Retirement Unlocked

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 s...

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-base...

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 In this eye-opening episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, speaks with Louis Bernardi of BrightPath Benefit Advisors about the outdated and opaque nature of most employer-sponsored health insurance plans.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 explain...

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...

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 per...

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 exp...

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...

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 point...

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 Mino...

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 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 lega...

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 t...

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 li...

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 b...

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 dive...

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 start...

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...

High-conflict divorces are some of the most emotionally draining and complex experiences a family can face, especially when children with special needs are involved. In this episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, sits down with Dr. Susan K. Bernstein, a certified divorce coach specializing in high-conflict cases, to explore how divorce coaching can help navigate this emotionall...

Could these six retirement mistakes jeopardize a successful retirement? What steps can you take to avoid them? In this eye-opening episode of Life Unlimited, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, reveals six critical retirement mistakes that could threaten your financial security when it comes to planning for your retirement. These pitfalls are unfortunately common, but there are steps you can take to b...

Divorce is rarely easy, but what if there were alternatives to the adversarial process of litigation that could lead to more peaceful resolutions?  In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA® is joined by Andrea Vacca, Founder of Vacca Family Law Group, to define and explore two powerful divorce alternatives: mediation and collaborative law. From choosing the righ...

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...

Ready to transform your real estate assets into a tax-efficient retirement plan? Want to maximize your real estate wealth without the headache of property management? Join host Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, as he explores the world of 1031 exchanges with Stephen K. Davis, President and CEO of Safe Harbor Asset Management. With over 40 years of experience in financial services, Davis discusses the ben...

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...

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 benefit...

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...