Networking Breakfast Focuses on Tax Law

 

Of the two certainties in life – death and taxes – the latter topic seems to be raising more anxiety these days than the former. With so many financial issues being impacted by the recently adopted law, the committee was fortunate to enlist speakers from three different areas of expertise. Glazer is co-founder and managing partner at Mayflower Advisors, an investment management firm that provides strategies for corporations, non-profits, and individuals on investing more than $2.5 billion in assets. Page, parent of Allie Page ’07, is a partner at Hemenway and Barnes, a firm with a strong reputation as trustees, advisors and attorneys to individuals and families, businesses both private and public, and nonprofit organizations. Gorlovsky-Schepp, a business associate of Arthur Page, is a CPA with Raphael & Raphael, providers of accounting, auditing, consulting, and tax and financial planning to its clients. All three took time out during this busy time of year to advise on a variety of topics related to investing, estate planning, philanthropy, and funding education costs, whether for children or grandchildren.

The alumni in attendance, ranging from recent college grads to alums from the 70s, found at least some portion of the discussion pertinent to their own lives. In addition to analyses of market volatility, investment opportunities, borrowing forecasts, and the like, the speakers shared some basic advice for living in turbulent times.

“If you’re thinking of buying a house, don’t base your decision solely on the implications of the new mortgage deduction rulings,” commented Gorlovsky-Schepp. “Buy a house because you want to be a homeowner.”

“People don’t want to acknowledge change,” noted Glazer. “Be a beneficiary of the current market volatility, not a victim. Earnings will be up in the coming year, but not necessarily for the same companies.”

“For the sake of your mental health, take a long-range view of the current financial and political situation,” added Page. “Live your life according to your values and what’s important to you.”

The Alumni Career Development Committee hosts a number of events during the year, including the Career Fair for seniors, and networking and social gatherings in Boston and around the country. Contact Director of Alumni Engagement Marc Stroum ’98 at 339-686-2234 or m.stroum@rivers.org with comments or suggestions.