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/

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/.

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