Dollars and Sense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life

Nicole Romito
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Investing
  • Updated Semimonthly

Welcome to Dollars and Sense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life with Nicole Romito a Partner at Private Vista. In this podcast, we combine our years of personal and professional experiences with those of our guests to help you create the life you imagine. We believe your Private Vista encompasses your financial and personal goals. Join us on this journey as we enlighten and empower you to align your wealth with your life’s passions and goals

  1. Jun 3

    REPLAY: Strategies For Maximizing Executive Compensation with Matt Parenti – Part One (Ep. 89)

    Executive compensation often involves more than a paycheck, and the decisions tied to it can affect taxes, retirement, and long-term planning. How do you balance stock awards, deferred compensation, and company benefits while keeping your bigger financial picture in focus? This week, Nicole Romito replays her conversation with Matt Parenti, Partner and Lead Advisor at Private Vista, about executive compensation planning. Matt explains why executives often need support coordinating stock awards, deferred compensation, benefits, taxes, estate planning, and company stock exposure.  They also cover why timing, diversification, and full-picture planning matter when compensation decisions can affect years of future income. Matt shares: Why executive clients often need a planner to coordinate benefits, taxes, attorneys, and HR How RSUs, stock options, and performance stock can shape executive compensation plans Why deferred compensation choices require careful timing before retirement income begins How concentrated company stock can create added risk alongside career income exposure Why selling company shares may involve holding rules, trading windows, and market scrutiny And more! Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Matt Parenti: Private Vista – Matt Parenti LinkedIn: 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.

    33 min

  2. May 20

    REPLAY: Medicare Made Clear with Carly Rosswurm (Ep. 88)

    Health insurance decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when timelines, penalties, and rising costs all collide at once. What should you know before turning 65? How do you compare employer coverage, Medicare supplements, and Advantage plans without feeling buried in confusing terms? In this episode, Nicole Romito revisits her conversation with Carly Rosswurm, Director of Medicare Solutions at Ash Brokerage, that breaks down how Medicare works and what people should consider before enrolling. They discuss the differences between Medicare Parts A, B, D, supplement plans, and Advantage plans, along with enrollment periods, income-related premium adjustments, prescription coverage, and travel considerations. Carly also shares practical guidance for avoiding penalties and reviewing coverage changes each year. Key takeaways: Understanding how Medicare Parts A, B, D, and supplement plans work together after age 65 Comparing employer coverage with Medicare options based on costs, prescriptions, and travel needs Reviewing annual enrollment changes that may impact prescription costs and provider networks Considering IRMAA income adjustments and how retirement can affect Medicare premium amounts Evaluating Medicare Advantage and supplement plans based on flexibility and out-of-pocket costs And more! Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Carly Rosswurm: Ash Brokerage LinkedIn: Ash Brokerage LinkedIn: Carly Rosswurm medicare@ashbrokerage.com 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. A few years ago, Carly bought an old historic home in West Central, Fort Wayne that she completely remodeled with the help of her dad. She lives downtown with her two dogs, Tev and Percy.

    38 min

  3. Apr 22

    Talking to Kids About College Costs and Money Mindset with Joyce Marter, LCPC, CSP® (Ep. 87)

    Paying for college can bring up pressure, guilt, fear, and big family questions long before a tuition bill arrives. How can families talk about money in a healthier way, set expectations early, and help young adults build confidence instead of confusion? In this episode, Nicole Romito talks with Joyce Marter, LCPC, CSP®, licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author of The Financial Mindset Fix, about how parents can approach college planning with honesty and clarity. They explore how emotions, family history, relationship dynamics, and financial literacy all shape these decisions. Joyce shares practical ways to set expectations, involve kids in the process, and build independence through shared responsibility, scholarships, work, and open conversations. Key takeaways: Why college money talks should start early, before campus visits, so expectations are realistic and less emotional How parents can address guilt, shame, and pressure before discussing college costs with their children Why kids benefit from having responsibility through work, scholarships, and contributing to college expenses How family dynamics, divorce, and differing money beliefs can complicate college planning conversations Why financial literacy and emotional awareness help young adults build pride, ownership, and independence And more! Resources: The Financial Mindset Fix by Joyce Marter Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Joyce Marter: LinkedIn: Joyce Marter Website: Joyce Marter About Our Guest:  Internationally renowned mental health thought leader and financial mindset expert, Joyce Marter, considers it her life’s purpose to spread the Mental Wealth; to remove the shame and stigma from both mental health and financial stress and provide a global audience with practical strategies and tools to heal, recover, thrive and prosper. Joyce enjoys travel and has visited over 20 countries, with Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine being some of her favorites. She welcomes opportunities to travel internationally to speak at large conferences or events. While she only speaks English, she has experience collaborating with a translator during her talks.

    35 min

  4. Apr 8

    Finding Love Again After Loss, Divorce, or Long-Term Relationships with Bela Gandhi (Ep. 86)

    Starting over after a major relationship ends can feel overwhelming. Questions, doubts, and old patterns often surface just when you are trying to move forward. In this episode, Nicole Romito speaks with Bela Gandhi, Founder of Smart Dating Academy, about how to reenter the dating scene after divorce, widowhood, or a long-term breakup. They explore the emotions that surface, why chemistry can be misleading, and how to identify unhealthy patterns. Bela shares practical ways to slow down, fix your “picker,” and focus on green flags that lead to lasting compatibility. Key takeaways: The common emotions people face after loss, divorce, or ending a long-term relationship Why chemistry and butterflies can signal anxiety rather than compatibility How to recognize and break unhealthy dating patterns rooted in familiarity The three main ways to meet people today, apps, real life, and trusted networks Why slowing down and redefining green flags can change your dating outcomes And more! Resources: The Smart Dating Academy Podcast Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Bela Gandhi: LinkedIn: Bela Gandhi Instagram: Smart Dating Academy Website: Smart Dating Academy About Our Guest:  Bela Gandhi is a renowned dating/relationship expert, founder of Smart Dating Academy and a weekly media correspondent. She is the dating expert on Good Morning America (GMA), and has been the expert on the Steve Harvey Show, Kelly Clarkson Show, the TODAY Show, ABC, NBC, Fox, CNN, WGN, WSJ Marketplace, BBC, Essence, MORE, Glamour, JET, Redbook, Men’s Health and more.  Smart Dating Academy is one of the nation’s top date coaching firms – often called the “Harvard Business School of Dating.” Her renowned process to find love has resulted in zero divorces in 15 years. Our coaching program is results-oriented and fun – which helps you to clarify who is right for you, stop old dating patterns, and use technology the RIGHT way. You become positive and enthusiastic about dating / relationships again! Our clients receive personalized dating plans, and essential training in how to meet high caliber singles, personal style, conversation, and online success.

    34 min

  5. Mar 25

    Designing Trust: How Immersive Museums Transform Financial Literacy with AJ Goehle (Ep. 85)

    What if learning about money felt more like play than pressure? What if the spaces we walk into could quietly reshape how we think, feel, and act? In this episode, Nicole Romito sits down with AJ Goehle, CEO and Co-Owner of Luci Creative, to explore how immersive museum experiences can reshape financial literacy and community trust. They discuss the launch of the MoMoney museum in Dallas, designed to make money approachable through interactive storytelling. AJ explains how museums drive economic vitality, build civic confidence, and create “magic circles” that encourage engagement. The conversation highlights how thoughtful design can transform intimidation into curiosity and confidence. AJ shares: How immersive design makes financial literacy approachable for all ages and experience levels Why museums rank among the most trusted sources of information in America How projects like MoMoney blend storytelling, economics, and hands-on learning The concept of “magic circles” and how shared rules shape engagement and behavior How museums fuel tourism, strengthen districts, and support long-term community vitality And more! Resources: MoMoney – The Museum of Money Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with AJ Goehle: LinkedIn: AJ Goehle Website: Luci Creative Instagram: @LuciCreative About Our Guest:  AJ Goehle is the CEO and Co-Owner of Luci Creative, an internationally recognized experience design studio that partners with museums and cultural institutions to create immersive, story-driven environments. With a background in museum and experiential design, she leads teams across multiple cities in developing projects that blend storytelling, strategy, and visitor engagement. AJ serves on the Board of Directors for the American Alliance of Museums and has been named a Global Top 50 Museum Influencer. Her work centers on designing meaningful imprint experiences that build curiosity, strengthen community trust, and make complex topics more accessible.

    28 min

  6. Mar 11

    Rebuilding After Sudden Loss with Jody LaVoie (Ep. 84)

    Life can change in a single moment, leaving you to face roles and decisions you never expected. How do you move forward when grief collides with leadership, parenting, and identity? In this episode, Nicole Romito sits down with Jody LaVoie, Founder and CEO of The Grief Company, and CEO and Coach at Widows In The Workplace, to share how a sudden tragedy reshaped her life. She recounts becoming a solo parent and chair of her family’s company overnight, while navigating shock and responsibility. Jody explains how she led and later sold the business, rebuilt her identity, and learned to ask for help. She also offers guidance for widows and women stepping away from demanding careers. Jody covers: The moment that changed her life and stepping into leadership while in shock Leading and selling a multimillion-dollar company while raising three daughters How unmanaged stress affected her health and reshaped her priorities Why asking for help and narrowing your timeframe eases early grief Supporting widows and executives as they redefine identity and next chapters And more! Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Jody LaVoie: LinkedIn: Jody LaVoie Website: The Grief Company Website: Widows in the Workplace About Our Guest:  Jody LaVoie’s mission is to empathize and humanize bereavement support in the workplace. The emotional impact of grief alters lives, and with comprehensive leadership and guidance, the grief experience can transform lives in a positive way. The Grief Company provides a comprehensive bereavement response that transforms grief into an opportunity for connection, resilience, and a culture that stands the test of time. Grief touches us all.  As a business leader, certified grief educator, coach, and widow, Jody is uniquely positioned to elevate bereavement support that is aligned with culture and an eye on the bottom line.

    28 min

  7. Feb 25

    REPLAY: Building Your Financial Dream Team with Greg Bogdan, CFP® (Ep. 83)

    Managing money can feel manageable at first. But what happens when life gets more complex, and the stakes get higher? In this replay episode, Nicole Romito revisits a powerful conversation with Greg Bogdan, CFP®, Senior Advisor at Private Vista, LLC, about building the right financial team. They explore when a “team of one” stops being enough, how advisors, CPAs, and estate attorneys work together, and why proactive coordination matters. From estate settlement stories to evolving tax laws and legacy planning, they share real examples of how collaboration simplifies major life transitions. Greg shares key insights: Why managing finances alone often works early on, but becomes risky as life grows more complex How coordinated calls between advisors, CPAs, and attorneys prevent costly missteps The role of proactive estate reviews and updating documents before life events happen Common oversights like unsigned trusts or improperly titled assets Why major events like business sales or inheritance require early team planning And more! Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Greg Bogdan: LinkedIn: Greg Bogdan, CFP® gbogdan@myprivatevista.com 630-455-0025 About 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.

    39 min

  8. Feb 11

    Retirement Beyond the Numbers with Mike McCabe, CFP®, CPC – Part 2 (Ep. 82)

    Retirement planning often focuses on finances, but the emotional and personal side can be just as impactful. What happens when work slows down, routines change, and relationships shift at home? In this episode, Nicole Romito and Mike McCabe, CFP®, CPC, Partner & Senior Advisor at Private Vista, continue their discussion by shifting from money to mindset. They explore the emotional side of retirement, including changes in daily routines, increased time with a spouse, and the importance of retiring toward something meaningful. The conversation highlights communication, structure, and flexibility as key factors in building a fulfilling next chapter after work. Key takeaways: Why open communication becomes even more important for couples in the second phase of retirement How clients often revisit retirement readiness for years before feeling comfortable moving forward The value of retiring toward purpose rather than simply leaving a career How routines and structure support emotional balance after full-time work ends Understanding mental stress when retirement is unexpected or arrives sooner than planned And more! Connect with Nicole Romito:  LinkedIn: Nicole Romito MyPrivateVista.com info@myprivatevista.com Call: 312-831-4370 Connect with Mike McCabe: LinkedIn: Mike McCabe About Our Guest:  Throughout his career in financial services, Mike McCabe has focused on helping clients manage their financial lives in a way that supports enjoyment and fulfillment beyond the numbers. He has a strong commitment to continued learning, earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation as well as the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) designation through the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries. Within the firm, Mike serves on the Investment Committee, supports compliance efforts, and mentors the next generation of advisors. Mike values a healthy work and life balance, which for him means finding satisfaction in his work while making time for golf, volunteering, exercise, movies, and meaningful time with his wife, friends, and family. He looks ahead to continued growth with modern technology, more travel, deeper community involvement, and enjoying life as a present and engaged grandfather.

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dollars and Sense: Creating Your Fulfilled Life with Nicole Romito a Partner at Private Vista. In this podcast, we combine our years of personal and professional experiences with those of our guests to help you create the life you imagine. We believe your Private Vista encompasses your financial and personal goals. Join us on this journey as we enlighten and empower you to align your wealth with your life’s passions and goals

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