Dollars and Sense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life

Are you grappling with the complexities of selling your business, unsure of where to start or how to navigate the process? In this enlightening episode, Nicole is joined by seasoned professionals, Matthew Hammer and Dawn Mase from Wintrust Commercial Banking, to shed light on the intricacies of selling a business. Through their experiences and insights, they demystify the process and provide valua...

Whether you’re at the onset of selling your business or simply exploring your options, knowing what to look out for can help you make informed decisions. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Deanna Salo Managing Principal with Cray Kaiser, and Eric Vanderploeg of Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella’s Litigation to share their wealth of knowledge and practical tips to guide you through the...

So you’re ready to sell your business or have been thinking about selling for a while, now what? In this two-part episode, Nicole speaks with George Karavattuveetil, President of Psyched, LLC, about how to prepare yourself to sell your business. George shares his 3-step process to help business owners get ready to sell. Nicole and George draw attention to the lack of understanding and preparation...

There is a big part of the investing world that doesn’t get as much news as equity markets. But it should. In this installment of Dollar$ and $ense, Nicole is joined by Matt Bernardi from Bernardi Securities. Together, they demystify the municipal bond market, a key component in funding local infrastructure projects that are vital to our communities. Matt and Nicole expand on how today&#8217...

Divorce is an emotional time for both spouses, but it’s important not to let emotions control the process. How can you build the best team for your divorce? In this episode, Nicole Romito speaks with Susan Guthrie, a family law attorney, about the intricacies of divorce. They emphasize the value of a collaborative approach over litigation and the importance of assembling a professional team, inclu...

The Secure Act 2.0 is ever-evolving and has brought up some important questions recently, so let’s go over them! Laurie Kaplan, CPA, partner at Michael Silver, joins Nicole for her second time on the show to continue their discussion about the Secure Act 2.0. Laurie goes over what has been finalized in the act for 2023 and looks ahead to 2024 and 2025. She clears up confusion around various topics...

How did the markets dance through 2024, and what’s on the horizon for 2025?  Nicole Romito and Jeremy Bell, Chief Investment Officer at Conway Investment Research, reflect on the financial landscape of 2024. They discuss the performance of U.S. equity markets, the volatility in fixed income, and the outlook for 2025. They emphasize the importance of a strategic investment plan, diversificati...

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, including acc...

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 and Jason...

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...

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 imp...

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 what you...

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...

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 be di...

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 adults...

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...

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...