Tag: Life Unlimited

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Unlocking Tax Strategies to Optimize Your Retirement (Ep. 152)

Unlocking Tax Strategies to Optimize Your Retirement (Ep. 152)

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Are you effectively using tax strategies to boost your retirement investments?

Explore this insightful episode of the Life Unlimited Podcast featuring Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®. Larry delves into strategic tax planning and investment strategies designed to optimize retirement savings both during your working years and in retirement. Drawing from his experience as a former CPA, he underscores the significance of not only what you earn but also what you retain after taxes. Tune in as Larry highlights key strategies like capital gains management, tax loss harvesting, and the advantages of ETFs over mutual funds for tax efficiency. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive tax planning for a secure and financially efficient retirement.

Larry Discusses:

  • The importance of understanding the advantages of ETFs for minimizing capital gains taxes
  • How and when to implement this strategy to reduce taxes by offsetting gains with losses
  • Insights on deciding which retirement account fits best depending on your current and future tax brackets
  • Maximizing tax benefits by converting during lower-income years, benefiting both the account holder and heirs
  • The necessity for a coordinated approach between financial advisors and tax professionals to optimize retirement strategies
  • And more!

 

Resources: 

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Navigating the Medicare Maze with Craig Smith (Ep. 151)

Navigating the Medicare Maze with Craig Smith (Ep. 151)

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There is no secret to Medicare, you just need the proper guidance.

In this insightful episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, welcomes Craig Smith, Medicare professional. With a focus on senior healthcare since 2013, Craig has become a go-to advisor for baby boomers managing healthcare and insurance financials, especially Medicare. The episode delves deeply into the layers of Medicare, shedding light on its various sections, eligibility nuances, and pivotal decisions for those approaching their golden years.

Key Points Covered:

  • Exploring Medicare Parts A and B, along with drug plan details
  • Clarity on Medicare eligibility starting at age 65 and special condition considerations
  • Insights on how employer healthcare plans interact with Medicare choices at 65, including spousal coverage implications
  • Highlighting Medicare’s automatic enrollment, penalties, and drug plan selection
  • Differentiating between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans
  • Guidance on Medicare’s annual enrollment and state-specific plan variations
  • Plus, more tips for making well-informed Medicare decisions!

 

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About Craig Smith:

Craig Smith has been an instrumental figure in the senior healthcare market since becoming an insurance agent in 2013. His expertise in Medicare and commitment to offering unbiased, affordable healthcare plans have significantly impacted retirees and those nearing retirement age. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of Medicare, Craig provides tailored advice to his clients, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare and financial security.

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An Employer’s Guide to 401(k) Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part IV) (Ep. 150)

An Employer’s Guide to 401(k) Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part IV) (Ep. 150)

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Are your 401(k) offerings impacting employee wellness and engagement?

Join Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, in the concluding episode of our four-part series, “An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans.” This final segment focuses on the broader impact of 401(k) plans in terms of employee well-being and corporate culture. Larry explores how these plans transcend traditional retirement savings and play a pivotal role in fostering financial literacy, engagement, and loyalty among employees.

Larry Discusses:

  • The vital role of 401(k) plans in attracting and retaining talent and the extensive benefits for employers
  • Clarifying contributions, fund choices, and Roth options in 401(k) plans to support informed decision-making
  • Providing easily accessible resources and dedicated support for navigating 401(k) plans effectively
  • The importance of comparing model portfolios with target date funds for diverse financial needs and personalized investment approaches
  • The need for showcasing an employer’s commitment to employee well-being through comprehensive financial wellness programs
  • The necessity of continuous communication and regular educational meetings to engage employees in their 401(k) plans
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

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Breaking Down Employment Law Myths with Doug Rowe (Ep. 149)

Breaking Down Employment Law Myths with Doug Rowe (Ep. 149)

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Is your business at risk due to employment law misunderstandings?

In this captivating episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by Doug Rowe, an acclaimed labor and employment law partner at Certilman Balin, and a New York Metro Super Lawyer and The Legal Eagle award recipient. Doug delves into the critical aspects of employment law, offering indispensable insights for business owners. He also discusses new employment laws that have been implemented and how they can affect employers in dealing with their current employees as well as new hires.

Key Points Covered:

  • The importance of adhering to employment laws in all industries
  • Dispelling overtime myths for salaried employees and explaining exemption qualifications
  • The importance of expert HR guidance in complex legal landscapes
  • The necessity of self-audits for legal compliance in larger firms
  • Navigating the intricacies of modern workplace dynamics, including hybrid work models
  • The evolving role of AI in HR and the need for unbiased hiring practices
  • Plus, additional strategies for mastering employment law!

 

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About Doug Rowe:

Douglas E. Rowe is a Partner in our Labor and Employment Group.

His broad range of expertise includes claims alleging discrimination based upon race, sex, religion, national origin, age and disability, as well as sexual harassment, wage and hour issues, labor arbitrations, and defense of employment-related claims under federal and state statutes. He is frequently quoted in the media about the #MeToo movement and legislation affecting employers and employees.

He counsels on and litigates issues relating to restrictive covenants and trade secrets. By initiating preventive counseling on company policies and other personnel matters, Mr. Rowe helps clients keep costs down and avoid litigation. He also prepares and negotiates employment agreements.

A seasoned litigator at the state and federal level, Mr. Rowe has significant appellate experience. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York, United States District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.

Mr. Rowe was first named to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list in 2011 and has earned the distinction consecutively from 2013 until 2018. Only five percent of lawyers in the New York Metro are honored each year.   

He was awarded a “Legal Eagle” by Long Island Pulse Magazine.

He serves on the Board of Directors at Rock and Wrap it Up, an anti-poverty think tank based in New York.

He graduated from Brooklyn Law School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the New York and Nassau County Bar Associations.

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An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part III) (Ep. 148)

An Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans: A Four-Part Series (Part III) (Ep. 148)

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Are you managing your 401(k) effectively?

Dive into the intricate world of 401(k) investment strategies with Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, in this informative third installment of the “Employer’s Guide to 401k Plans“ series. This episode delves into crucial aspects such as fiduciary duties, investment selection, and fund diversity, offering valuable insights for trustees and plan participants alike.

Larry Discusses:

  • Emphasis on the vital role of fiduciary duties within 401(k) plans, spotlighting the frequently neglected responsibilities that plan participants hold as trustees
  • Detailed exploration of various investment types in 401(k) plans, including mutual funds and ETFs, highlighting those with clear objectives and transparency
  • The superior benefits of model portfolios compared to target date funds, tailored to diverse risk tolerances and investment goals
  • Introducing features like automatic rebalancing to aid participants in maintaining their desired asset allocation over time
  • The critical practice of regular benchmarking in 401k plans to ensure fee competitiveness and to raise awareness of hidden costs
  • And much more!

 

Resources: 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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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!

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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!

 

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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.