Tag: Retirement Planning

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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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The Ripple Effect: How Recent Fed Actions Affect your Financial Plan [Ep. 162]

The Ripple Effect: How Recent Fed Actions Affect your Financial Plan [Ep. 162]

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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
  • And much more!

 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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New Laws, New Opportunities: Secure Act 2.0 Changes to 529 Plans [Ep. 158]

New Laws, New Opportunities: Secure Act 2.0 Changes to 529 Plans [Ep. 158]

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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
  • And much more!

 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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Corporate Benefits to Cash Management Plans: A Deep Dive Into How We Work with Business Owners (Ep. 156)

Corporate Benefits to Cash Management Plans: A Deep Dive Into How We Work with Business Owners (Ep. 156)

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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.

 

Resources: 

► Services Triangle

► Our Approach 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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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.

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From Planning to Investments: A Deep Dive Into Our Services (Ep. 154)

From Planning to Investments: A Deep Dive Into Our Services (Ep. 154)

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Beyond managing your investments and portfolio, have you ever wondered what else financial advisors do?

Understanding the full scope of financial advisory services is essential to maximizing the benefits of your financial plan.

In this enlightening episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® explores the multifaceted role of financial advisors. He addresses common misconceptions and emphasizes that effective financial advising extends well beyond investment decisions.This episode provides a deep dive into how we create personalized financial plans for clients, addressing all aspects of their financial lives to ensure future preparedness. Tune in to learn how we can help you achieve financial security and peace of mind through our comprehensive financial planning and detailed strategies.

Key Points Covered:

  • Larry’s dedication to educating clients and alleviating financial anxieties
  • Clarifying the comprehensive role of financial advisors beyond just investments
  • The critical importance of financial planning before making investment decisions
  • Detailed financial planning processes: goals, time horizons, and financial needs
  • Components of financial planning: cash flow analysis, risk management, tax planning, investment management, estate planning, and retirement planning
  • Differentiating traditional investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) from alternative investments (private equity, private credit)
  • The importance of regular financial monitoring to adapt to life changes
  • Addressing client concerns: inheritances, safe retirement strategies, and account consolidation
  • Highlighting the transparency of fee structures and the importance of fiduciary duty
  • And More!

 

Resources:

► Services Triangle: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:cfe5a4d5-2384-4a62-b76a-2921735e4cbf

► Our Approach: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Qp3B-6EQsTptfRZT5792CIVvvo9yrXKrwBVLFZvJBj8/edit?usp=sharing

►  Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? With Alona Gornick [Ep. 143]: https://hellerwealthmanagement.com/is-your-portfolio-missing-out-the-rise-of-private-credit-with-alona-gornick-ep-143/

Connect with Larry Heller: 

00:00 Introduction to Life Unlimited Podcast

00:20 Reflecting on 150 Episodes

00:33 Understanding Financial Advisory Services

01:59 The Importance of Financial Planning

03:18 Diving into Investment Strategies

13:13 Exploring Alternative Investments

16:23 Who We Work With and Our Fee Structure

20:35 The Fiduciary Standard Explained

22:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

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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: 

Connect with Larry Heller: 

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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!

 

Connect with Craig Smith:

Connect with Larry Heller: 

 

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.
What You Need To Know About Retiring in a Recession (Ep.112)

What You Need To Know About Retiring in a Recession (Ep.112)

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If you’re thinking about retiring, but the recession has you worried, have no fear, with proper planning, you can make decisions that are right for you.

What types of things should you be reviewing with your financial advisor when the economy looks like it is headed into a recession?

In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP® discusses how you can make an educated decision when deciding whether your retirement plan is fit for the costs of a recession.

Larry discusses: 

  • The importance of knowing your retirement expenses prior to retiring
  • How to know if your retirement plan is compatible with a recession
  • The analysis you can do on your retirement plan to strengthen it against inflation
  • What you can do if you are forced to retire
  • And more

Resources: 

Connect With Larry Heller CFP®:

 
Transitioning Into Retirement and Gaining a New Purpose with George Jerjian (Ep.110)

Transitioning Into Retirement and Gaining a New Purpose with George Jerjian (Ep.110)

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Entering retirement can feel like crossing the finish line of a marathon, however, that doesn’t mean the race is entirely over.

A large struggle people face when they enter retirement is establishing their new identity outside of the workplace and staying engaged with the things that give them purpose.

In this episode, mindset mentor George Jerjian, a formal financial advisor and a prolific author who recently released “Dare to Discover Your Purpose: Retire, Refire, Rewire,” discusses the reality of new retirees and offers solutions to help overcome the common struggles people face after the honeymoon phase of retirement is over.

George discusses: 

  • The moment that altered the course of his life forever
  • The concept of identity and how you can avoid struggling with it during retirement
  • Why wealthy people never fully “retire”
  • What the DARE program stands for and how it can help you in retirement
  • And more

Resources:

Connect With George Jerjian:

Connect With Larry Heller:

About Our Guest:

As a formal financial advisor, George is on a mission to help retirees create a plan for their later years which is about much more than money for him. It is all about making a difference and helping those heading for retirement, creating a life of purpose, passion, and potential that reflects how we live today.

George has authored 11 books including his most recent release Dare to Discover Your Purpose. George works with clients across the world, from the UK, the US, Canada, as well as Australia and New Zealand.