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

Starting the conversation about a parent’s care isn’t easy, but it might be the most important discussion you ever have.In this deeply personal episode, Nicole Romito is joined by her Private Vista partners Jeff Toner and Steve Merdinger for part one of a two-part series on navigating the emotional and practical challenges of aging parents who can no longer live independently.Together, they reflect on their own family journeys and what they’ve learned from decades of guiding clients through this pivotal life moment.What to expect:Real stories of loss, transition, and tough family decisionsWhen and how to start the conversation before a crisis strikesHow power of attorney can (and should) come into playNavigating sibling dynamics and keeping your parents’ voice centralAnd 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 [email protected]: 312-831-4370Connect 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.