Your 401(k) could be your largest retirement asset, but are you making the most of it?
In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares the essential steps to take with your 401(k) as you approach retirement. From rollover decisions and Roth conversions to income generation and estate planning, Larry covers the strategies that can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep more of what you’ve earned.
Key Topics Include:
When to consider rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA
How Roth conversions can reduce your lifetime tax bil
What to know about fees, investment choices, and employer stock
How to build a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy
The importance of naming the right beneficiaries
And more!
Whether you’re retiring soon or planning ahead, this episode is your guide to making smart 401(k) decisions so you can step into retirement with confidence.
Health insurance is one of the largest expenses for many businesses, but are you getting what you’re paying for?
In this eye-opening episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, speaks with Louis Bernardi of BrightPath Benefit Advisors about the outdated and opaque nature of most employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Louis reveals how major carriers prioritize shareholder profits over actual care and explains how his PLAN system and data-driven strategies are helping employers cut costs while providing better healthcare options for employees.
From skyrocketing pharmacy costs to hidden MRI fees, Lou unpacks the waste baked into the system and provides actionable strategies to fix it. This is a behind-the-scenes look at an advanced strategy most employers haven’t even heard of.
Key discussions in this release include:
Why traditional health insurance models are broken
The hidden data behind skyrocketing healthcare costs
How Lou’s PLAN system (Prioritize, Leverage, Align, Navigate) helps optimize benefit design
Louis Bernardi is the Founder & Benefit Optimization Officer of BritePath. Lou is the innovator behind BritePath, the benefit strategy that flattens the curve on health insurance costs. BritePath helps benefit decision makers reset their expectations with advanced analytics & insights that make them and their members more informed health care consumers capable of changing the trajectory of the cost and quality of their employer-sponsored health insurance plan. Pay More, Get Less is replaced by a High-Performance Health Care Plan that allows them to finally start winning.
Lou is proud to be among the first 150 advisors accepted into Health Rosetta; an eco-system of forward-thinking advisors and solution partners that share his passion for helping people and businesses customize health plans that enhance benefits, improve outcomes and reduce costs.
Lou is also involved with Aspirational Healthcare, Free Market Medical and is a Forbes Business Council member.
Understanding the Insurance Market Crisis: Higher Rates, Tougher Carriers, and Smart Moves with Gregg Knepper [Ep.174]
Wildfires. Hurricanes. Cyber Attacks. How are today’s biggest threats reshaping the insurance industry—and what can you do to stay protected?
In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Gregg Knepper, President of Integrated Coverage Group, to break down the rapidly changing insurance landscape. With more than 15 years of experience in risk management and personal insurance, Gregg shares expert insights into how natural disasters, inflation, and digital threats are driving up premiums—and what you can do about it.
From rising home and auto rates to the hidden gaps in your umbrella and cyber insurance, this conversation is packed with practical tips for protecting what matters most.
Key discussion points include:
Understanding personal insurance market challenges [01:00]
Impact of national disasters on local insurance premiums [02:45]
Adjusting policies with higher deductibles for cost efficiency [10:30]
The role of umbrella coverage and uninsured motorist protection [18:15]
The rise of cyber threats and the necessity for cyber insurance for individuals and businesses [24:00]
Gregg Knepper is an experienced Insurance Adviser specializing in helping businesses and individuals limit their risk. As the President of Integrated Coverage Group, a rapidly growing insurance brokerage, Gregg brings over 13 years of expertise in the industry. Unlike traditional brokers who work for specific insurance carriers, Gregg is dedicated to working solely for their clients, ensuring that each client receives a solution tailored to their unique needs.
With a focus on reducing risk, Gregg works closely with clients to craft personalized insurance strategies across a wide range of areas, including workers’ compensation, employee benefits, and cyber insurance. Known for their trustworthiness, knowledge, and honesty, Gregg partners with clients every step of the way to ensure that their risks are managed effectively.
Specializing in supporting quickly growing businesses with sophisticated insurance and risk management needs, Gregg has extensive experience in serving industries such as technology firms, medical practices, real estate, manufacturing, and restaurants and hospitality.
Whether a client is a small startup or a large, complex organization, Gregg Knepper provides the expertise and dedication to meet their specific insurance needs.
5 Tax Gotchas That High-Net-Worth Individuals Overlook [Ep.173]
What tax traps could derail your retirement plans?
In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down five major tax “gotchas” that high-net-worth retirees must navigate to protect their wealth and retirement security.
From the impact of required minimum distributions to the looming expiration of the 2017 tax cuts, Larry sheds light on often-overlooked tax challenges. He also explores strategic solutions like Roth conversions and income planning to help retirees minimize surprises and maximize financial confidence.
Key episode discussions include:
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and their tax impact [03:09]
Expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act [04:04]
The “Widow Penalty” and implications for single retirees [07:37]
Gifting strategies and estate planning considerations [10:03]
The consequences of leaving large IRAs to children [11:05]
What does it mean to face the ‘sequence of returns risk’ when you retire?
In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses why the order of your investment returns matters as you enter retirement. Larry also breaks down this critical aspect of retirement planning and introduces strategies that can safeguard your financial future.
Key episode discussion points include:
The shift from “Life Unlimited” to “Retirement Unlocked”
How the sequence of returns can impact retirees
Historical examples of sequence of returns risk
The reservoir strategy for mitigating those risks
Insights on adjusting your withdrawal strategy
Behavioral finance and the psychological aspects of investing
Do you know the smartest way to manage your withdrawals in retirement?
In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares expert strategies for managing retirement withdrawals to ensure financial stability and tax efficiency.
Larry covers essential steps for building a smart distribution plan, emphasizing pre-retirement planning and proactive wealth management. The episode explores the benefits of Roth conversions, the impact of the Secure 2.0 Act, and critical topics such as the widow penalty, annuities, and estate planning, all supported by real client insights.
Whether you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode offers practical tips to help you minimize taxes, optimize withdrawals, and protect your wealth and legacy. Don’t miss this valuable guide to mastering your retirement finances!
Key episode discussions include:
Strategic tax planning to minimize taxes before the distribution phase
Understanding different income streams like Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts
Real client scenarios illustrating the impact of effective and missed strategies
The effects of federal and state estate taxes, plus planning for longevity
Integrating attorneys and other professionals for a holistic financial plan
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.
Interest rates may be falling, but your financial strategy doesn’t have to follow. Learn how to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing financial landscape.
Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down how these shifting rates impact everything from mortgages to retirement plans. Whether you’re buying a home, optimizing investments, or planning for your financial future, Larry offers actionable insights to help you navigate today’s economic landscape. Covering the rise and fall of interest rates and their effects on borrowing, saving, and investing, he provides strategies for adapting your financial plan across asset classes to protect your wealth.
Key Points Covered:
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut and its broader economic implications
How shifting rates impact mortgage costs, housing availability, and borrowing strategies
Key adjustments to retirement planning, including withdrawal rates and asset allocation in a low-rate environment
Adapting your savings strategy with CDs and treasuries (while considering the current inverted yield curve!)
Effective investment approaches across bonds, stocks, and real estate in the face of rate fluctuations
Opportunities in private equity and private credit investments as interest rates decrease
The importance of a diversified strategy and proactive communication, as emphasized by Heller Wealth Management
Could your children or grandchildren’s 529 plan be the key to their future retirement success?
In this insightful episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the new provisions of the Secure 2.0 Act that allow 529 plan rollovers to Roth IRAs. Larry outlines the conditions and strategic benefits of this new rule, offering listeners practical advice on optimizing retirement strategies.
Key Points Covered:
Understanding the traditional benefits of 529 plans for tax-free educational savings
Exploring the new rules for 529 plan rollovers to Roth IRAs:
Strategic benefits of overfunding 529 plans to maximize retirement savings for beneficiaries
Illustrating potential growth of rolled-over funds with examples showing substantial retirement savings growth
How can business owners keep their financial strategies effective for long-term success?
In this informative episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, reveals the intricacies of corporate benefits and cash management tailored for business owners. Learn how regularly updating 401k plans, optimizing cash reserves, and leveraging professional networks can alter your business. Obtain actionable insights on attracting and retaining employees, maximizing tax advantages, and implementing successful financial planning strategies.
Key Points Covered:
Enhancing employee retention and tax benefits by updating 401k plans
Ensuring a robust, tax-advantaged retirement plan to provide the business significant savings while attracting and retaining top talent
Simplifying employee investment decisions with model portfolios
Optimizing cash management and utilizing high-yield strategies for better returns
Saving additional funds through strategic cash balance plans
Leveraging a network of experts for comprehensive business support
Larry’s hands-on experience and credible advice for business owners
And More!
Tune in to transform your business’s financial strategy and achieve long-term success.
