Tag: Financial Planning
Building Your Financial Dream Team with Greg Bogdan (Ep.54)

Building Your Financial Dream Team with Greg Bogdan (Ep.54)

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Assembling a smart financial team could be the key to your long-term financial success. 

Financial planning isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about orchestrating a professional team that grows with you, helping further secure your financial future and peace of mind.

Nicole Romito sits down with Greg Bogdan, Senior Advisor at Private Vista, to discuss why having a well-rounded financial team is crucial. Learn the importance of avoiding a “team of one,” how to integrate your financial, legal, and tax advisors, and real-life stories illustrating the impact of a coordinated approach.  

  • The importance of a complete team: Understand why a single advisor may not be enough to cover complex financial needs.
  • The value of proactive planning and why regular updates are essential
  • Examples of how a coordinated team has simplified estate settlement and major financial decisions 
  • How to start building your financial team today

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Greg Bogdan:

About Our Guest: 

Greg Bogdan enjoys creating lasting relationships as a trusted advisor to clients. He finds it most rewarding to help his clients think through their financial situations in developing a customized plan and path to achieving their goals. After walking clients through his process, Greg hopes that they come away feeling empowered to make informed financial decisions with the confidence of knowing how to achieve their vision of ‘financial independence’ while living a more enriched and fulfilling life.

With a busy, young family, outside of work and in between shuttling their girls (ages 7, 5, and 1) between activities, Greg, and his wife, Christi, enjoy cookouts and entertaining with their friends and family. During the summer months, they’re often found at nearby parks, going on walks with their dog, Clancy, or riding bikes as a family. They most enjoy summer vacations on the beaches of Cape Cod and the shores of Michigan. In the future, My Private Vista is to explore the country and instill their love of traveling in their girls.

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Managing Financial Markets During The Elections With Jeremy Bell (Ep.53)

Managing Financial Markets During The Elections With Jeremy Bell (Ep.53)

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As the U.S. elections approach, many investors find themselves questioning whether to adjust their portfolios in anticipation of potential market changes.

Nicole Romito is joined by Jeremy Bell, Chief Investment Officer for Conway Investment Research, to discuss the impact of US elections on financial markets and how to navigate the resulting volatility. With elections just weeks away, the conversation delves into whether you should adjust your portfolio in anticipation and explores if market performance favors one political party over another. 

Jeremy discusses: 

  • The importance of maintaining a long-term strategic investment plan regardless of election outcomes
  • Historical performance data showing the minimal impact of a political party on market returns
  • The role of the Federal Reserve and its recent actions in maintaining economic stability
  • Key economic indicators to watch and how they influence market predictions
  • And more

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Jeremy Bell:

About Our Guest: 

Jeremy is a Principal and Chief Investment Officer for Conway Investment Research, LLC. He joined the firm in 2011 and chairs Conway’s Investment Committee which establishes the firm investment philosophy and process and ultimately oversees the implementation of recommendations made to clients. In addition to leading Conway’s research effort, Jeremy’s primary responsibilities include capital markets research, asset allocation modeling, alternative investment manager due diligence, and management of key client relationships.

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SPECIAL FEATURE: The Divorce and Beyond Podcast: Expensive Mistakes Made in Complex Property Division with Nicole Romito (Ep. 48)

SPECIAL FEATURE: The Divorce and Beyond Podcast: Expensive Mistakes Made in Complex Property Division with Nicole Romito (Ep. 48)

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Are you going through a divorce and need some financial wisdom?

Recently Nicole Romito was a guest on The Divorce and Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie. Today’s episode features a replay of an insightful conversation that delves into complex financial issues during and after divorce. Gain insights on matters that arise during divorce – including whether or not to keep the house, how to find hidden assets, and the importance of having an advisor as part of your divorce team.  

Learn essential tips to avoid costly mistakes and gain a deeper understanding of financial planning in the context of divorce.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • The role of a financial advisor in the early stages of a divorce
  • Tax implications and true walkaway values from investments
  • Complexities of dividing retirement plans, pensions, 401(k)s, and other assets
  • Navigating executive compensation and ensuring a fair division
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Susan Guthrie:

About Susan Guthrie: 

Susan Guthrie, a renowned figure in Family Law and Mediation, has guided individuals and families through separation and divorce for 32 years. She recently co-founded the Mosten Guthrie Academy with mediation expert Forrest “Woody” Mosten, offering cutting-edge training for legal and mediation professionals.

As Chair-Elect of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is poised to lead the Section in the upcoming bar year. Internationally recognized for her expertise in online mediation and AI in law, she has trained over 25,000 professionals worldwide, including programs for ABA, ADRIC, and NADN.

Recipient of the 2020 L. Randolph Lowry Award from the Southern California Mediation Association, Susan also serves on the Executive Committee of the Online Mediation Training Task Force. Additionally, she hosts two acclaimed podcasts, The Divorce & Beyond® Podcast and “The Make Money Mediating Podcast”.

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How to Prepare for the Death of a Loved One With Carrie Shoener (Ep. 46)

How to Prepare for the Death of a Loved One With Carrie Shoener (Ep. 46)

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Reflecting on the loss of a loved one is an agonizing journey nobody willingly embarks on.

Yet, those who take proactive steps to brace themselves for such an inevitable occurrence are often spared the crippling weight of financial burden and the relentless onslaught of emotional upheaval in the aftermath.

Join Nicole Romito as she welcomes her esteemed colleague, Carrie Shoener, to discuss the critical but often overlooked topic of preparing for the death of a loved one. Despite the difficulty, it is essential to have these conversations to ensure that everything is in order and wishes are understood. 

Learn key steps and best practices as Nicole and Carrie discuss:

  • How to approach the end-of-life conversation with your loved ones
  • Strategies for ensuring family members have access to essential documents and passwords
  • The importance of having updated financial and estate planning documents 
  • Tips for sharing sensitive topics with family members to avoid future conflicts
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Carrie Shoener:

About Our Guest: 

Carrie Shoener is an advisor at Private Vista LLC. Her previous work as a high school teacher emphasized how important it is to build strong relationships as the cornerstone of one’s career. That same principle guides her work as an advisor, where she is able to continue helping people solve problems and make empowered decisions about their futures. Carrie sees her role as a trusted and empathetic source of financial education, and she enjoys working with clients to build up their knowledge and understanding of their options.

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Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part Two (Ep. 43)

Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part Two (Ep. 43)

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In this final installment of this two-part series, host Nicole Romito and guest Matt Parenti delve into executive compensation, providing valuable insights for navigating this complex realm. They discuss essential strategies for maximizing compensation plans, minimizing risk, addressing tax implications, and integrating these elements into long-term financial planning to achieve personal goals.

Nicole and Matt discuss: 

  • Strategies to maximize different executive compensation plans
  • Techniques for reducing exposure in equity and share investments
  • Tax implications related to various compensation components
  • Aligning executive compensation with long-term financial planning and charitable giving
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Matt Parenti:

About Matt Parenti: 

Matt Parenti is a seasoned financial planner specializing in assisting corporate executives, startup entrepreneurs, and business owners. With a focus on legacy planning, Matt ensures his clients’ financial security and longevity. He is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally. As Chair of the Growth & Marketing Committee at his firm, he emphasizes the importance of the “Private Vista Experience” for clients and colleagues alike. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Consumer Economics and a Minor in International Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame.

Outside of work, Matt treasures time with family and friends, enjoys outdoor activities, and seeks to share his knowledge through mentorship and teaching.

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Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part One (Ep. 42)

Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part One (Ep. 42)

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Are you a corporate executive navigating the complexities of executive compensation? 

Follow along in this installment as Nicole Romito is joined by Matt Parenti a fellow partner at Private Vista. Learn the ABCs of executive compensation and how to maximize your compensation plans for financial success and security in today’s ever-evolving market landscape.

Nicole & Matt discuss: 

  • Different ways corporate executives are compensated
  • Challenges and considerations faced by executives 
  • Managing company stock and deferred compensation plans as part of a financial strategy
  • And more!

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Matt Parenti:

About Matt Parenti: 

Matt Parenti is a seasoned financial planner specializing in assisting corporate executives, startup entrepreneurs, and business owners. With a focus on legacy planning, Matt ensures his clients’ financial security and longevity. He is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships, both professionally and personally. As Chair of the Growth & Marketing Committee at his firm, he emphasizes the importance of the “Private Vista Experience” for clients and colleagues alike. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Consumer Economics and a Minor in International Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with a Master’s Degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame.

Outside of work, Matt treasures time with family and friends, enjoys outdoor activities, and seeks to share his knowledge through mentorship and teaching.

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Municipal Bonds Unveiled with Matt Bernardi (Ep. 37)

Municipal Bonds Unveiled with Matt Bernardi (Ep. 37)

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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’s market has weathered the storm of the COVID-19 crisis and the role of stimulus funds in ensuring municipal stability. The discussion extends to the broader economic context, including consumer spending patterns and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, to illustrate their impact on the bond market.

With this episode, you will gain insight into: 

  • The significance of the municipal bond market
  • Resilience and adaptability of municipal credit during and after COVID-19
  • How the Federal Reserve’s actions impact the municipal bond market
  • Pension liabilities and the potential effects of quantitative tightening on bond portfolios
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Matt Bernardi: 

About Our Guest: 

Matt Bernardi joined Bernardi Securities in August of 2013 after trading for 3 years at Chesapeake Partners, a hedge fund located in Baltimore, Maryland. Matt currently assists individuals, pension funds, banks, and other institutions regarding their municipal bond portfolios. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a B.A. in history and economics minor. Matt currently holds the Series 7, 24, 27, 52, 53, 63, and 65 licenses, serves on the Union League Boys & Girls Club investment committee, and is past President of the Associate Board.

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Key Changes in the Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 35)

Key Changes in the Secure Act 2.0 With Laurie Kaplan (Ep. 35)

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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 including the Required Minimum Distributions when inheriting an IRA, changes in retirement plans, the rules and implications of annuities and IRAs, and the importance of tax planning. Laurie also discusses the new Roth IRA rollover option, the penalty reduction for missed RMDs, and the benefits of having both Roth and traditional IRAs.

Laurie discusses: 

  • The Secure Act 2.0 provisions and potential impact on retirement plans
  • What has been finalized in the act for 2023 and what we can anticipate for 2024 and 2025
  • Changes to required minimum distributions, Roth IRA rollover option for 529 plans, and penalty reduction for missed RMDs
  • Explanation of annuities and IRAs, including single life expectancy and joint annuity options
  • Designation of beneficiaries for retirement plans and consequences of not having one or if the designated beneficiary is deceased or not updated
  • Premiums and surcharges associated with Medicare based on adjusted gross income (AGI)
  • 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.

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Year-End Financial Planning With Jim Weil (Ep. 31)

Year-End Financial Planning With Jim Weil (Ep. 31)

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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 accelerating or deferring income based on tax brackets, bunching deductions, and timing bonuses for business owners. Nicole and Jim also touch on funding retirement plans and leveraging tax brackets through family member payroll additions while exploring the importance of proactive planning and consulting with financial advisors and CPAs to navigate changing tax laws.

Nicole and Jim discuss: 

  • Year-end planning strategies for managing income and taxes
  • Flexibility in income and compensation plans for business owners and executives
  • Tax loss harvesting and timing considerations
  • The benefits and drawbacks of interest rate increases
  • Reviewing estimated tax payments and maximizing deductions
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Jim Weil:

About our Guest: 

Jim Weil is a seasoned financial planning professional with over 30 years of dedicated expertise in the field. His career began in the late eighties after graduating with a financial planning degree from Purdue University. Jim’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated through his possession of the prestigious CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designations. Jim’s professional journey has been marked by his passion for client success, and he has undertaken the role of managing partner for Private Vista for the past five years. Beyond his client-focused responsibilities, Jim’s influence extends to the board of directors of Hightower Advisors, Private Vista’s parent company. His exceptional leadership and financial acumen have made him an invaluable asset to the industry and a respected colleague for nearly two decades.

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Love’s Detour: Navigating Divorce With Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep (Ep. 28)

Love’s Detour: Navigating Divorce With Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep (Ep. 28)

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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 divorce, which focus on problem-solving and preserving relationships. Beth and Jason highlight the benefits of collaborative divorce, including the involvement of a full team of professionals, and stress the importance of finding the right professionals for the process. They also share their advice on how to approach the topic of collaborative divorce with a spouse and encourage listeners to do their research before making any decisions on who to work with.

Nicole, Beth and Jason discuss: 

  • What they wish the public knew more about when considering getting a divorce
  • What alternative dispute resolution processes are and their benefits
  • The importance of having a full team in the divorce process
  • Some examples of alternative dispute resolutions giving individuals more control
  • The key differences between collaborative divorce and mediation
  • Why discernment counseling is important to attend before deciding to divorce
  • How to find the right professionals for collaborative divorce or mediation
  • And more

 

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Beth McCormack:

Connect with Jason Sposeep:

About our Guests: 

Beth McCormick practices exclusively in family law matters for high net worth families, and she is experiencing complex litigation, mediation, and collaborative law. She is an equity partner at Bierman, which is located here in Chicago, Illinois. She has been repeatedly nominated by her peers as a leading lawyer and best lawyer, as well as top 50 women’s super lawyer and top 100 super lawyers. Her focus on compassion and empathy led Crane’s Chicago media to name her most influential women lawyer.

 

Jason Sposeep is an equity partner at Schiller, DeCanto, and Fleck, headquartered in the Chicagoland area. He authoritatively advocates for high net worth professionals. and their spouses who want fair and equitable results. Jason’s extensive background in business and finance as well as his compassion and understanding enables him to sensibly resolve complicated divorce and custody disputes both in and out of the courtroom. Jason strenuously believes in putting the children first in every divorce situation. And he too has been repeatedly nominated and named to, the top super lawyer lists and super lawyer lists as well.

 

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