The Retirement Danger Zone: What to Know Before and After You Retire
Many people spend decades preparing for retirement, focusing on savings, investments, and timing their exit from work. But one of the most important phases of retirement planning often gets overlooked: the transition itself. The five years before and after retirement can shape everything that follows. Decisions made during this window are often permanent, and small […]
From Net Worth to Cash Flow, Rethinking Retirement Strategy
It’s easy to assume that a high net worth equals financial security in retirement. After decades of saving and investing, seeing a large number on paper can feel like the finish line. But many retirees discover something unexpected once they step into this next phase. Confidence doesn’t come from what you’ve accumulated; it comes from […]
Why Retirement Is a New Phase of Estate Planning
Many people think of estate planning as something you do once, sign, and store away. A will is drafted. Powers of attorney are completed. Maybe a trust is created. Then the documents go into a safe place and rarely get revisited. But retirement changes the financial landscape in meaningful ways. Income sources shift. Account balances […]
Why Taxes Often Go Up in Retirement, and What Planning Ahead Can Change
Many people enter retirement expecting their tax bill to shrink. After all, the paycheck stops, so taxes should follow, right? In reality, retirement often introduces more income sources, more complexity, and more opportunities for taxes to quietly chip away at cash flow. Without a coordinated plan, retirees may find themselves paying more than expected, often […]
The Retirement Questions Worth Asking at the Start of the Year
The start of a new year brings a natural pause point. For retirees, that pause is not about making sweeping changes; it is about checking alignment. Small decisions made early often shape how confident and comfortable the rest of the year feels. Rather than reacting to markets or tax deadlines later, January is an ideal […]
Retiring From Northwell Health: Key Decisions That Shape Long-Term Financial Outcomes
Retiring From Northwell Health: Key Decisions That Shape Long-Term Financial Outcomes Retirement planning is never one-size-fits-all, but employees of large health systems face an especially layered set of choices. Northwell Health is a perfect example. With a mix of pensions, cash balance plans, 403(b) and 457(b) options, tuition benefits, healthcare considerations, and income coordination issues, […]
Protecting Your Wealth in a New Chapter of Love
Finding love later in life can feel like a fresh start. But without the right planning, it can also create a ripple effect of unintended financial, legal, and emotional consequences for you and for your family. Blending lives when there are children from previous relationships, unequal assets, or simply decades of independent financial decisions requires […]
Retirement Reality Check: Are You Spending Enough? (ep.136)
How Much Can You Spend in Retirement? Recently Larry sat down with Matt Halloran to record an episode of Life Unlimited. During their discussion, they talked about something that is on the minds of many: How much money can you spend in retirement? The 4% Rule and the Fear of Running Out of Money While […]
When Poor Customer Service Leaves a Bad Taste in Your Mouth (Ep. 135)
Our journey home began with thunderstorms in New York, leading to our flight being canceled. We found ourselves in long lines, trying to rebook our flights and figure out what was happening with our baggage. Despite the airline’s efforts, they were unable to locate our luggage, causing us to wait for a total of 35 […]
Navigating Loss: 4 Essential Steps to Take as the Surviving Spouse (Ep. 132)
Navigating Loss: 4 Essential Steps to Take as the Surviving Spouse (Ep. 132) Losing a spouse is a challenging and emotionally overwhelming experience. Amidst the grieving process, it’s crucial to address the financial aspects that come with being a surviving spouse. In this episode of the Life Unlimited podcast, Larry Heller aims to provide a […]