Why Heller Wealth Management Chose Savant: A Conversation with Larry Heller 

When Heller Wealth Management joined Savant in March 2026, the partnership brought together two firms with a shared commitment to personalized financial planning and long-term client relationships. 

Based in Melville, New York, Heller Wealth Management built its practice around two groups it serves especially well: families preparing for retirement and business owners planning an exit or transition. That focus aligned closely with Savant’s philosophy and created a natural foundation for partnership. 

To better understand what drove the decision, we spoke with Heller Wealth Management founder Larry Heller, CFP®, CDFA®. He offered perspective on his career, his approach to clients, and what made Savant the right long-term fit. 

A Calling Born from Personal Experience 

For Heller, the path into financial planning began not in a classroom or an office, but at home, during one of the hardest periods of his life. 

When he was 19 years old, his father died unexpectedly. His father had very little life insurance, and his mother, who had been a homemaker, suddenly faced the daunting task of figuring out how the family could stay in their home and continue paying for college for both Heller and his younger sister. 

“Together, we worked through those difficult financial decisions, and I found tremendous fulfillment in helping my family create a path forward during an incredibly emotional time,” Heller said. “It wasn’t until much later in my career that I realized that experience was what first inspired my interest in financial planning and investment management.” 

That origin shapes how he works with clients today. Whether someone is preparing for retirement, selling a business they spent decades building, or creating lasting financial security for their children and grandchildren, Heller approaches each situation with the same sense of purpose he first discovered at 19. 

“Being able to guide people through those moments is both meaningful and deeply rewarding to me,” he said. 

Building a Practice Around the People Who Need It Most 

Families preparing for retirement and business owners planning an exit or transition have been the core of Heller Wealth Management’s growth, much of it driven organically through relationships and referrals. 

That focus gave the firm a clear identity and a deep well of expertise in the financial decisions that define major life transitions. As Heller explored what a partnership with a national firm could offer, he looked for resources that would strengthen, rather than displace, that identity. 

What Heller Looked for in a Strategic Partner 

Cultural alignment topped the list of priorities when Heller considered potential partners. 

“One of the most important reasons we chose to partner with Savant was what we viewed as a strong alignment in culture and values,” Heller said. “Both organizations share a deep commitment to always doing what is best for clients and delivering a financial planning experience that we believe is high quality.” 

Beyond values, Heller sought access to deeper capabilities that could directly benefit clients. Savant’s resources in estate planning and tax planning stood out as areas where the partnership could deliver coordinated and thoughtful financial solutions. 

The integration process also mattered. Heller wanted a partner that would support his team through the transition, not simply absorb it. 

“The Savant team has been supportive throughout the transition,” he said. “Everyone has worked collaboratively with our staff to help support a generally smooth transition process.” 

Expanding What Is Possible Through Partnership 

One of the most immediate benefits of joining Savant has been the reduction of administrative demands on Heller’s team. Before the partnership, managing operational responsibilities consumed time and attention that could otherwise go toward clients. 

“The partnership reduces many of the administrative demands on our team, which helps provide additional capacity to focus on what matters most,” Heller said, “building relationships, serving our clients, and helping new families and business owners plan with greater clarity regarding their future.” 

Improvements in technology, systems, and operational support have also energized the team as it looks ahead to what the partnership makes possible. 

Clients, Heller emphasized, are expected to experience continuity. 

“Our clients can expect continued focus on personalized care, relationships, and service, now backed by additional resources and expertise,” he said. 

As with any firm integration, there may be changes to systems, processes, or service models over time. 

A Next-Generation Team Ready for What Comes Next 

Looking ahead, Heller sees significant opportunity to deepen relationships in the markets Heller Wealth Management already knows well and to extend the firm’s reach with the backing of a national platform. 

“Partnering with a national firm like Savant gives us additional resources, specialized expertise, and broader capabilities that we believe may support continued growth while staying focused on delivering meaningful guidance and long-term value to our clients,” he said. 

He also expressed pride in the people surrounding him as the firm enters this next chapter. 

“I am especially grateful to be surrounded by a highly experienced next-generation advisory team and dedicated support staff who are passionate about continuing this journey together with Savant,” Heller said. 

That foundation, combined with aligned values and a shared vision for client service, ultimately shaped the decision to move forward together.