Episodes

Roth conversions may be one of the most overlooked tax planning opportunities in retirement, and the cost of waiting could be staggering. With recent legislative changes, longer life expectancies, and compressed inheritance timelines for your heirs, it’s never been more important to get this right. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains how to spot your best conversion window, why many people miss it, and the strategic tools that can make the move pay off. He...

You’ve built a business with care, grit, and vision. But what happens when the finish line is in sight and you realize you’re not ready to cross it? For business owners nearing retirement, the decision to sell is about far more than spreadsheets and valuations. It’s personal. It’s strategic. And it can be overwhelming. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller sits down with Paul Cronin, a seasoned entrepreneur and M&A advisor with Touchstone Advisors, to walk through how and when to ...

What seems like a small business decision, choosing between a SIMPLE IRA and a 401(k), can quietly shape everything from your personal retirement strategy to your firm’s employee retention. The truth? It’s not just about cost. It’s about control, flexibility, and future-proofing your business and your finances. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a team, your retirement plan structure says a lot about your growth mindset. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDF...

How can you give more to the causes you care about while keeping more of your hard-earned money? Charitable giving isn’t just a personal act of generosity; it’s also a strategic financial opportunity. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with philanthropy professional Joshua Chadajo, CEO of JEC Philanthropy, to explore how intentional giving strategies can help you reduce your tax burden, maximize your impact, and build a legacy that reflects your values. ...

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 H...

Think you’ve done everything right for retirement? One overlooked tax detail could cost you thousands. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, welcomes Rob Premselaar, CPA and founder of Premselaar CPA LLC, to shed light on the hidden tax pitfalls that can derail even the most carefully crafted retirement plans. They explore the real impact of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), the surprise taxation of Social Security benefits, and the often-misunderstood IRMAA Med...

Are you holding too much, or too little cash in retirement? Finding the right amount of cash to keep on hand is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating a retirement income strategy. The wrong decision could lead to stress, missed growth opportunities, or even long-term financial instability. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down how much cash retirees should have in their portfolio, and why it matters more than you might think. He in...

Outsourcing your bookkeeping isn’t just a cost-saving move; it could be the smartest strategic decision your business makes this year. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Cheri Giglia, Owner and Managing Director of Supporting Strategies on Long Island, to explore why more small businesses are turning to virtual bookkeeping for efficiency, clarity, and peace of mind. Cheri shares how outsourced financial support can streamline operations, enhance internal controls, and del...

The market is unpredictable; your retirement plan shouldn’t be. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, breaks down six of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when planning for retirement. From underestimating how much you can spend to failing to optimize your Social Security benefits, Larry shares why these pitfalls occur and how a process-based retirement plan can help you avoid them. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this epi...

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 bet...

What are some steps you should be taking 5 years before your retirement? This question sets the stage for an engaging episode with Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ®, where we delve into the crucial five-year countdown to retirement. Larry emphasizes the importance of timely planning and actionable strategies to ensure a smooth shift into this new life phase. From building up cash reserves to maximizing 401(k) contributions, Larry walks us through a comprehensive guide tailored to those nearing retireme...

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 thre...

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 maxim...

It’s time to discuss the world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in accounting. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA ® sits down with Geoff Bruskin, M&A specialist from White Tiger Connections, Inc., to discuss the bustling landscape of M&A, particularly within accounting. Geoff, with his extensive background in business brokerage and private equity, sheds light on why accounting firms have become hot commodities for private equity firms and other investors in today’s market. They explore t...

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 reti...

Are You Prepared for the Biggest Tax Changes in Years? The 2025 tax landscape is about to undergo a massive shift as key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire. These changes could mean higher tax rates, fewer deductions, and major implications for your income, business, and estate. In this episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with tax expert Bill Minoff to break down exactly what’s coming and what you can do now to protect your wealth. From the poten...

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...

The legal industry is evolving, and law firms are facing unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. In this episode of Life Unlimited, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Shari Davidson, founder and president of On Balance Search Consultants, to explore the shifting dynamics of legal recruiting and career transitions. Shari brings over two decades of experience in legal search consulting, offering valuable insights into pressing issues like the ongoing talent shortage...

How well do you truly know your tax bracket? Did you know that not knowing enough could cost you thousands? Get ready to learn some critical financial planning mistakes that might secretly derail your financial security. This week on the Life Unlimited podcast, Larry Heller identifies the seven most common financial mistakes people make and how to avoid them—such as lacking knowledge about their tax bracket and neglecting estate planning updates. Key conversations include: Understanding Your Ta...

Estate planning goes beyond documents—it’s about protecting loved ones, achieving financial independence, and aligning plans with long-term goals. In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Allison Dolzani, estate planning attorney and partner at Julie Kessler, LLP, to explore strategies tailored to women navigating major life transitions like divorce, widowhood, or retirement. They discuss critical topics, including naming guardians for minor c...

Choosing the right business structure isn’t just about compliance – it’s about maximizing tax efficiency and aligning with your long-term goals. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, and William Huether, CPA, CGMA, MBA, discuss how S-Corporations can help business owners save on taxes, streamline compliance, and drive growth. They compare S-Corps to C-Corps, LLCs, and partnerships, offering insights on tax benefits, drawbacks, and strategies to align business structures with long-term goals. With practical...

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 sustai...

Handshake deals might seem convenient, but they could put your business at serious risk. Discover how to protect your company from these hidden dangers and build a reliable foundation. Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, is joined by Rachel Partain, a leading tax attorney and partner at Forchelli Law, to break down the risks of running a business without formal agreements. Whether you’re launching a startup, managing growth, or exploring new partnerships, Rachel provides actionable insights to help you u...

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...