Dollars and Sense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life

Are you navigating the maze of financial security but unsure of what’s next when you reach your goals? Nicole Romito, alongside Jeff Toner, CHFC®, RICP®, Partner at Private Vista, dives into the less-discussed side of financial planning—how to find purpose and meaning after achieving financial independence. Listen as they explore the big questions clients face once their financial goals are met, and how to prepare for the next chapter. Gain insight as Nicole and Jeff discuss:  The shift from financial security to finding purposeHow being financially independent changes your lifeWhy it’s not just about retiring; it’s about evolvingHow to navigate the journey with no one-size-fits-all answersAnd more Resources: Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation with Jeff Toner (Ep. 34)Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave EvansThe Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Jeff Toner: LinkedIn: Jeff TonerMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370   About Our Guest:  Jeff Toner, Partner at Private Vista, now almost 40 years into his career, has the luxury of looking backward and reflecting on the journey he has been on. Back in 1984, he didn’t know what a fiduciary was or what a financial planner did. What he did know was he wanted to help people with their finances and achieve their goals in life. He wanted to do it in a way that he wasn’t selling them a product but rather walking side by side with them as they moved toward their dreams. Jeff 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.

Stress can help you thrive (to a certain degree). Join Nicole Romito as she chats with professional development coach Brendan Cournane to uncover the surprising truths about stress. Through relatable insights and personal stories, they explore practical strategies for managing stress, especially during high-pressure times like the holiday season and year-end. Key takeaways from this episode include:  The different types of stress and why not all stress is badPersonal and professional stress management techniquesHow stress can affect relationship dynamicsSimple practices to help transition between work and personal life And more Previous Episode of Interest: Finding Calmness During The Holidays With Brendan Cournane (Ep. 33) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Brendan Cournane: LinkedIn: Brendan CournaneCoachBrendan.comcoach@coachbrendan.com About Our Guest:  Brendan Cournane has served as a partner in a national law firm and various roles in the public sector, including general counsel of the Illinois finance authority. He has seen the malaise and burnout effects of what happens when one’s core values do not align with one’s profession. As a recovering lawyer, he is now a professional development coach helping his clients understand why they do what they do in life, and he helps them align their core values with how they work and live a happier life. Brendan is a certified professional coach and leadership dynamic specialist, as well as a long-time practitioner of mindfulness and meditation, and is a firm believer that happiness is a present attitude, not a future condition.

How do you manage concentrated stock portfolios? With the tech industry thriving, many investors are discovering that their portfolios are heavily reliant on a few major tech stocks, making it a challenging landscape to navigate. Nicole Romito converses with her colleague Randy Porzel, CFP®, and RICP® from Private Vista. Together, they explore the intricacies of concentrated stock positions and their potential effects on your financial future. They discuss effective methods for assessing your stocks, examine strategies to mitigate overexposure, and share insights on how to maintain a robust financial plan. Gain insight as this episode highlights:  The risks of concentrated stock positions and their impact on your financial planEffective strategies for diversifying a portfolio and reducing riskThe unique benefits of strategic gifting and charitable donations using stock Tax considerations and how to leverage capital lossesAnd more Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Randy Porzel: Linkedin: Randy PorzelMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370 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.

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 essentialExamples of how a coordinated team has simplified estate settlement and major financial decisions How to start building your financial team todayConnect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Greg Bogdan: LinkedIn: Greg Bogdan, CFP®gbogdan@myprivatevista.com630-455-0025About 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.

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 outcomesHistorical performance data showing the minimal impact of a political party on market returnsThe role of the Federal Reserve and its recent actions in maintaining economic stabilityKey economic indicators to watch and how they influence market predictionsAnd more Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Jeremy Bell: LinkedIn: Jeremy BellConway Investment Solutions  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.

Did you know medical professionals typically face over $200,000 in student loan debt upon completing their education?  This significant financial burden, paired with a delayed start in their earning potential, makes financial planning uniquely challenging. In this second part of Nicole Romito and Stephanie Nanney’s conversation about financial planning for medical professionals, they dive deeper into the unique circumstances surrounding their financial landscape. Learn tips for managing substantial student debt, balancing personal and professional financial goals, and preparing for large salary changes.  Nicole and Stephanie discuss:  Managing large student debt and balancing it with other financial goals like buying a home or investing in a practice.The importance of disability insurance and the different policy options available for medical professionals.Navigating the fluctuating income streams typical for medical professionals.A need for collaboration with CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive financial health.And more!   Resources: Financial Planning for Medical Professionals – Part One (Ep. 51)Why Women Belong in the Wealth Management Industry (Ep. 15) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Stephanie Nanney: LinkedIn: Stephanie Nanney   About Our Guest:  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.

Contrary to popular belief, earning a salary as a medical professional can sometimes cap your financial growth.  Exploring different compensation models could open doors to greater control and profitability. Join Nicole Romito as she sits down with her partner at Private Vista, Stephanie Nanney to peel back the layers of financial planning for medical professionals, providing insights into compensation structures, retirement planning, and the critical decisions that can shape your financial well-being. By listening, you’ll gain valuable knowledge on how medical professionals are paid, the importance of understanding compensation structures, and strategies to maximize your financial security. Nicole and Stephanie discuss:  Compensation structures for hospital employees vs. private practice professionals.Contractual considerations for medical professionals regarding salary, bonuses, and benefits.Designing retirement plans to maximize pre-tax savings for medical practice owners.The evolving trend of private practice ownership and its financial and tax implications.And more!Resources: Why Women Belong in the Wealth Management Industry (Ep. 15)Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation – Part One (Ep. 42)Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation – Part Two (Ep. 43)  Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Stephanie Nanney: LinkedIn: Stephanie NanneyAbout Our Guest:  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.

Navigating the complexities of estate planning can feel overwhelming, and many of us are uncertain about how to initiate this crucial conversation with our families But don’t let your fears of the unknown stop you from planning this important piece of your legacy. Join guest Lindsey Markus, Asset Protection Attorney and Shareholder Principal at Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. as she shares tips for navigating hard conversations around estate planning. Through personal anecdotes and professional guidance, learn how to guide your loved ones to be well-prepared and honor your wishes. Nicole and Lindsey discuss:  The complexities of estate planning in blended families and first marriagesEquitable distribution vs equal distributionStrategies to prevent family conflicts when estate planningThe importance of ongoing review and updates in estate plansAnd more Resources: A Gift For The Future by Lindsey Paige MarkusHow Can Donor Advised Funds Be Used For Estate Planning With Sean Julian (Ep. 27) Action Steps After Loss With Delaney Orozco (Ep. 45)How to Prepare for the Death of a Loved One With Carrie Shoener (Ep. 46) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Lindsey Markus: LinkedIn: Lindsey MarkusChuhak & Tecson  About our Guest:  Lindsey Paige Markus is a licensed attorney in the state of Illinois, Florida, and New York. Lindsey concentrates in the areas of estate planning, asset protection, wealth transfers, and taxation. Lindsey works with business owners and families to formulate succession plans, advise in wealth preservation and various aspects of gift and estate taxation.  Lindsey is also a collaborative law fellow and consults on the estate planning and estate tax implications associated with marriage and divorce.  Passionate about educating clients and advisors, Lindsey has published more than 30 articles. In addition, Lindsey speaks regularly on estate planning, wealth protection, corporate and non-profit issues to groups and through a variety of media appearances.

Have you heard of the 529 plan? It could be your new key to unlocking a brighter future for your kids while being financially efficient.  Join Nicole Romito as she and her colleague, Colleen Dwyer share the essentials of 529 plans, the tax advantages they offer, and how they can be an integral part of securing the educational futures of your children or grandchildren. Follow along to learn who can contribute, what expenses qualify, and the benefits of starting early.  Nicole and Colleen discuss:  What a 529 plan is and how the money invested in it can be used Differences between state-specific plans and strategic decisionsWho and what qualifies for a 529 planThe tax and financial benefits of a 529 plan and how to set them up properlyAnd more Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Colleen Dwyer: LinkedIn: Colleen DwyerMyPrivateVista.comCall: 312-831-4370 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.

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 divorceTax implications and true walkaway values from investmentsComplexities of dividing retirement plans, pensions, 401(k)s, and other assetsNavigating executive compensation and ensuring a fair divisionAnd more Resources: Expensive Mistakes Made in Complex Property Division Cases with Divorce Financial Professional Nicole Romito on The Divorce and Beyond Podcast #308  Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Susan Guthrie: SusaneGuthrie.comThe Divorce & Beyond PodcastLinkedIn: Susan GuthrieFacebook: Susan GuthrieInstagram: Susan GuthrieYoutube: 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”.

Jumping into managing your finances can be overwhelming, especially straight out of college. But don’t worry, this week on Dollar$ and $ense we are replaying a popular episode that includes an insightful conversation about how young adults can build healthy financial habits. Join Nicole Romito as she chats with Carrie Shoener (nee Mangan) about the importance of saving and investing, tips for maximizing employer contributions to a 401(k), and diversifying retirement savings across different accounts. Gain insight into: 401(k)s,  including contribution levels, employer matching, and pre-tax deductionsThe top 3 tips for getting started with investing Rules of thumb for housing costsTarget Date Funds and how they may help you diversify your portfolio with less riskThe importance of having an emergency fundAnd more! Resource: How to Prepare for the Death of a Loved One With Carrie Shoener (Ep. 46) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romitonromito@myprivatevista.com MyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Carrie Shoener: LinkedIn: Carrie ShoenerMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.com 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.

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 onesStrategies for ensuring family members have access to essential documents and passwordsThe importance of having updated financial and estate planning documents Tips for sharing sensitive topics with family members to avoid future conflictsAnd more Resources: How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple IDHonoring Your Loved One’s Memory With Alexandra Koys (Ep. 19)Mastering Your Finances: Tips for Young Adults with Carrie Shoener (Ep. 21)Action Steps After Loss With Delaney Orozco (Ep. 45) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Carrie Shoener: LinkedIn: Carrie ShoenerMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.com 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.

Despite the certainty of life’s endpoint, many individuals find themselves unprepared for the emotional and financial implications when a loved one suddenly passes away. Do you have the right people and processes in place? Join Nicole Romito and guest Delaney Orozco for an insightful dive into the complexities surrounding the sudden death of a loved one, providing knowledge and compassion for those faced with this challenging situation. From establishing a “key person” to assist with the immediate steps to engaging in self-care practices and managing financial protocols, this episode offers support, guidance, and actionable tips for navigating through one of life’s most difficult times. Nicole and Delaney discuss:  The importance of identifying a “key person” for immediate and supportive actionDeveloping practical checklists for financial and personal affairsThe significance of self-care and seeking emotional support during the grieving processThe different roles of importance such as trustees, executors, and powers of attorneyAnd moreResources: Why Women Belong in the Wealth Management Industry With Delaney Orozco and Stephanie Nanney (Ep. 15)Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Power of attorneyConsumer Financial Protection Bureau: TrusteeWhen a loved one dies and debt collectors come calling Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Delaney Orozco: LinkedIn: Delaney OrozcoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370About Our Guest:  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.

Ever wondered how your credit score affects your life beyond loans and credit cards?  Join Nicole Romito alongside relationship banker at Wintrust Bank, Kenneth Ashford for a deep dive into the far-reaching effects of credit. From the basics of starting your credit journey to advanced strategies for maximizing your score, Kenneth sheds light on the critical role credit plays in financial health and decision-making. Follow along for a comprehensive overview, essential for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and navigate the credit landscape effectively. Nicole and Kenneth discuss:  The importance of establishing a healthy credit foundation early onKey components that impact your credit score and tips on how to improve itCommon myths about credit and how to avoid misuse Real-life implications of credit scores on renting apartments, securing loans, and moreResources: Annual Credit Report Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Kenneth Ashford: Wintrust BankLinkedIn: Kenneth Ashford Email: kashford@wintrust.comAbout Our Guest:  Kenneth Ashford is currently a relationship banker and officer at Wintrust Bank. However, his professional journey spans over four decades, predominantly in customer service roles, showcasing his extensive background in the field.

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 plansTechniques for reducing exposure in equity and share investmentsTax implications related to various compensation componentsAligning executive compensation with long-term financial planning and charitable givingAnd more Resources: Strategies for Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part One (Ep. 42) Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370 Connect with Matt Parenti: Private Vista – Matt ParentiLinkedIn: 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.

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 compensatedChallenges and considerations faced by executives Managing company stock and deferred compensation plans as part of a financial strategyAnd more!Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Matt Parenti: Private Vista – Matt ParentiLinkedIn: Matt ParentiAbout 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.

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 seriouslyWhy advisors and their clients should have discussions about the client’s life beyond careers and financesRedefining what retirement means beyond leaving the jobHow to balance a busy schedule with personal time for creativityAnd moreConnect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Julie Liss: LinkedIn: Julie Liss

Are you grappling with the complexities of selling your business, unsure of where to start or how to navigate the process? In this enlightening episode, Nicole is joined by seasoned professionals, Matthew Hammer and Dawn Mase from Wintrust Commercial Banking, to shed light on the intricacies of selling a business. Through their experiences and insights, they demystify the process and provide valuable advice to help business owners overcome different hurdles to successfully exit their business and leave it in the right hands. Nicole, Matthew Hammer & Dawn Mase discuss:  Different ways to exit your businessSelling to strategic investors, financial investors, or through private salesStructuring the sale transactionOvercoming common pitfallsKey components of the sale transaction, ie earnouts, rollover equity, and working capital adjustmentsContinuing involvement post-saleAnd moreResources: Preparing For The Sale of Your Business: Part 1 with George Karavattuveetil (Ep. 38)Preparing For The Sale of Your Business: Part 2 with Deanna Salo and Eric VanderPloeg  (Ep. 39)Wintrust Commercial Banking Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.com312-831-4370Connect with Matthew Hammer: 847-590-7042mhammer​@wintrust​.comLinkedIn: Matthew HammerAbout Matthew:  Matthew Hammer is a Group Senior Vice President & Division Manager in Wintrust’s Commercial Bank managing Chicago-based middle market privately held businesses.  Matt has 21 years of commercial banking experience, including helping lead Wintrust’s growth since 2013 with diverse experience with manufacturing, distribution, and service companies. Matt has a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University, Krannert School of Management with a focus in Finance and Marketing.  Matt is an Evans Scholar alum and active in various leadership positions within the Western Golf Association and Purdue University Chapter. Before joining Wintrust in 2013, Matt worked for LaSalle Bank and its successor Bank of America for 10 years. Connect with Dawn Mase: 847-590-7046dmase​@wintrust​.comLinkedIn: Dawn MaseAbout Dawn Mase:  Dawn Mase is a Senior Vice President in Wintrust’s Commercial Bank where she serves as relationship manager identifying and developing new client relationships and providing comprehensive solutions to existing client relationships. Dawn has over 25 years of commercial banking experience in cash flow and collateralized lending, primarily to privately held companies covering a broad spectrum of industries. She has experience in many areas including financing, domestic and international treasury management, investment management, trade and FX, asset-based lending, equipment finance, derivatives as well as syndicated finance. Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Illinois State University with a focus in finance. She has been actively involved in mentoring young bankers throughout her career. Prior to Wintrust, she worked for JPMorgan Chase within their capital markets group. She specialized in syndicated finance and private placements and was Series 7 licensed.

Whether you’re at the onset of selling your business or simply exploring your options, knowing what to look out for can help you make informed decisions. In this episode, Nicole is joined by Deanna Salo Managing Principal with Cray Kaiser, and Eric Vanderploeg of Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella’s Litigation to share their wealth of knowledge and practical tips to guide you through the process. Join us for an insightful discussion on the legal, tax, and financial considerations when preparing to sell your business. Nicole, Eric & Deanna discuss:  The importance of involving professionals early in the sale process.The critical role of corporate agreements.The importance of accurately valuing the business.Involving key employees to protect the value of the business.And moreResources: Preparing For The Sale of Your Business: Part 1 with George Karavattuveetil (Ep. 38)Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with Eric VanderPloeg: LinkedIn: Eric VanderPloegBurke Law Connect with Deanna Salo: LinkedIn: Deanna SaloCray KaiserAbout Deanna: Deanna Salo has been with Cray Kaiser for over 35 years, where she specializes in mergers, acquisitions, shareholder disputes, and ensuring strong agreements for companies. However, she emphasizes the personal impact of each engagement, viewing them as connections with individuals or families.  Starting at Cray Kaiser in 1986 after graduating from the University of Arizona, Deanna has grown alongside the firm, which values a people-centric approach. As a Principal since 2001 and Managing Principal since 2021, she provides assurance, strategic, and tax planning services, particularly focusing on closely held and family-owned businesses and nonprofits.  Deanna also leads Cray Kaiser’s relationship with DePaul University’s Entrepreneur and Family Business Council and is highly accessible to its members due to her dedication to their success. About Eric: Eric P. VanderPloeg is a partner at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C. Mr. VanderPloeg is a member of the firm’s Automotive Franchise, Litigation, and Consumer Financial Services Litigation practice groups. Eric started his career as a litigator, and he has handled an array of commercial matters in both state and federal court in several states and jurisdictions.  In addition to handling disputes, Eric now also acts as general counsel to businesses in several industries, providing advice on legal matters, including contractual, employment, regulatory, and corporate governance matters. In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, Mr. VanderPloeg was named as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers®, an attorney rating service from Thompson Reuters.

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 businessPrioritizing goals and values when seeking a buyerPrivate equity firms’ interest in long-term views when purchasing businessesAnd moreResources: Love’s Detour: Navigating Divorce With Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep (EP. 28)Co-Parenting Strategies Amidst Divorce With Beth McCormack and Jason Sposeep – Part 2 (EP. 29)Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole RomitoMyPrivateVista.cominfo@myprivatevista.comCall: 312-831-4370Connect with George Karavattuveetil: LivePsyched.comLinkedIn: George KaravattuveetilGeorge@psychedllc.comAbout 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.