Tag: Nicole Romito
Supporting Families Through Aging Transitions with Jennifer Beach (Ep. 76)

Supporting Families Through Aging Transitions with Jennifer Beach (Ep. 76)

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When aging parents or loved ones need more care, families often face overwhelming choices.

How do you balance emotions with practical decisions? What resources exist to guide families through health, financial, and housing challenges?

In this episode of Dollar$ And $ense, Nicole Romito speaks with Jennifer Beach, Advanced Aging Life Care Professional™ at Advocate For Elders, LLC. She shares her experiences helping families manage transitions, from coordinating medical care to evaluating senior living communities, while highlighting the importance of advocacy and planning.

Key takeaways:

  • The role of an aging life care professional in supporting families through medical, financial, and emotional transitions
  • Why long-distance caregiving creates added challenges and how local advocates help bridge the gap
  • The importance of having a second set of eyes and ears at medical appointments
  • How to effectively evaluate senior living communities beyond the marketing pitch
  • The value of accreditation, ethics, and professional background when choosing an elder care resource
  • And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

  • Aging Parents: How to Start the Conversation – Part 1 (Ep. 74)
  • Aging Parents: What We Learned Caring for Our Parents – Part 2 (Ep. 75)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Jennifer Beach:

About Jennifer Beach:

Jennifer Beach has 25 years of experience working with and advocating for older adults and their families. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from Cleveland State University. Jennifer started her career working over 15 years with older adults with developmental disabilities. After additional training she soon began Advocate For Elders.

Jennifer is a licensed, insured Social Worker and an Advanced Aging Life Care® Professional. Jennifer served as the Midwest Chapter President of the Aging Life Care Association and served 7 years on the Board of Directors. In 2018, Jennifer was honored as the recipient of the ALCA Midwest Chapter Outstanding Member of the Year Award.

Jennifer is also a monthly contributor and author for Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond. IN 2022, she received first place in the Senior Issues Category at the North American Mature Publishers Association for her contribution to NE Ohio Boomer and Beyond.

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Aging Parents: What We Learned Caring for Our Parents – Part 2 (Ep. 75)

Aging Parents: What We Learned Caring for Our Parents – Part 2 (Ep. 75)

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When aging parents can no longer live on their own, emotions and logistics collide. 

In this powerful 75th episode of Dollar$ and $ense, Nicole Romito is joined again by her Private Vista partners, Jeff Toner and Steve Merdinger, to share deeply personal and professional experiences navigating late-in-life transitions for aging parents.

From legal blind spots to Medicare rules that no one explains, this conversation peels back the complexity and reveals how essential sibling coordination and proactive conversations really are.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Real-life stories of navigating elder care for parents in different states
  • How to avoid missed insurance benefits and unexpected out-of-pocket costs
  • The hidden toll on the “default” caregiver sibling and how to support them
  • What Jeff wishes someone had told him before he dealt with hospice
  • And more!

Resources:

  • Aging Parents: How to Start the Conversation – Part 1 (Ep. 75)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Steve Merdinger:

Connect with Jeff Toner:

About Jeff Toner: 

Over the 30 years of doing this work, Jeff has lived many lives through my clients. He has been with them in moments of great joy and cried with them during their times of sadness. He has taught and educated them, but more importantly, he has been taught and learned from them as well.

As a father of three and business owner, Jeff enjoys an enriched life. He channels his time, talents, and energy between family and friends, clients and colleagues, as well as causes that provide a path for those without the opportunities he’s had. Now that Jeff’s children are becoming young adults, he is most excited to explore new directions for the next stages of his life.

About Steve Merdinger:

Steve has been a financial planner since the mid-80s, helping people consider priorities for themselves and their families, and then working closely with them to turn their hopes and dreams into reality. Before that, he worked in his family’s business, which gave him a unique understanding of the financial dynamics of family-owned businesses, including the issues of succession planning.

As I look to my future, Steve hopes to become more involved with mentoring students — perhaps becoming a trainer with the Positive Coaching Alliance organization. He would like to carve out more time for meditating and maintaining his fitness and flexibility through Bikram yoga. And, of course, spending more quality time with his wife and two children. 

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Aging Parents: How to Start the Conversation – Part 1 (Ep. 74)

Aging Parents: How to Start the Conversation – Part 1 (Ep. 74)

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Starting the conversation about a parent’s care isn’t easy, but it might be the most important discussion you ever have.

In this deeply personal episode, Nicole Romito is joined by her Private Vista partners Jeff Toner and Steve Merdinger for part one of a two-part series on navigating the emotional and practical challenges of aging parents who can no longer live independently.

Together, they reflect on their own family journeys and what they’ve learned from decades of guiding clients through this pivotal life moment.

What to expect:

  • Real stories of loss, transition, and tough family decisions
  • When and how to start the conversation before a crisis strikes
  • How power of attorney can (and should) come into play
  • Navigating sibling dynamics and keeping your parents’ voice central
  • And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Steve Merdinger:

Connect with Jeff Toner:

About Jeff Toner: 

Over the 30 years of doing this work, Jeff has lived many lives through my clients. He has been with them in moments of great joy and cried with them during their times of sadness. He has taught and educated them, but more importantly, he has been taught and learned from them as well.

As a father of three and business owner, Jeff enjoys an enriched life. He channels his time, talents, and energy between family and friends, clients and colleagues, as well as causes that provide a path for those without the opportunities he’s had. Now that Jeff’s children are becoming young adults, he is most excited to explore new directions for the next stages of his life.

About Steve Merdinger:

Steve has been a financial planner since the mid-80s, helping people consider priorities for themselves and their families, and then working closely with them to turn their hopes and dreams into reality. Before that, he worked in his family’s business, which gave him a unique understanding of the financial dynamics of family-owned businesses, including the issues of succession planning.

As I look to my future, Steve hopes to become more involved with mentoring students — perhaps becoming a trainer with the Positive Coaching Alliance organization. He would like to carve out more time for meditating and maintaining his fitness and flexibility through Bikram yoga. And, of course, spending more quality time with his wife and two children.

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College Admissions: Finding the Perfect Fit for Every Student (Ep. 73)

College Admissions: Finding the Perfect Fit for Every Student (Ep. 73)

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The college admissions journey can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. Between changing requirements, testing debates, and growing pressure to “stand out,” families are often left stressed and uncertain about what truly matters. In this episode of Dollar$ and $ense, Nicole Romito sits down with Mary O’Malley, co-founder of Union Hall Admissions Advising, to bring clarity to this process.

Mary shares how families can shift their focus from chasing prestige to helping students discover who they are and what they want from their education. She explains how early preparation, authentic experiences, and values-based choices can make the admissions process less about checking boxes and more about creating the right fit.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Why college admissions is about more than getting in, and instead about who you become along the way
  • The growing role of testing, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest
  • How parents can support without overshadowing their child’s journey
  • Strategies for keeping students grounded and authentic in the application process

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Mary O’Malley:

About Our Guest:

Mary O’Malley is the co-founder of Union Hall Admissions Advising, an educational consulting firm that helps students and families navigate the high school and college admissions process. With a background in college counseling at the Latin School of Chicago and degrees from Knox College and Northwestern University, Mary brings a compassionate, straightforward approach that empowers students to stay authentic and confident throughout their journey.

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2025 Market Projections with Jeremy Bell (Ep.58)

2025 Market Projections with Jeremy Bell (Ep.58)

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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, diversification, and staying invested for the long term despite market fluctuations. 

Nicole and Jeremy discuss: 

  • U.S. Equity Market Overview: A year of strong performance amid global noise
  • Insights into the Fixed Income Market: Navigating interest rate volatility
  • 2025 Projections: Opportunities in U.S. equities and asset class rankings
  • Investing Strategies: Timing the market and risk management
  • 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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Living Your Fulfilled Life With Julie Liss (Ep. 41)

Living Your Fulfilled Life With Julie Liss (Ep. 41)

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When thinking about your financial plan, are you focusing on the serious aspects and how adult the conversation is? Or are you adding in some humor to create a more fulfilling retirement 

plan?

In this episode, Nicole Romito speaks with Julie Liss, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director at Hal Riney, on the importance of incorporating humor into financial strategies and focusing on present joy and fulfillment rather than solely retirement and financial numbers. They explore the importance of creativity, managing a busy schedule, remote work, community, and the freedom that wealth can bring.

Nicole and Julie discuss: 

  • The importance of humor and not taking financial life too seriously
  • Why advisors and their clients should have discussions about the client’s life beyond careers and finances
  • Redefining what retirement means beyond leaving the job
  • How to balance a busy schedule with personal time for creativity
  • And more

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Julie Liss:

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Preparing For The Sale of Your Business: Part 1 with George Karavattuveetil (Ep. 38)

Preparing For The Sale of Your Business: Part 1 with George Karavattuveetil (Ep. 38)

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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 among business owners for the emotional impact of selling their business, and the shift in private equity firms’ interest in long-term views when purchasing businesses. They go on to emphasize the importance of managing emotions during the sale of a business, and the value of teamwork and professional advice during the transition.

Nicole and George discuss: 

  • Emotional and psychological aspects of preparing to sell a business
  • Prioritizing goals and values when seeking a buyer
  • Private equity firms’ interest in long-term views when purchasing businesses
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with George Karavattuveetil:

About George Karavattuveetil: 

George Karavattuveetil is the President of Psyched, LLC. His unique experience has provided him with opportunities to gain critical perspectives of employees and management, entry-level and executive, within union and non-union environments, and across nearly every industry and functional classification. His success has always been with people. George’s goal is to maximize individual and team performance. Not in comparison to others, but relative to what one is capable of. 

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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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2025 Market Projections with Jeremy Bell (Ep.58)

2025 Market Projections with Jeremy Bell (Ep.58)

By |

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, diversification, and staying invested for the long term despite market fluctuations. 

Nicole and Jeremy discuss: 

  • U.S. Equity Market Overview: A year of strong performance amid global noise
  • Insights into the Fixed Income Market: Navigating interest rate volatility
  • 2025 Projections: Opportunities in U.S. equities and asset class rankings
  • Investing Strategies: Timing the market and risk management
  • 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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