Tag: Medicare Planning

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)

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/

Key Decisions to Get Right in Your 60s for a Confident Retirement (Ep. 190)

Key Decisions to Get Right in Your 60s for a Confident Retirement (Ep. 190)

Planning for retirement in your sixties involves a series of decisions that shape the rest of your life. Many retirees and pre-retirees are unsure how Social Security, healthcare, taxes, investments, and estate planning all work together, and this uncertainty can lead to costly missteps.

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down the most common mistakes he sees people make during this decade and explains how thoughtful planning can help you approach retirement with clarity and confidence. He highlights real-world scenarios where timing, income needs, and coordination across financial decisions can make a meaningful difference for retirees and their families.

What to expect:

  • The Social Security mistakes many people make at ages 62 to 67
  • How income needs, longevity, and spousal benefits affect the right claiming strategy
  • Why knowing your spending is one of the most powerful pieces of retirement planning
  • Healthcare planning essentials, including Medicare, IRMAA, and long-term care
  • Managing investments in your sixties without becoming too conservative too quickly
  • Missed tax opportunities such as Roth conversions and withdrawal sequencing
  • Emotional preparation and lifestyle planning for a fulfilling retirement
  • Why updated estate documents and beneficiary designations matter
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Larry Heller: