Retirement Unlocked

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®...

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...

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&rs...

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...

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 conseq...

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 mus...

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.

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 ben...

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, Lar...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 mis...

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 ...

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 reshapin...

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 ar...

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 ...

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 episo...