Tag: Steve Merdinger

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

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

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.

Annuities 101 with Steve Merdinger (Ep. 24)

Annuities 101 with Steve Merdinger (Ep. 24)

Purchasing annuities can be confusing, and on top of that, they’re often an emotional decision.

In this episode, Nicole Romito breaks down annuities with Steve Merdinger, ChFC®, CFP®, Partner at Private Vista. They give an overview of points to consider and things to be aware of before purchasing them.

Steve discusses: 

  • What fixed and variable annuities are
  • The importance of understanding what you’re buying
  • The general prices of different annuities you can anticipate
  • The pros and cons of annuitization and what the exclusion ratio is
  • Why purchasing an annuity tends to be an emotional decision
  • How annuity contracts are structured
  • And more

 

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

Connect with Steve Merdinger:

About our Guest: 

Steve Merdinger is a Partner and experienced Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC®). With over three decades in financial planning, he helps individuals and families achieve their goals. Having worked in his family’s business, Steve has valuable insights into family-owned enterprises and succession planning. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kansas and actively mentors students in the University of KU Business School program. Steve is involved in the Chicago Board of the Positive Coaching Alliance and aspires to become a trainer with the organization. He is a member of the Union League Chicago and the Valley Lo Club.