Uncategorized – Page 5 – Dollars and Sense

Building a Family: A Guide to Fertility and Family Planning with Dr. Allison K. Rodgers (Ep. 14)

By Dollars-and-Sense | February 22, 2023

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 optimal time for having children, the possibilities for those who want to start a family later in life, and how there’s more than one way to make your family-building dreams come true. With her expert knowledge and insight, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and confident in your journey toward parenthood.

Allison discusses:

The inside scoop on what you need to know to assess your fertility potential
The ideal time to start a family and what to consider
The natural decline in fertility with age
The multiple options available for individuals who want to start a family later in life
Her inclusivity-focused book which educates young women on sexual health and education
And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Allison K. Rodgers:

About Allison:

Dr. Rodgers is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and has been practicing medicine since 2004. She completed her residency at Case Western Reserve-Metrohealth Medical Center/Cleveland Clinic, followed by a fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Rodgers’ personal experiences with both secondary infertility and pregnancy loss have given her a unique insight into reproductive medicine, and she is well known for her compassionate and individualized patient care. She has published many original research articles in top medical journals on topics such as endometriosis, tubal factor infertility, in vitro fertilization, and donor sperm. Her special interests include in vitro fertilization, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, unexplained infertility, and premature ovarian insufficiency.

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Everything You Need To Consider To Maximize Your Social Security Benefits With Mike McCabe (Ep. 13)

By Dollars-and-Sense | February 8, 2023

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 McCabe, a colleague of Nicole’s at Private Vista, as he sits down with her to break down what you need to know about social security. Mike shares different scenarios that you should consider and explains how to best approach your social security benefits to maximize these benefits for your household.

Mike McCabe discusses:

The different roles you are eligible to apply under for social security and the benefits of each
What type of benefits are available and when you should consider applying for them
The importance of knowing your situation when navigating the social security system
How to determine when it’s right for you to take your social security benefits
…and so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Mike McCabe:

About our Guest:

Mike McCabe, CFP®, CPA, is a partner at Private Vista LLC. Throughout Mike’s career in financial services, his primary focus has been assisting his clients successfully manage their financial lives so they can enjoy and flourish in their real lives. He has always dedicated himself to learning. Mike’s interest led him to become a CFP® and attain the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). Mike’s administrative roles with the firm include serving on the firm’s investment committee, helping with compliance, and mentoring the firm’s talented pool of younger advisors.

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The Lasting Legacy of Money Values with Mary Beth McLean (Ep. 12)

By Dollars-and-Sense | January 25, 2023

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 in
How having the conversation could alleviate some unintended consequences when both parents are gone
How to have a conversation about finances with your children that doesn’t center around the numbers
That it’s not a one-and-done type of conversation and why it’s ever-evolving
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Mary Beth McLean:

About 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.

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Long-Term Care Planning: Getting Your Affairs In Order with Lauren Weldon (Ep. 11)

By Dollars-and-Sense | January 11, 2023

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 services
The importance of having a trustworthy, and capable Power of Attorney
Why having conversations as a family is integral to your long-term care plan
The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Lauren Weldon:

About 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.

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Preparing For 2023 After A Year Of Market Volatility With Bob Westrick (Ep. #10)

By Dollars-and-Sense | December 28, 2022

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 market
How tax loss harvesting can create returns from capital loss in investments
What is the current view of 2023 and possibly 2024 of advisors and economists
What can be controlled during market volatility and where advisors should focus their attention
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Bob Westrick:

About 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.

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A Year of Unknowns with Stephanie Link (Ep. 9)

By Dollars-and-Sense | December 14, 2022

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 clients
The steady interest rate increase in 2022 and what she thinks can be expected next year
How looking at past market trends with clients can provide reassurance and calm their investment anxiety
Some important tips for young women looking to enter the financial services industry
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Stephanie Link:

About 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.

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Starting a Family Dialogue Around Getting Older With Debbie Feldman (Ep. 8)

By Dollars-and-Sense | November 23, 2022

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 members
What signs to look for that indicate your loved ones may need additional assistance, and how to open the conversation to offer them assistance
How to balance taking care of parents while remaining in the child in the child role
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Debbie Feldman:

About 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.

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Everything You Need To Know About 529 Plans With Colleen Dwyer (Ep. 7)

By Dollars-and-Sense | November 9, 2022

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 plan
And more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Colleen Dwyer:

About 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.

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The Importance of Putting Together Your Financial Team With Ryan Guedel (Ep. 6)

By Dollars-and-Sense | October 26, 2022

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 taxation
Why a someone could benefit from having a financial team instead of just an advisor, planner, or accountant
How he guides clients to listen to the professionals around them versus the noise from the news and social media
And more

Resources:

cjbs.com

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Ryan Guedel:

About 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.

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What You Should and Shouldn’t Do In Today’s Market With Randy Porzel (Ep. 5)

By Dollars-and-Sense | October 12, 2022

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 Vista
What he does to ease his clients’ anxieties around the current market
How 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 more

Connect with Nicole Romito:

Connect with Randy Porzel:

About 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.

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