Retirement Unlocked

Retirement today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Managing your finances, protecting your identity, staying connected with family, accessing healthcare, and preserving your legacy are all becoming increasingly digital. While these advancements offer greater convenience and flexibility, they also introduce new risks that deserve careful planning. In this episode of Retirement Unl...

Many retirees wonder whether they can safely spend more money in retirement without jeopardizing their future. Questions about retirement income, withdrawal rates, market volatility, healthcare expenses, and the fear of running out of money often prevent retirees from enjoying the wealth they’ve accumulated.  In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses the often-overlooked challeng...

Losing a spouse is one of life’s most difficult experiences, emotionally and financially. Many retirees are surprised to learn that widowhood can also create significant tax and retirement-planning challenges that may affect income, Medicare premiums, estate plans, and long-term financial security.  In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains why the loss of a spouse can create unexpected...

In this milestone 200th episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller reflects on the journey of building the podcast from an audio-only show into a growing multimedia platform focused on helping people make smarter retirement decisions. Joined by co-host Bill Tucker, Larry shares why the podcast was created, the lessons learned over 200 episodes, and how financial education can truly impact people...

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 IR...

Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but in reality, the years surrounding it are where some of the most important decisions get made. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains the concept of the retirement “danger zone”, the five years before and after retirement when financial, tax, and lifestyle decisions can have long-term consequences. Larry discusses: Why relocating for tax...

Retirement can look solid on paper, but confidence doesn’t come from a number; it comes from how your money actually works for you. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP® breaks down why cash flow, not net worth, is the true driver of financial confidence in retirement. He explains how multiple income sources, tax considerations, and withdrawal strategies must be coordinated to create a sustainable p...

Retirement often changes how your wealth is structured, distributed, and taxed, potentially exposing estate planning gaps that were easy to overlook during your working years. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores why retirement is a new phase of estate planning and what families, especially those with higher net worth, should be reviewing now. Larry discusses: Why signed estate doc...

Most people think life insurance is only about what happens after they are gone. But what if part of your coverage could support you during a serious health event while you are still living? In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado to explore how life insurance has evolved beyond the traditional death benefit. Drawing from his experience working with p...

Many people enter retirement expecting their taxes to decline, but for many retirees, the opposite happens. In this episode, Larry explains why retirement income often becomes more taxable over time and how a lack of coordination can quietly increase stress, healthcare costs, and long-term tax exposure. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses: Why retirement is often not a low-tax ph...

Why does investing feel so emotional, even when the plan is solid? This episode explores how psychology, and not just numbers, shapes the way investors react to markets. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA, is joined by Scott Bosworth, CFA,  Head of Speakers Bureau and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, to discuss how investor behavior and common behavioral biases influence l...

The start of a new year is one of the most valuable planning moments for retirees, not because everything needs to change, but because the right questions can shape better decisions all year long. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, walks through the key January questions retirees should be asking, covering taxes, withdrawals, cash management, portfolio alignment, and lifestyle planning, s...

Selling a business is one of the biggest financial decisions an owner will ever make, and the right preparation can shape both the outcome and the next chapter of life. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, speaks with Gregg Schor, CEO of Protegrity Advisors, about what business owners need to understand before entering the mergers and acquisitions process. Gregg shares practical, experience...

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 thi...

Retirement planning for Northwell Health employees involves understanding a range of unique benefits and making strategic financial decisions. Many employees across all tiers and roles are unsure how these pieces fit together as they approach retirement. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, speaks with Belinda Tsui, CFP®, about how strategic planning can help employees understand what they...

Year-end tax season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the latest tax law updates now in effect, there are new windows of opportunity, but also new limitations, especially for high-income earners and business owners. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Jonathan Niyazov, CPA, to unpack how the 2025 tax code changes are reshaping financial planning conversations. From e...

When love finds you later in life, what happens to your legacy? With over 1,300 stepfamilies forming every day, later-in-life relationships are more common than ever, but so are the financial complexities that come with them.  Whether you’re remarrying, cohabiting, or just exploring the next chapter, decisions around Social Security, estate planning, asset titling, and medical directives can be em...

Planning for the future isn’t just about what you leave behind; it’s also about how you live today.  Yet far too many retirees assume that a simple will is enough to protect their assets, their wishes, and their loved ones. In reality, effective estate planning involves proactive decisions, coordinated professionals, and a clear vision for both your life and your legacy. In this episode of Retirem...

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...

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 do...

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 stru...

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...

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 m...

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 Distribut...

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 dow...