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Retirement Unlocked

by Larry Heller

Retirement Unlocked. With Larry Heller, CFP®. Your life. Your way. How financial resilience can let you live it – for life. While money matters, being able to pursue the things that enrich our individual lives also matters. Having the financial resilience to live life without limits is just one of the wide range of subjects discussed on the ‘Retirement Unlocked’ podcast. Join Larry Heller, certified financial planner and president of Heller Wealth Management, as he covers topics from tax tips to investment strategies, to healthy lifestyle practices, and trekking the globe!

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Episodes

  1. Direct Indexing and Tax-Loss Harvesting with Angela R. Berkosky (Ep. 209)

    Watching a stock or business grow substantially can feel rewarding, until you start thinking about the tax bill that could come with selling it. For investors with appreciated stock, multiple account types, or proceeds from a major sale, investment decisions and tax decisions can quickly become...

  2. From Portfolio Performance to Purposeful Retirement Planning (Ep. 208)

    Are you approaching retirement and wondering whether your investments, spending, taxes, estate plan, and future goals are all working together? A retirement plan should do more than track portfolio performance. It should help you understand how your money can support the lifestyle you want, while...

  3. Planning to Sell Your Trade Business? What to Do Before Retirement (Ep. 207)

    How do you sell a trade business and turn decades of work into retirement income? If you’re a contractor, electrician, plumber, landscaper, HVAC professional, or another skilled-trade owner thinking about retirement, the decisions you make before the sale may affect what your business is worth…

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  4. The Retirement Confidence Checklist: 6 Things to Review Before You Retire (Ep. 206)

    Are you approaching retirement and wondering whether your spending, investments, taxes, insurance, estate plan, and retirement lifestyle are all working together? A retirement plan should do more than help you reach a savings goal. It should support the life you want while preparing for changing...

  5. Common Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Undermine Your Legacy with Dom Parillo (Ep. 205)

    A lot of people think their estate planning is complete once the legal documents are signed. But for retirees and families with complex assets, those documents may not be enough if trusts, beneficiary designations, account ownership, and tax planning aren’t coordinated. In this episode, Larry...

  6. What to Do After Selling Your Business: 5 Mistakes That Could Affect Your Retirement (Ep. 204)

    What should you do after selling your business? Closing the deal is a major milestone, but it’s only the beginning of a new chapter. Without a thoughtful plan, emotional decisions, tax surprises, and a lack of direction can undermine the financial freedom you’ve worked so hard to achieve. In this...

  7. Retirement in a Digital World: What Every Retiree Should Know (Ep. 203)

    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...

  8. Why Saving for Retirement Is Easier Than Spending in Retirement (Ep. 202)

    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...

  9. How Widowhood Can Change Your Retirement Tax Picture (Ep. 201)

    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…

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  10. 200 Episodes of Retirement Unlocked: The Lessons That Matter Most (Ep. 200)

    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...

  11. IRMAA Explained, How Income Decisions Today Can Increase Medicare Costs Tomorrow (Ep. 199)

    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…

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  12. The Retirement Danger Zone: What to Know Before and After You Retire (Ep. 198)

    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,...

  13. From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy (Ep. 197)

    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…

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  14. Why Retirement Is a New Phase of Estate Planning (Ep. 196)

    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,...

  15. Life Insurance That Works While You’re Living with Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado (Ep. 195)

    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...

  16. Why Taxes Often Go Up in Retirement, and What Planning Ahead Can Change (Ep. 194)

    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...

  17. Why Investing Feels Harder Than It Should: Understanding Investor Behavior and Bias with Scott Bosworth (Ep. 193)

    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…

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  18. Starting the Year With the Right Retirement Questions (Ep. 192)

    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…

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  19. Selling Your Business the Right Way: Timing, Buyers, and Value with Gregg Schor (Ep. 191)

    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...

  20. Key Decisions to Get Right in Your 60s for a Confident Retirement (Ep. 190)

    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...

  21. How to Build a Confident Retirement as a Northwell Employee with Belinda Tsui (Ep. 189)

    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®…

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  22. What You Can Still Do to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill with Jonathan Niyazov (Ep. 188)

    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...

  23. Later-in-Life Marriages: What You Need to Protect (Ep. 187)

    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...

  24. Modern Estate Planning for Modern Retirees with Wendy Goidel (Ep. 186)

    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,...

  25. How to Avoid a Tax Time Bomb in Retirement (Ep. 185)

    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…

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  26. Our recommended title: How to Exit Your Business on Your Terms with Paul Cronin (Ep. 184)

    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…

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  27. SIMPLE IRA vs. 401(k): What’s Best for Your Business? (Ep. 183)

    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...

  28. Charitable Giving in Retirement & Smart Tax Strategies to Maximize Your Impact with Joshua Chadajo (Ep. 182)

    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...

  29. What Should You Do with Your 401(k) When You Retire? (Ep. 181)

    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…

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  30. Top Retirement Tax Pitfalls to Avoid with Rob Premselaar (Ep. 180)

    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…

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  31. How Much Cash Should You Have in Retirement? (Ep. 179)

    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...

  32. More Time, Less Stress: Why Smart Businesses Are Outsourcing Their Bookkeeping with Cheri Giglia (Ep. 178)

    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...

  33. The 6 Retirement Mistakes To Avoid (Ep. 177)

    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...

  34. Breaking the Health Insurance Mold: The New Health Plan Playbook with Louis Bernardi [Ep. 176]

    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...

  35. Your 5-Year Retirement Countdown: Key Steps to Take Now [Ep.175]

    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...

  36. Understanding the Insurance Market Crisis: Higher Rates, Tougher Carriers, and Smart Moves with Gregg Knepper [Ep.174]

    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...

  37. 5 Tax Gotchas That High-Net-Worth Individuals Overlook [Ep.173]

    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…

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  38. Accounting Firm M&A: Trends, Valuations & Challenges with Geoff Bruskin [Ep.172]

    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...

  39. Retirement Unlocked: Managing Sequence of Returns Risk [Ep.171]

    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...

  40. 2025 Tax Changes: What You Must Know to Protect Your Wealth with Bill Minoff [Ep.170]

    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.…

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  41. Mastering Retirement Withdrawals: Expert Tips for Smart Distribution Planning [Ep. 169]

    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...

  42. Legal Recruiting Trends: Attract and Retain Top Talent with Shari Davidson [Ep. 168]

    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...

  43. 7 Costly Financial Planning Mistakes You’re Making (And How to Avoid Them!) [Ep. 167]

    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...

  44. Protecting What Matters Most: Estate Planning for Women with Allison Dolzani [Ep. 166]

    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...

  45. Navigating S Corps: The Pros, Cons, and Tax Implications for Small Businesses [Ep. 165]

    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…

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  46. Beyond Accumulation: Mastering Your Retirement Distribution Strategy [Ep. 164]

    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…

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  47. Risky Business: The Hidden Risks of Handshake Agreements with Rachel Partain [Ep. 163]

    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...

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

    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...

  49. Breaking Free: Unmasking High Conflict Divorces with Susan Bernstein [Ep. 161]

    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...

  50. The Six Silent Threats to Your Retirement [Ep. 160]

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Retirement Unlocked. With Larry Heller, CFP®. Your life. Your way. How financial resilience can let you live it – for life. While money matters, being able to pursue the things that enrich our individual lives also matters. Having the financial resilience to live life without limits is just one of the wide range of subjects discussed on the ‘Retirement Unlocked’ podcast. Join Larry Heller, certified financial planner and president of Heller Wealth Management, as he covers topics from tax tips to investment strategies, to healthy lifestyle practices, and trekking the globe!

HOSTED BY

Larry Heller

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Retirement Unlocked have?

Retirement Unlocked currently has 211 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Retirement Unlocked about?

Retirement Unlocked. With Larry Heller, CFP®. Your life. Your way. How financial resilience can let you live it – for life. While money matters, being able to pursue the things that enrich our individual lives also matters. Having the financial resilience to live life without limits is just one of...

How often does Retirement Unlocked release new episodes?

Retirement Unlocked publishes regularly with 211 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Retirement Unlocked?

You can listen to Retirement Unlocked on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Retirement Unlocked?

Retirement Unlocked is created and hosted by Larry Heller.
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