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 start it.Mary Beth and Nicole discuss: What family wealth planning is and why it’s important for you to participate inHow having the conversation could alleviate some unintended consequences when both parents are goneHow to have a conversation about finances with your children that doesn’t center around the numbersThat it’s not a one-and-done type of conversation and why it’s ever-evolvingAnd moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Mary Beth McLean:LinkedIn: Mary Beth McLeanMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370About our Guest: Mary Beth McLean, CFP®, MBA, is a partner at Private Vista LLC. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Finance at St. Mary’s College Notre Dame, Magna cum Laude, and her Master of Business Administration at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Mary thinks of herself as a financial caregiver. She devotes much of her current practice to working with women, often in transition, to take control of their financial matters. The most satisfying part of Mary’s profession is watching her clients become empowered. Mary Beth McLean helps her clients conceive their future, relieve their fears, and achieve their dreams.

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, and details what can happen in less-than-ideal situations when it comes to long-term care planning.Lauren discusses: Her work as an elder law attorney and why some people require her servicesThe importance of having a trustworthy, and capable Power of AttorneyWhy having conversations as a family is integral to your long-term care planThe difference between Medicare and Medicaid And moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Lauren Weldon:Margolis WeldonLinkedIn: Lauren WeldonLauren@MargolisWeldon.comAbout our Guest: Lauren Weldon is a partner at Margolis Weldon LLC in Parkridge, Illinois. She founded the firm in 2015 with Matt Margolis and has a career as an elder law attorney. Lauren graduated from the University of South Carolina and obtained her law degree from John Marshall Law School.Lauren lives in Mt. Prospect with her husband, a labor and employment attorney, their six kids, two cats, and two dogs. In her free time (the little of it she has) Lauren enjoys riding her horse and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

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 the New Year. Bob shares key takeaways from this past year and how those experiences will change investment strategies moving forward.Bob discusses: The difference in opportune environments between stocks and bonds and why neither has been safe in the 2022 marketHow tax loss harvesting can create returns from capital loss in investmentsWhat is the current view of 2023 and possibly 2024 of advisors and economistsWhat can be controlled during market volatility and where advisors should focus their attentionAnd moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Bob Westrick:Bob WestrickPrivate VistaAbout our Guest: In 1983, Bob Westrick left a “Big Eight” public accounting firm to work for one of his audit clients. Eight years later, his entrepreneurial itch was scratched as he started a partnership in the financial services industry. Two years later, Bob co-founded WNA Wealth Advisors, one of the precursor firms to Private Vista. He is a frequent speaker and he is often interviewed on subjects ranging from economic conditions to wealth management. His experience as an accountant, business owner and financial advisor gives Bob a unique perspective to offer his clients.

The year is coming to an end. Let’s take a quick look at what has happened in the markets, and see what we can do to anticipate what’s coming.In this episode, Nicole brings Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Hightower Advisors, onto the show to go over the year-end market update for 2022. Stephanie also shares a story reminiscing about joining the financial industry, talks about her passion for being compassionate with clients, and gives future financial advisors some advice for joining the industry.Stephanie discusses: The importance of building trust between advisors and clientsThe steady interest rate increase in 2022 and what she thinks can be expected next yearHow looking at past market trends with clients can provide reassurance and calm their investment anxietySome important tips for young women looking to enter the financial services industryAnd moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Stephanie Link:LinkedIn: Stephanie LinkHightower AdvisorsLinkedIn: Hightower AdvisorsAbout our Guest: Stephanie Link is a Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager for Hightower Advisors. Prior to joining Hightower, Stephanie was a senior managing director and Head of Global Equities Research at TIAA Investments, where she managed $3.7 billion within the equity income strategy. She also served as the Chief Investment Officer and Co-Portfolio Manager of Jim Kramer’s Charitable Trust at TheStreet, and as Managing Director of Institutional Sales and Director of Research at Prudential Equity Group. With over 30 years of experience managing money, Stephanie Link’s insights are frequently sought after for industry events and by the media, including CNBC, The Halftime Report, Closing Bell, and Squawk Box.

Estate planning is hard for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s talk about how to have those tough conversations with family and make the process easier.In this episode, Nicole talks about estate planning with Debbie Feldman, the founder of Debra D. Feldman and Associates, Ltd. Debbie is a licensed and insured clinical social worker and works as an Aging Life Care Manager. She shares her professional experiences along with personal experiences as it relates to having and initiating sensitive conversations with loved ones about their well-being and estate planning.Nicole and Debbie discuss: Who should initiate conversations about estate planning How to approach sensitive conversations about estate planning and well-being with aging family membersWhat signs to look for that indicate your loved ones may need additional assistance, and how to open the conversation to offer them assistanceHow to balance taking care of parents while remaining in the child in the child roleAnd moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Debbie Feldman:LinkedIn: Debra FeldmanDebra D. Feldman and Associates, Ltd.Call: 847-913-1700About our Guest: Debbie Feldman is the owner and founder of Debra D. Feldman and Associates, Ltd. She is a licensed and insured clinical social worker. Debbie received her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan in December 1984, and her B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Washington University in St. Louis in May 1983. Trained as a social worker, Debra began her career as an Aging Life Care™ Manager in 1988, and in 1991, she established her own company, Debra D. Feldman & Associates, Ltd.

A 529 plan is a college investment plan that offers tax and financial aid advantages, but what exactly is covered?In this episode, Nicole provides an overview of 529 plans with her colleague, Colleen Dwyer. Colleen covers an overview of what a 529 plan is, the different advantages of the plan, and some of its limitations and flexibilities.Colleen discusses: What a 529 plan is and how the money invested in it can be used How you can use the tax benefits and financial aid of a 529 plan to your advantage What it means to offer financial support to beneficiaries through a 529 plan Some of the possibilities and probabilities around the best way to use the planAnd more Connect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Colleen Dwyer:LinkedIn: Colleen DwyerMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370About our Guest: Colleen Dwyer’s financial services career began in 2018. As a financial advisor at Private Vista, she develops trusted relationships with clients and collaborates to build a plan that creates financial confidence and independence. She enjoys working with a dedicated and experienced team to deliver personal and critical advice and service, so her clients can be successful both financially and personally.Colleen loves to spend quality time with her friends and family, and actively participate in her community. She lives with her husband in Lincoln Park and enjoys all the city has to offer – frequent bike rides and trying new restaurants. When not in Chicago, she spends time in Michigan and the western suburbs visiting family. Colleen also loves to travel and looks forward to checking places off her bucket list when she can.

Did you know that having an accountant, financial planner, and advisor working together can help take some of the stress off managing your finances while still keeping your best interests in mind?In this episode, Nicole speaks with Ryan Guedel, CPA and partner at account and consulting firm CJBS, about how to put together a financial team to ensure everyone is working in your best interest. Ryan shares a bit about himself and his experience working in a financial team, how he knows when someone can benefit from a financial team over just one specialist, and some tips around avoiding the emotional impact of financial decision-making.Ryan discusses: His specialization in professional athlete and entertainer taxationWhy a someone could benefit from having a financial team instead of just an advisor, planner, or accountantHow he guides clients to listen to the professionals around them versus the noise from the news and social mediaAnd moreResources:cjbs.comConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Ryan Guedel:Email RyanLinkedIn: Ryan GuedelContact CJBSAbout our Guest: Ryan has been a dedicated member of the CJBS team for over a decade. Joining the firm as a staff accountant in 2009, he worked his way up through the ranks to be admitted as a partner. Ryan focuses on coordinating due diligence engagements, carrying out audits and reviews, taxation, and working with the firm’s marketing department. He serves clients primarily in the real estate, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and professional service industries. Ryan also specializes in professional athlete and entertainer taxation.

With the current market cycle, we aren’t surprised a lot of people are feeling anxious about their financial plans and investments. Many people don’t know what to do or expect.In this episode, Nicole brings on a colleague from Private Vista, Randy Porzel, CFP, RICP, to discuss investment strategy, and what to do and not to do in today’s market. Randy shares insights from his experience in the financial services industry about managing emotions, easing anxiety, and what to avoid in the current market cycle.Randy discusses: His experience in the financial services industry and what he likes to do outside of helping his clients at Private VistaWhat he does to ease his clients’ anxieties around the current marketHow to manage emotions around money by preparing for the worst and hoping for the best outcomes.Why making big decisions should be avoided during the market cycles we’re currently in.And moreConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Randy Porzel:Linkedin: Randy PorzelMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370About our Guest: Randy Porzel’s financial services career began in 2006 as an intern and has worked his way up through every job at Private Vista. Randy has spent hours in meetings with clients, asking questions, and observing. He learned to recognize expectations, a client’s need for clarity, and how without it, there might exist an anxious future. It’s why Randy enjoys taking his clients through Private Vista’s planning process, using Private Vista’s tools that answer their questions and clear any uncertainty so that his clients can look forward to their idea of an enriched life.

From selecting which school to finding what extracurriculars are available, applying to college involves many important considerations. Have you checked them all off your list?In this episode, Nicole talks with Corinne Smith, co-author of College Essay Journal: A Mindful Manual for College Applications, about college admissions. Corinne dives into why finding the right environment for a student is so important and why talking about finances with students helps them appreciate education as an investment. She then goes over the different financial-aid options available at colleges, and how she counsels students to thrive in high-pressure environments.Corinne discusses: Finding the environment that will be the right fit for the studentThe importance of talking about finances with students and helping them understand that education is an investmentThe differences between merit-based aids, need-based aids, and scholarshipsHow students can not only survive, but thrive in a high-pressure environmentAnd moreResources:College Essay Journal: A Mindful Manual for College Applications by Corinne Smith and Ann MerrellConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Corinne Smith:LinkedIn: Corinne SmithCollegeEssayJournal.comEmail: info@collegeessayjournal.comAbout our Guest: Corinne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Sociology as well as a Masters in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Diversity and Equity in Education through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Corinne works as an undergraduate admissions officer at Yale University. During her time in the Yale and Northwestern admissions offices, she has read thousands of applications and served as a voting member on both domestic and international admissions committees.

If you’re hesitant to reach out to a financial advisor, you certainly shouldn’t be. Sure, it might seem like there is a lot to the process, but Nicole is here to help ease some of your anxiety.In this episode, Nicole Romito takes you through what it’s like to become a client at Private Vista. She goes over how Private Vista’s financial advisors get to know their clients, the importance of learning new clients’ psychology behind their finances, and how frequently clients should contact their advisors.Nicole discusses: How Private Vista gets to know their new clientsWhat the different aspects of the planning process areHow often Private Vista financial advisors communicate with their clients and when their clients should reach out to themAnd moreResources:What You Can Expect From The Private Vista Experience (Ep. 2) Connect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370

Whether you found us by our website, our podcast or a referral, you might wonder what to expect if you choose to work with us, at Private Vista.In this episode, Nicole Romito gives a debrief of what the Private Vista experience is like. She goes over what it’s like to call the office and what to expect afterward, what type of information should be prepared for the first meeting and some resources for collecting them.Nicole discusses: Why someone would contact Private Vista and what happens in that introductory callWhat to expect after connecting with someone within the organizationWhat type of information a potential client needs to be prepared withTips and resources Private Vista has to help track down the information a potential client needsAnd moreResources: Everything You Need To Know About Private Vista With Nicole Romito (Ep. 1)Connect with Nicole Romito:LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370

Welcome to Dollar$ and $ense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life with Nicole Romito, a Partner at Private Vista. We combine our years of personal and professional experiences with those of our guest experts to help you create the life you imagine.In this episode, Nicole introduces Private Vista, what they specialize in, and what their clients can expect from their team. She then shares her business and investment philosophy and talks about her passion for helping people learn about managing their finances. Nicole discusses: Private Vista’s specialty and who their ideal client isThe Private Vista team, what drives them and how they empower their clientsHow Nicole applies her passion for empowering people on Private Vista’s business and investment philosophyAnd moreResources:CFP DefinitionInvestopedia.comConnect with Nicole Romito: LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370