Dollars and Sense

What role do emotions play in navigating divorce, especially when children are involved?

Nicole Romito from Private Vista is back with Dr. Lydia Richardson for part two of their series on dealing with divorce. While part one focused on self-care for adults, this installment dives into supporting children through the emotional ups and downs of their parents’ separation. 

Dr. Richardson, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in family dynamics, brings her insights on minimizing the negative impacts of divorce on children. From establishing consistent routines to managing difficult conversations, this episode is packed with practical tips and candid discussions.

Key conversations include:

• The impact of divorce on children of various ages [05:35]
• Essential behaviors to avoid during this difficult time [06:22]
• The importance of parental self-awareness and control [15:19]
• Strategies for creating a stable environment during transitions [20:26]
• Navigating co-parenting challenges while keeping kids’ best interests at heart [26:16]
• And more!

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

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

Connect with Dr. Lydia Richardson:

• [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: Lydia C. Richardson
• Richardson Psychology

About Our Guest: 

Lydia Richardson is a licensed clinical psychologist, Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Law Coach, and Child Specialist who has provided services to adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings since 2004. She is fluent in Spanish and Danish; her multicultural background enables her to bring cultural sensitivity and competence to all aspects of her work, and she is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. Her business experience in banking and finance gives her a unique perspective and ability to problem-solve effectively and work efficiently to help clients achieve their goals. She earned her B.A. from New York University (Economics/Politics) and worked in business and finance for several years before returning to school to study psychology. She earned her M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology and her doctorate in clinical psychology (both from Roosevelt University). She has worked extensively with the families of children with developmental disorders, in foster care, and with adolescents in juvenile detention. She is also trained in neuropsychological assessment of adults and children and has consulted to companies seeking executive coaching and team-building.

She is a Past President of the Collaborative Divorce Illinois (CDI) Board of Directors and continues to serve on the Board as the Vice President of Mental Health. She is passionate about and hopes to promote alternative dispute resolution and help facilitate less conflict in divorce so as to promote happier families and more productive co-parenting. She believes that families can transcend the difficulty of divorce and evolve into happy and productive individuals and co-parents. She is a member of other professional organizations, including the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and the American Psychological Association (APA). She also enjoys teaching graduate psychology courses at Roosevelt University in Chicago and providing consultation to other mental health professionals.

A native New Yorker, she has lived in Chicago for over 20 years and calls it home. She is the proud mother of three children who are all in graduate school now, forging their own futures as fellow peacemakers. In her spare time, she is outdoors as much as possible, biking, hiking, skiing, and walking the Chicago lakefront.

What if divorce didn’t have to mean devastation, but instead, became a path to healing, clarity, and even joy?

In this episode, Nicole Romito sits down with Dr. Lydia Richardson, a clinical psychologist and divorce mediator, to talk about what a “good divorce” really looks like.

Together, they explore the emotional weight of this life-altering decision and how you can honor both your personal truth and your future well-being.

If you’re standing at a crossroads in your marriage, know this: you’re not alone, and there is a way forward that centers your strength, your voice, and your vision for what’s next.

Key discussion points include:

• Navigating the marathon of divorce with patience and self-awareness [00:06:34]
• Finding joy in life post-divorce and breaking unhealthy patterns [00:16:42]
• The difference between a coach and a therapist in the divorce process [00:25:29]
• Utilizing a collaborative approach for a healthier transition [00:27:20]
• And more!

Resources:

• Empowering Your Financial Future Post-Divorce with Delaney Orozco (Ep. 59)
• Special Feature! The Divorce and Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie (Ep. 48)
• Building Your Team For A Successful Divorce Process with Susan Guthrie (Ep. 36)
• Collaborative Divorce Illinois: Find A Divorce Professional

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

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

Connect with Dr. Lydia Richardson:

• [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: Lydia C. Richardson
• Richardson Psychology

About Our Guest: 

Lydia Richardson is a licensed clinical psychologist, Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Law Coach, and Child Specialist who has provided services to adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings since 2004. She is fluent in Spanish and Danish; her multicultural background enables her to bring cultural sensitivity and competence to all aspects of her work, and she is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. Her business experience in banking and finance gives her a unique perspective and ability to problem-solve effectively and work efficiently to help clients achieve their goals. She earned her B.A. from New York University (Economics/Politics) and worked in business and finance for several years before returning to school to study psychology. She earned her M.A. in industrial/organizational psychology and her doctorate in clinical psychology (both from Roosevelt University). She has worked extensively with the families of children with developmental disorders, in foster care, and with adolescents in juvenile detention. She is also trained in neuropsychological assessment of adults and children and has consulted to companies seeking executive coaching and team-building.

She is a Past President of the Collaborative Divorce Illinois (CDI) Board of Directors and continues to serve on the Board as the Vice President of Mental Health. She is passionate about and hopes to promote alternative dispute resolution and help facilitate less conflict in divorce so as to promote happier families and more productive co-parenting. She believes that families can transcend the difficulty of divorce and evolve into happy and productive individuals and co-parents. She is a member of other professional organizations, including the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and the American Psychological Association (APA).

What do the latest Medicare changes mean for your future? 

Join Nicole Romito and special guest Carly Rosswurm, Director of Medicare Solutions at Ash Brokerage, as they unravel recent updates to Medicare, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more. Carly brings 19 years of expertise in Medicare solutions and breaks down the essentials you need to know, whether you’re approaching 65 or advising a loved one.

Nicole and Carly discuss:

• An update on the $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs [00:08:48]
• The end of the donut hole in Medicare [00:10:55]
• The CMS Final Rule’s influence on insurance commissions [00:14:28]
• The capped insulin prices [00:16:52]
• And more!

Resources:

• Medicare Made Clear With Carly Rosswurm (Ep. 20)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

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

Connect with Carly Rosswurm:

• LinkedIn: Carly Rosswurm
• Ash Brokerage

About Our Guest: 

Carly Rosswurm is the Director of Medicare Solutions at Ash Brokerage. Carly graduated from Indiana University with a degree in business and a concentration in marketing. Since then, Carly has always focused on the realm of Medicare. She has been Life & Health licensed for 17 years, and has experience in Medicare marketing, contracting, compliance, continuing education, and sales. 

With the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, Carly first got involved in Medicare when the Part D plans were first mandated, and Medicare Advantage plans were first coming into the market. Through continuing education courses, Carly has offered licensed agents and advisors classes on the importance of knowing Medicare basics, along with the difference between Medicare Advantage plans versus traditional Medicare Supplements. 

How Economic Data Shapes Our Financial Outlook with Ben Audley

Are you financially prepared for nature’s curveballs?

Nicole Romito sits down with Courtney Eber, Vice President of Alliant Private Client, and Tyler Banks, Executive Vice President of Alliant Client Insurance, to break down the challenges and strategies surrounding personal risk management in the face of climate change. They delve into how extreme weather patterns are changing the landscape of insurance policies and what precautionary steps affluent families can take to safeguard against unexpected losses.

Courtney and Tyler discuss: 

• The importance of having comprehensive coverage: [00:11:15]
• Proactive measures to mitigate risk: [00:05:48]
• The impact of climate change on insurance premiums: [00:13:31]
• Higher deductibles and self-insurance considerations: [00:15:46]
• Navigating liability exposures in our digital age: [00:19:17]
• And more

What’s the biggest issue in a divorce? Hint: It’s not the relationship.

Nicole Romito welcomes her colleague Delaney Orozco, CFP®, back to the show to dive into the complex world of managing finances during a divorce. With a focus on empathy and practical advice, Nicole and Delaney outline a three-phase approach to help listeners navigate this challenging life event. 

Nicole and Delaney discuss: 

• The importance of building a support team 
• Why you should call your financial advisor once divorce has been determined
• Emotional aspects of financial assets: from pensions to your home
• Gathering data and understanding your financial picture
• Looking ahead: crafting the vision for your future life post-divorce 
• And more

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: 

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

Connect with Jeremy Bell:

• LinkedIn: Jeremy Bell
• Conway

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.

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 purpose
• How being financially independent changes your life
• Why it’s not just about retiring; it’s about evolving
• How to navigate the journey with no one-size-fits-all answers
• And 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 Evans
• The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

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

Connect with Jeff Toner:

• LinkedIn: Jeff Toner
• MyPrivateVista.com
• Call: 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 bad
• Personal and professional stress management techniques
• How stress can affect relationship dynamics
• Simple 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 Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [email protected]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Brendan Cournane:

• LinkedIn: Brendan Cournane
• CoachBrendan.com
• [email protected]

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 plan
• Effective strategies for diversifying a portfolio and reducing risk
• The unique benefits of strategic gifting and charitable donations using stock 
• Tax considerations and how to leverage capital losses
• And more

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

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

Connect with Randy Porzel:

• Linkedin: Randy Porzel
• MyPrivateVista.com
• Call: 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.