Dollars and Sense

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:

• Annuities 101 with Steve Merdinger (Ep. 24)
• Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Independence with Jeff Toner (Ep. 57)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Steve Merdinger:

• LinkedIn: Steve Merdinger ChFC®, CFP®

Connect with Jeff Toner:

• LinkedIn: Jeffrey Toner ChFC®

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.

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: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Mary O’Malley:

• UnionHallAdvising.com
• LinkedIn: Mary O’Malley
• LinkedIn: Union Hall Advising

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.

What happens when a family business faces the question of “what’s next”? 

In this conversation, Nicole Romito sits down with Justin Albertson, Vice President of Client Services at The Family Business Consulting Group, to unpack the delicate balance of transitioning a business while preserving family relationships.

Together, they explore why the family side of succession is often more complex than the legal or financial mechanics, and how thoughtful conversations can create alignment across generations. Justin shares real-world examples from successful transitions to tough moments of misalignment, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, clear expectations, and independent third-party guidance.

What to expect in this episode:

• How to start the right conversations around succession and ownership
• Why alignment on family values and expectations matters as much as legal documents
• Lessons from families who navigated transition well and those who struggled
• The role of a “family constitution” in creating clarity across generations

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• 312-831-4370

Connect with Justin Albertson:

• LinkedIn: Justin Albertson
• LinkedIn: The Family Business Consulting Group, Inc.
• The Family Business Consulting Group: Justin Albertson
• [email protected]
• 773-372-1349

 About Our Guest:

Justin Albertson is the Vice President of Client Services at The Family Business Consulting Group. With more than 20 years of experience in assessment, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and executive coaching, he partners with families to strengthen relationships and create strategies that align business success with family vision.

What happens when a strategy manager steps off the spreadsheet and into the spotlight? In this uplifting episode, Nicole Romito sits down with Private Vista’s own Michael Im, whose surprising love for performance arts like improv, acting, and choir has quietly shaped his approach to leadership, communication, and empathy in finance.

Michael shares how growing up in a creative Korean American household led him to karaoke nights, improv rooms, and eventually dramatic acting classes in Chicago. But this isn’t just about art. It’s about how performance challenges, emotional vulnerability, and active listening skills transfer powerfully into professional life. Whether it’s running strategic operations or connecting with clients, Michael’s creative lens offers a refreshing take on what it means to be fully human in the finance world.

What to expect in this episode:

• How improv helped Michael build confidence and communication skills
• Why singing in a choir taught him more than just harmony
• The emotional intelligence behind acting and strategic planning
• The value of showing up authentically (even if you’re off-key)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Michael Im:

• LinkedIn: Michael Im
• MyPrivateVista.com

About Our Guest:

Michael Im is the Strategy Manager at Private Vista, where he helps streamline operations and empower advisors with more time for their clients. With a background in consulting and operations leadership, Michael also brings a unique creative edge shaped by his lifelong passion for performance arts.

What started as a simple hobby has grown into a source of joy, peace, and connection for one of Private Vista’s Client Service Associates, Sue Bolt. 

In this special lifestyle episode, Sue joins host Nicole Romito to share how birdwatching has become a grounding force in her life, from childhood memories with her father to creating new experiences with her grandchildren.

Sue opens up about how this passion deepened during the pandemic, how it serves as a form of mindfulness and mental wellness, and how it’s evolved into meaningful multigenerational bonding. From photographing bald eagles to chasing elusive owls, her story is a reminder that fulfillment isn’t just about finances — it’s about finding purpose in everyday passions.

What to expect in this episode:

• How birdwatching became a multigenerational tradition in Sue’s family
• The mental health benefits of finding peace in nature
• Rare bird sightings that still bring her joy
• Tips for anyone curious about birdwatching
• And more!

Resources:

• Merlin Bird ID

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

About Our Guest: 

After many years in the banking industry, Sue shifted to wealth management in 2002. She is part of the Customer Service Associate team as well as the main liaison for all Private Vista’s institutional custodians. Sue takes pride in the strong relationships that she has built over the last 20+ years. Through her daily interactions with clients, she does her best to ensure that she is meeting their needs promptly. She also enjoys problem-solving and the many challenges that her job brings her each day.

Sue loves the outdoors! Birds are her passion, both indoor birds and birds in the wild, so she has taken up bird and nature photography in her spare time. The peace and calm that forests bring her as she visits various locations looking for birds is a huge part of her Private Vista. Sue and her husband also very actively attend their grandchildren’s many sporting events and various other activities. The more time she can spend with their three adult children, their spouses, and their nine grandchildren, the better! Her Private Vista for future years is to have more free time to enjoy the outdoors and to be able to follow the grandchildren’s activities, wherever they may take them!

Most people spend years preparing for retirement, but few feel fully prepared for what happens the day the paycheck stops.

In this special roundtable episode, host Nicole Romito sits down with Private Vista advisors Greg Williams, Miles Johnson, and Julian Bell to answer the real questions clients ask as they move through accumulation and into decumulation. From how much to save, where to save, how to optimize for taxes, and how to confidently withdraw income in retirement, the team breaks down complex financial topics into real-world advice you can actually use.

What to expect during this conversation:

• How business owners can maximize qualified plan contributions to reduce taxes
• Smart savings strategies for W-2 employees (including how to leverage HSAs)
• What executives need to know about stock options, RSUs, and deferred compensation
• How to replace your paycheck with tax-efficient withdrawals in retirement
• And more!

Resources:

• Uncovering Opportunity Beyond U.S. Borders with Matt McLaughlin (Ep. 65)
• Bonds, Tariffs, and Turbulence: How to Stay Grounded in a Shaky Economy with Bill Campbell (Ep. 66)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Our Guests:

• LinkedIn: Greg Williams, CFP®
• LinkedIn: Julian Bell, CFP®
• LinkedIn: Miles Johnson, CFP®

Some of life’s most meaningful moments aren’t about money—they’re about shared experiences. 

In part two of this special series, host Nicole Romito welcomes back luxury travel expert Byrd Bergeron to explore how intentional travel can create lasting family memories that become part of your legacy.

Whether it’s grandparents bringing multiple generations together or parents planning once-in-a-lifetime trips for their children, Byrd shares insider tips for designing travel that feels personal, unforgettable, and worth every dollar.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why one-on-one grandparent trips are becoming a legacy trend
• Creative ways to engage kids in the planning process
• How to design multi-generational travel that works for everyone
• Why planning makes all the difference (and saves money)
• And more!

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Byrd Bergeron:

• Travel Byrds 
• LinkedIn: Byrd Bergeron

About Our Guest: 

Byrd is the CEO of a $ 13 million travel agency, revolutionizing the luxury travel space. Our innovative model redefines the role of travel agents by allowing them to focus on crafting bespoke experiences. At the same time, our specialized support staff manages the intricate details – from invoicing and dinner reservations to spa appointments and beyond.

Our commitment to curating exceptional itineraries is unwavering. Every booking undergoes a meticulous triple-check process, ensuring flawless execution and unforgettable journeys for our discerning clientele.

At the intersection of luxury and efficiency, we’re not just planning trips – we’re creating experiences that exceed expectations every single time.

Most people love to travel, but not everyone knows how to do it well. 

In this vibrant, story-filled episode, host Nicole Romito is joined by luxury travel expert Byrd Bergeron to reveal the five travel mistakes people are making and how to avoid them.

Byrd, the CEO of a thriving $13 million travel agency, shares eye-opening stories (including a pink penguin poop fact you won’t forget) and tactical advice for creating trips that are not only memorable but meaningful. From why early planning beats last-minute booking, to how understanding local events can make or break your itinerary, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on intentional travel—and its connection to living a legacy.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why using a travel pro saves more than just time
• A wild rule about cruise ships in Antarctica
• What happens if you get sick overseas, and don’t speak the language
• How travel can become part of your family’s legacy story
• And more!

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Byrd Bergeron:

• Travel Byrds 
• LinkedIn: Byrd Bergeron

About Our Guest: 

Byrd is the CEO of a $ 13 million travel agency, revolutionizing the luxury travel space. Our innovative model redefines the role of travel agents by allowing them to focus on crafting bespoke experiences. At the same time, our specialized support staff manages the intricate details – from invoicing and dinner reservations to spa appointments and beyond.

Our commitment to curating exceptional itineraries is unwavering. Every booking undergoes a meticulous triple-check process, ensuring flawless execution and unforgettable journeys for our discerning clientele.

At the intersection of luxury and efficiency, we’re not just planning trips – we’re creating experiences that exceed expectations every single time.

Ever wondered how the bond market could be your secret weapon in times of economic uncertainty? Strap in as Nicole Romito hosts Bill Campbell from DoubleLine in an eye-opening discussion on the oft-overlooked bond market and its role during turbulent times.

Bill dives into the complexities of the current economic landscape, unpacking the ripple effects of tariffs, debt management, and U.S. domestic policy on global markets. As this vibrant conversation unfolds, you’ll gain insights into how these factors can influence fixed income strategies and your investment portfolio’s stability.

• Unraveling Tariff Impacts and Market Volatility [00:07:37]
• Exploring Fair Reciprocation and Trade Goals [00:15:42]
• Navigating Bond Markets Amidst Policy Changes [00:24:15]
• The Global Currency Context and The Future of the Dollar [00:34:31]

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Bill Campbell:

• LinkedIn: Bill Campbell
• DoubleLine

About Bill Campbell: 

Bill Campbell is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine Capital LP, where he co-manages the DoubleLine Global Bond Strategy and serves as a permanent member of the firm’s Fixed Income Asset Allocation Committee. With a focus on Developed Markets, CEEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and China, he plays a key role in shaping global fixed income strategy. Since joining DoubleLine in 2013, Bill has become a trusted voice in navigating complex macroeconomic environments and emerging market dynamics.

Prior to his tenure at DoubleLine, Bill built a robust background in investment management. He held roles at Peridiem Global Investors as a Global Fixed Income Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager, and previously worked at Nuveen Investments and John Hancock Financial. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and International Business, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from Pennsylvania State University. Known for his sharp analytical skills and global perspective, he continues to be a leading figure in fixed income investing.

If you could buy a luxury car at half price overseas, would you hesitate? That’s how some investors view global markets right now.

Nicole Romito chats with Matthew McLaughlin, CFA, CAIA, from Diamond Hill on this all-new episode of Dollar$ and $ense. Listen as they explore the dynamics of international investing, shedding light on the overlooked value opportunities outside the U.S. Learn why international markets remain “on sale,” how geopolitical tensions (like Ukraine and Gaza) impact investor sentiment, and why active management is crucial when investing overseas. 

From cultural differences in corporate governance to finding diamonds in undervalued regions, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at global investing strategies.

Key topics in this week’s release include:

• Europe’s new defense and infrastructure spending initiatives [00:07:00]
• Japan’s corporate governance reform [00:14:00]
• China and India’s contrasting economic dynamics [00:16:30]
• The implications of global trade deficits [00:24:00]
• How international conflicts, like those in Ukraine and Israel, impact markets [00:28:00]
• And more!

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Matthew McLaughlin:

• LinkedIn: Matthew McLaughlin, CFA, CAIA
• Diamond Hill Capital Management

About Our Guest: 

Matt serves as a portfolio specialist for Diamond Hill and joined the firm in 2023.

Prior to joining Diamond Hill, Matt served in a number of roles, including vice president — research, for Harbor Capital Advisors from 2008 to 2016, portfolio specialist for William Blair Investment Management from 2016 to 2019, and senior vice president, regional investment consultant for Harbor Capital Advisors from 2019 to 2023. Matt has a Bachelor of Arts in finance and marketing from Loras College.