Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor Speaks to SWS

Featured Events | Sep 29, 2014 | Claire Curry

By Lauren Kelly (GSB ’18)

The Fall Seminar Series continued for Smart Woman Securities (SWS) on September 24 as the group welcomed Fordham alumnus Marc Rosa, Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch.

Rosa provides strategies for asset and liability management and helps small to medium-sized companies, non-profit organizations, and endowments of charities create plans to reach their long- and short term goals. His job requires him to be “an advisor, not a friend,” meaning he sometimes has to provide reality checks to clients with unrealistic expectations. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 2002.

His presentation focused on personal finance, which Rosa explained is “never too early” to start planning. He opened with a discussion of budgets and goals, and advised students to begin saving early. “There are only three ways to reach your goals,” Rosa said. “Save more money, earn more money or extend the goal’s time frame.”

He also gave some general tips about different kinds of investments and when to make them. First, he suggested that when investing, start small and simple. Make sure the fees are reasonable, and make sure you have concrete goals in mind. Don’t be afraid to call a professional or use Google or Yahoo finance for help.

Rosa holds several certifications, including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Certified Financial Planner and Personal Investment advisor. He is also chairman of the Fordham alumni chapter of Westchester.

The SWS Fall Seminar Series continues on Wednesday, October 1. Students interested in joining Fordham’s chapter of Smart Woman Securities are welcome to attend. The seminar will be held at 7:30 in FMH 216.