Retirement Unlocked

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

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. Aug 26

    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 markets, rising costs, healthcare needs, and a retirement that could last 30 years. In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, shares a six-part retirement planning checklist designed to help people approaching retirement or already retired review the financial and personal decisions that can shape their future. Larry discusses:  How much you may be able to spend in retirement without constantly worrying about running out of money Why taxes, insurance, and estate planning deserve regular review How purpose and lifestyle planning can be just as important as your finances How tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and Roth conversions may help reduce taxes throughout retirement Why reviewing your estate plan, insurance coverage, and life after work can help you retire with greater confidence And more! Resources: Mastering Retirement Withdrawals: Expert Tips for Smart Distribution Planning (Ep. 169) Retirement Unlocked: Managing Sequence of Returns Risk (Ep. 171) Why Taxes Often Go Up in Retirement and What Planning Ahead Can Change (Ep. 194) From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy (Ep. 197) IRMAA Explained, How Income Decisions Today Can Increase Medicare Costs Tomorrow (Ep. 199) 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/

  2. Aug 12

    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 Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, speaks with Dominick J. Parillo, JD, CFP®, Director of Wealth Transfer at Savant Wealth Management, about the estate planning details families often overlook. They explain how an unfunded revocable living trust can still lead to probate, why beneficiary designations may override a will, and how account ownership can affect New York estate tax planning. They also discuss powers of attorney, healthcare documents, inheritance protection, trustee selection, and why your estate plan should continue to evolve as your family, finances, and wishes change. Larry and Dom discuss: Why signing estate planning documents doesn’t mean the planning is finished Why funding a revocable living trust is important for avoiding probate How beneficiary designations and account ownership may override a will What married couples should know about New York estate tax planning How continuing trusts and trustee selection may help protect an inheritance And more! Resources:  Is It Time to Update Your Estate Plan? Why State Estate Tax Planning Matters Connect with Dominick J. Parillo: Dominick J. Parillo, JD, CFP® | Savant Wealth Management LinkedIn: Dominick J. Parillo LinkedIn: Savant Wealth Management 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: Dominick “Dom” J. Parillo, JD, CFP®, is Director of Wealth Transfer at Savant Wealth Management. Based in Manassas, Virginia, he helps high-net-worth families and business owners coordinate estate planning, trust administration, wealth transfer, and legacy decisions.  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/

  3. Jul 22

    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 episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores the most common mistakes business owners make after selling their business and shares practical guidance for turning a successful exit into a successful retirement. He discusses how to make intentional financial decisions, prepare for taxes, invest with purpose, and build a retirement that offers both financial security and personal fulfillment. Larry discusses: What business owners should do immediately after selling a business and why rushing financial decisions can create long-term challenges How to balance enjoying the proceeds from a business sale while avoiding lifestyle inflation that could threaten retirement security Why keeping too much money in cash after a liquidity event can be just as risky as investing too aggressively Capital gains tax planning opportunities business owners should consider before and after a sale, and why waiting until tax season may be too late 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/

  4. Jul 8

    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 flexibility, they also introduce new risks that deserve careful planning. In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, explores how technology is reshaping retirement and why digital preparedness is essential to protecting your financial future. From cybersecurity and AI-powered scams to digital estate planning and everyday technology that supports independence, Larry shares practical insights to help you embrace innovation with greater confidence. Larry discusses:  Why retirement planning now includes cybersecurity, digital assets, and the protection of your online identity. How AI-powered scams, voice cloning, hacked emails, and identity theft are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the practical steps retirees can take to protect themselves. The growing role of telehealth, wearable technology, and other digital tools in helping retirees maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. How technology is making it easier to travel, manage finances remotely, stay connected with family, and enjoy greater flexibility throughout retirement. Why organizing your digital assets, passwords, online accounts, and estate documents is becoming just as important as traditional estate planning. 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/

  5. Jun 24

    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 accumulated.  In this episode, Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®, discusses the often-overlooked challenge of transitioning from a saver mindset to a spender mindset in retirement and why many financially secure retirees struggle to enjoy the assets they’ve accumulated. Larry discusses: Why many retirees experience anxiety around spending, even when their financial plan supports it The psychological shift required when moving from accumulation to distribution Common fears about running out of money and how those concerns impact retirement decisions How retirement income planning can help create confidence around spending 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/

  6. Jun 10

    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/

  7. 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/

  8. 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/

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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
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Retirement Unlocked All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Retirement Unlocked

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