Tag: Financial Management

Highlighting The Key Changes In Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 16)

Highlighting The Key Changes In Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 16)

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 IRA and retirement plan holders who are charitably inclined
  • What the new regulations are for Roth 401(k) plans
  • The ability to rollover assets from a 529 plan into a Roth IRA
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Laurie Kaplan:

About our Guest: 

Laurie Kaplan, CPA, has been serving as a trusted advisor to clients for over 25 years, expertly managing and addressing tax and accounting issues within various industries, including manufacturing and distribution, retail, restaurants, real estate, automobile dealerships, and professional service providers. Her background in both accounting and tax, as well as her consultative approach, allows her to partner with clients and develop innovative solutions to address their personal and business needs. She specializes in employee benefit plans, estate and gift tax, like-kind exchanges, and small business start-ups. 

Why Women Belong in the Wealth Management Industry With Delaney Orozco and Stephanie Nanney (Ep. 15)

Why Women Belong in the Wealth Management Industry With Delaney Orozco and Stephanie Nanney (Ep. 15)

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 about why they believe wealth management is an awesome career choice for women.

Nicole, Delaney, and Stephanie discuss: 

  • Why the finance industry is a great career choice for women
  • How the industry offers women a successful career and professional life and allows for flexibility to have a fulfilling personal life
  • Why more women are joining the finance industry each year
  • How their families and male colleagues have shown support throughout their careers
  • Why they chose to work in the industry
  • How My Private Vista creates a supportive and nurturing work environment
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Delaney Orozco and Stephanie Nanney:

About our Guests: 

Delaney Orozco, CFP®, began in the financial services industry in 2015 as a service advisor. Throughout her career, she has focused on finding the intersection between the day-to-day processes of the financial world and bigger-picture planning, with the goal of assisting her clients in achieving their private vista. Delaney also has a deep passion for developing guides for her clients, helping them navigate the psychology behind finance and the numbers they see on the page. Her experience as a collegiate athlete has equipped her with the work ethic and dedication necessary to perform at a high level, which she hopes to offer her clients.

Having grown up around the financial services industry, Stephanie Nanney, CFP®, CPFA, knows the value of long-term relationships with clients and the work and reward that comes with helping those clients, and their families, achieve financial goals. Stephanie’s primary goal in helping clients is to listen to them and establish a genuine partnership, providing a strong foundation of financial knowledge that is crucial to achieving their goals. Ultimately, witnessing her clients achieve their Private Vista is the most rewarding aspect of her work.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

 

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

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

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.

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

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

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.