Retirement Unlocked

Larry Heller
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semimonthly

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!

  1. 1d ago

    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 security.  In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explains why the loss of a spouse can create unexpected financial challenges for retirees, including higher taxes, rising Medicare premiums, and changes to retirement income. He discusses how required minimum distributions, Social Security survivor benefits, and IRMAA thresholds can affect a surviving spouse’s long-term financial picture. Larry also shares proactive planning strategies couples can consider before widowhood, including Roth conversions, tax-bracket management, beneficiary reviews, and estate planning updates. Through real-life examples, he highlights how thoughtful preparation can help surviving spouses avoid costly mistakes and navigate a difficult transition with greater confidence and clarity. What to expect: Why surviving spouses often face higher taxes after the loss of a spouse How the widow and widower tax penalty impacts retirement income The effect of IRMAA and rising Medicare premiums for single filers How required minimum distributions can create larger future tax burdens And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

    22 min

  2. Jun 1

    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 was created, the lessons learned over 200 episodes, and how financial education can truly impact people’s lives.  In this episode, Larry explores how he has always aimed to make financial planning more understandable as he continues to stay ahead of constant changes in tax laws, and retirement strategies. He expresses gratitude to his listeners, clients, and guests who have helped the podcast grow to nearly 50,000 YouTube views as it continues into its next chapter.  Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses: How Retirement Unlocked has changed over the years Why retirement planning is more about cash flow than net worth How taxes can become more complicated in retirement Why financial planning should evolve as life changes And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

    22 min

  3. May 13

    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 D premiums based on income from two years prior. He explains how everyday financial decisions, from IRA withdrawals to capital gains and Roth conversions, can unexpectedly push you into higher premium brackets.  Larry discusses: What IRMAA is and how it impacts Medicare premiums How income from two years prior determines your current costs Common triggers like Roth conversions, property sales, and large withdrawals Strategies to potentially reduce IRMAA through proactive tax and income planning Why coordinating tax, investment, and healthcare decisions is essential in retirement And more! Resources: SSA Form 44 (to report a life-changing event and potentially reduce IRMAA) Medicare IRMAA income brackets and thresholds Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/

    23 min

  4. Apr 22

    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, tax, and lifestyle decisions can have long-term consequences. Larry discusses: Why relocating for tax savings is not always as straightforward as it seems The hidden costs of moving, including healthcare, housing, and lifestyle changes How state-specific rules can impact taxes, estate planning, and retirement income The importance of residency rules and avoiding costly mistakes Real-life examples of retirees who experienced unexpected outcomes after relocating And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures/.

    24 min

  5. Apr 8

    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 income sources, tax considerations, and withdrawal strategies must be coordinated to create a sustainable plan. Larry also highlights the risks of relying on outdated strategies like “living off income” and why a more dynamic approach is needed. Through real-life examples and practical insights, he shows how structuring cash flow properly can reduce stress and support long-term lifestyle goals. Larry discusses: Why net worth alone doesn’t determine retirement confidence How income sources, taxes, and withdrawals must work together The impact of required minimum distributions and future tax brackets Why “living off income” isn’t always a sustainable strategy How to structure cash flow to support lifestyle and long-term goals The role of liquidity and short-term cash reserves in reducing stress Real-life examples of retirees with strong assets but no clear plan And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® Heller Wealth Management is now part of Savant Wealth Management. Savant is a Registered Investment Advisor. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Effective March 31, 2026, Heller Wealth Management joined Savant Wealth Management (“Savant”). A copy of Savant’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available at www.savantwealth.com/disclosure-brochures

    19 min

  6. Mar 18

    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, especially those with higher net worth, should be reviewing now. Larry discusses: Why signed estate documents are not the finish line once you retire How beneficiary designations can override your will Common mistakes with outdated beneficiaries, minor children, and second marriages Why asset titling and TOD/POD accounts must align with your estate plan Key considerations for high-net-worth families, including New York’s estate tax cliff The importance of revisiting trusts, executors, and family communication And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP®

    30 min

  7. Mar 4

    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 insurance has evolved beyond the traditional death benefit. Drawing from his experience working with professional athletes, Rich shares how career-ending disability coverage and life insurance with living benefits are designed to protect income, earning potential, and financial stability when the unexpected happens. Richard discusses: The difference between traditional life insurance and policies with living benefits How career-ending disability insurance protects future income What health events may trigger living benefit payouts Why policy reviews are essential as your life and finances change Common misconceptions about life insurance and protection planning And more! Connect with Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado: MyTermLife.ai LinkedIn: Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado LinkedIn: MyTermLifeAI Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP® About Our Guest: Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado is an insurance professional with more than 25 years of experience specializing in career-ending disability coverage and life insurance with living benefits. He has worked extensively with professional athletes, helping them protect future earnings and financial stability in the event of injury or serious health challenges. Rich focuses on education-first conversations, policy reviews, and ensuring clients understand how protection planning fits into their broader financial picture.

    27 min

  8. Feb 18

    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 exposure. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses: Why retirement is often not a low-tax phase of life How required minimum distributions, Social Security, and taxable accounts interact Common tax mistakes retirees make when planning starts too late Why tax planning should be ongoing, not a once-a-year conversation How income decisions can affect Medicare premiums and overall cash flow Ways proactive planning may help retirees reduce surprises and stay in control And more! Connect with Larry Heller:  (631) 248-3600 Schedule a 20-Minute Call Heller Wealth Management LinkedIn: Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, CPA YouTube: Retirement Unlocked with Larry Heller, CFP®

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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 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!

Information

  • Creator
    Larry Heller
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    203
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Retirement Unlocked All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Retirement Unlocked

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