Tag: Risk Management

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

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

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!

 

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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)

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!

 

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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)

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!

 

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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)

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!

 

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