size model train enthusiast
  • How you can suggest topics and content ideas for the Life Unlimited podcast
  • Where you can expect to find the podcast — including video recordings
  • And so much more!

Resources: 

Connect With Larry Heller:

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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)

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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:

Connect With Larry Heller:

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.

 

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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)

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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:

Connect With Larry Heller

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.