Dollars and Sense

Estate planning is important for everyone, but why is it especially important for the sandwich generation? In this episode, Nicole introduces fellow Private Vista colleague, Jeff Toner, CHFC®, RICP®, Partner at Private Vista, to talk about estate planning. While it’s important to get your documents in order before you need them, Nicole and Jeff point out that there are many layers to estate planni...

The year-end holidays can be the most stressful time of the year, from family gatherings and tensions to tight deadlines at work. But what if we told you they don’t have to be? In this episode, Nicole speaks with professional development coach Brendan Cournane about stress management. They focus on managing the stress that comes with the holiday season and the pressures of closing business deals b...

Are you passionate about changing lives, uplifting those around you, and creating a better world? Join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday, a global movement to unleash the power of radical generosity. In this episode, Nicole Romito invites colleagues Lorena Lopez and Matt Currier. Taking a break from the usual financial topics, they shed light on the beauty of Giving Tuesday and the joy of giving. Y...

How can you optimize your year-end financial planning?  With the end of the year nearing, it’s a good idea to review our financial plans and look at what we have set up for the long-term. In this episode of Dollar$ and $ense, Jim Weil CFP®, CIMA®, managing partner at Private Vista, joins Nicole Romito to talk about year-end planning strategies. They discuss managing income and taxes, includin...

Are you prepared to face the digital phantoms lurking in your inbox? This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, arm yourself with knowledge. Just as we take precautions during Halloween, it’s essential to be vigilant about phishing attacks in the financial services sector.  In this episode, Nicole speaks with Sarah Khan, Chief Information Security Officer for Hightower Advisors, about cybersecurity...

Divorce can be a challenging journey for many, and it requires careful consideration and planning, especially during the holiday season.  In this episode, Nicole Romito continues the conversation with family law attorneys Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep. This time, they unravel the complexities of divorce, focusing on co-parenting during the holidays and financial considerations.  Beth...

What are the best alternatives to litigation in divorce? Let’s ask family law attorneys. In this episode, Nicole Romito welcomes family law attorneys Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep to talk about the different options that are available when considering divorce. They emphasize the importance of educating the public about alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and collaborative...

Did you know you can set up a Donor Advised Fund during your lifetime or as part of your estate planning? In this episode, Nicole is joined by Private Vista’s very own Sean Julian to discuss the concept of donor-advised funds (DAFs), which are charitable giving vehicles. Sean explains how DAFs work, the flexibility they offer, and the benefits of using them for charitable giving. They also touch o...

Sometimes, the path to a fulfilling career is far from straightforward. In today’s episode, Nicole Romito from Private Vista dives into the career journey of Mahogany Person, an emerging talent in the field of financial advising. Mahogany began her professional life as a math teacher but transitioned into financial planning after personal experiences opened her eyes to the generational gaps in fin...

Purchasing annuities can be confusing, and on top of that, they’re often an emotional decision. In this episode, Nicole Romito breaks down annuities with Steve Merdinger, ChFC®, CFP®, Partner at Private Vista. They give an overview of points to consider and things to be aware of before purchasing them. Steve discusses:  What fixed and variable annuities are The importance of understanding wha...

Thinking about diving into the real estate market? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time buyer, this episode is your go-to guide for navigating today’s dynamic real estate landscape. In this episode, Nicole Romito chats with Melanie Everett, founder and managing broker of Melanie Everett and Company, an independent real estate brokerage firm.  Nicole and Melanie discuss the importance...

Amidst these unprecedented times, a burning question arises: Should you maintain a diversified portfolio?  In this episode, Nicole Romito and Bob Westrick, Partner at Private Vista, provide a mid-year market update for 2023. Together they tackle some of the pressing inquiries that have flooded their clients minds. From whether America is already in a recession or heading into one, if it will...

You could build the best financial plan for your retirement, with enough money for trips and relaxing days for the rest of your life. But what will you do during your retirement? Playing golf and seeing family only takes so much time. In this episode, Nicole speaks with Sarah Newcomb, author, speaker and founder of Thrive, on the psychology behind satisfying the emotional needs of retirees. Sarah...

Navigating personal finances after college can be challenging for many young individuals who lack proper guidance on savings, investments, and managing their 401(k)s. What are some goals and rules they should follow for the long-term?  In this episode, Nicole Romito sits down with Carrie Mangan, advisor at Private Vista, to talk about the topic of building healthy financial habits for young a...

Let’s face it, Medicare plans are an alphabet soup. Let’s simplify them together. In this episode, Nicole talks to Carly Rosswurm, the director of Medicare Solutions at Ash Brokerage, to clear the air about Medicare. With 17 years of experience in Medicare, Carly gives us an overview of the Medicare program and the different types of available plans, and a breakdown of the highest and lowest premi...

Losing a loved one is never easy. It’s a time of sadness and mourning, but it’s also a time to honor and celebrate their life. In fact, memorializing and honoring the legacy of loved ones is an important part of the grieving process. In this episode, Nicole speaks with Alexandra Koys, founder & CEO of Lighten Arrangements, about creative ideas for honoring and celebrating the lives of those we...

Studies have shown that people experience the same level of emotional pain when losing money as they do when experiencing physical pain. Therefore, managing emotions around finances is crucial for making sound investment decisions and achieving financial success. In this episode, Nicole speaks with Will Howson, CFP®, CPFA about managing our emotions when discussing finances. Will highlights the si...

We’re back with another episode to break the glass ceiling and showcase the incredible achievements of women who are challenging the status quo and paving the way for future generations. In this episode, Nicole continues the celebration of this past Women’s History Month with Laura Adams, Chief HR Officer for Jones Lang LaSalle. Laura shares her story of how she worked her way up into corporate Am...

Are you curious about the new regulations in the Secure Act 2.0 and how they could impact your retirement planning? In this episode, Nicole and Laurie Kaplan, CPA, highlights the important changes in the Secure Act 2.0 that were released in late 2022. Laurie explains how these changed regulations affect investors. Laurie discusses:  A breakdown of the 10-year rule The new opportunities for IR...

Breaking the glass ceiling: Join us as we delve into the world of finance and showcase the incredible achievements of women who are challenging the status quo and paving the way for future generations. In this episode, Nicole celebrates Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day with Delaney Orozco, CFP®, and Stephanie Nanney, CFP®, CPFA. Get ready to hear their inspiring conversation abo...

Discover the Secrets of Fertility with Expert Allison K. Rodgers! Are you longing to start a family but feeling uncertain about your next steps? This episode is for you! Join Nicole Romito as she sits down with renowned fertility doctor, Allison K. Rodgers. Get ready to be enlightened with all the ins and outs of fertility and the best options for starting your family. Allison opens up about the o...

Marriage, divorce, a late spouse, and age can all affect social security benefits. There’s no simple equation for figuring out which benefit plan works best for you or when you should start taking your benefit, but a financial advisor can help guide you through the process. We are back with another episode of Dollar$ and $ense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life with Nicole Romito. Learn from Mike McCab...

Talking about finances with your family can be a difficult discussion, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Nicole speaks with her colleague, Mary Beth McLean, MBA, CFP, about family wealth planning and having financial discussions with the next generation. Mary Beth shares a few ways to begin the conversation, that it’s ongoing and not a one-time thing, and that it’s never too late to star...

As we are living longer and healthier lives, we often take for granted that one day, our situation might change. Planning ahead for your long-term care now can help you avoid unforeseen expenses in the future. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Lauren Weldon, a partner at Margolis Weldon LLC who specializes in elder law and estate planning. Listen as Lauren shares real-life stories and scenarios...

After a year of market ups and downs, investors are looking for an opportunity to pull ahead in the new year. How can they start off 2023 on the right foot? Welcome back to another episode of Dollar$ and $ense! In this episode, Nicole Romito speaks with Bob Westrick, Partner at Private Vista, on how market volatility has impacted investors in 2022 and where they should focus their attention into t...