Client Events
Women, Wine, and Wealth 2024 with Literations & New England Education Consultants
March 21, 2024
In honor and celebration of Women's History Month, VPF team hosted their 2nd annual Women, Wine, and Wealth event with speakers from Literations and New England Education Consultants for the clients of VPF and female leaders in the community.
Wes Enick, Executive Director at Literations, shed light on the ongoing youth literacy crisis in MA and how his organization is working to address the issue. Literations pairs highly trained volunteer literacy coaches with 1st-4th graders to deliver evidence-based, one-to-one literacy interventions. Through this detailed program, Literations’ students significantly improve their reading and social-emotional skills.
Nicole Kelman, Founder and CEO of New England Education Consultants, shared her insight into the college admissions process from her 10+ years of experience working at admissions board of many top selective universities. She also explained how she and her team not only help prepare their students for higher education, but also foster their future careers and aspirations through positive reinforcements and "student-first" mentality.
Longevity Panel Discussion Event
November 9, 2023
The VPF team hosted their Longevity Panel Discussion Event at Wingate Residences in Needham. The panel was composed of industry experts all pertinent to longevity. Many thanks to our panelists - Denise J. McCarthy, Esq. (estate law), Vikki Greenberg Levine (at-home care), and Arthur Magni (funeral director) for providing their diverse insight and expertise throughout the night. Special thanks to our panelist and venue host Amy Lucas (director at Wingate)!
As conversations intertwined, it became evident that the pursuit of longer, healthier lives demands a holistic approach, balancing technological progress with ethical frameworks and social consciousness. The event not only illuminated the challenges ahead but also sparked hope for a future where longevity is not just about extending years, but enhancing the quality of life for all.
VPF Open House in the NEW Needham Office
April 21, 2023
The VPF team hosted an Open House event at their new office location in Needham, MA for the clients. They enjoyed meeting the clients in person and showing them around their workspace. From the delicious refreshments to the engaging conversations, it was an absolute pleasure for the team to spend the afternoon with their valued clients.
This event was also a great opportunity to work with Bridge, a nonprofit organization that provides effective and innovative services to homeless and high-risk youth, helping them avoid a lifetime of dependency on social services and guiding them towards self-sufficiency, ultimately transforming their lives and building a fulfilling, meaningful future. Guests at the event got to learn more about how Bridge is helping the youth in the community and how they can contribute to the organization.
VPF hosts Women, Wine, and Wealth with RIA, Inc.
March 30, 2023
In early October, VPF hosted a webinar "Plan now for Health Care Costs in Retirement" with guest speaker, Ryan McKee. Ryan, a regional director at Fidelity Institutional, explained the different Medicare options available and their cost considerations. As Ryan explained during the webinar, planning for health care coverage in retirement or near- retirement can be very complicated. Furthermore, health care is an essential expense that cannot be ignored when planning for your financial future. Thus, he emphasized the importance of working with financial planners and representatives, like VPF, to help you pursue your goals and execute plans that fit your financial situation.
Second Annual BBQ Cookout
August 5, 2022
VPF hosted its second annual BBQ cookout for clients! Despite the scorching heat and the impending storm, many of our clients attended and enjoyed spending time with the VPF team. We were very happy to host them one last time in our Brighton office!
VPF Hosts "Helping My Aging Parents" Webinar with Dr. Julie Norstrand
May 25, 2022
Julie Norstrand holds a PhD in Social Work with specialization in Gerontology. Julie has worked in the field of gerontology for the last 15 years, including clinical work, research, and academia. Through her work she has gained expertise in the aging experience, including the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur in old age in the context of today’s economic and social environment. All of this has given Julie an in-depth knowledge of the constraints on the family when the older adult starts to require assistance to stay safely in their own home.
VPF Hosts "Beyond The Numbers" Webinar with Brad McMillan
October 7, 2021
To close out the third quarter, Vantage Point Financial hosted a webinar with Commonwealth Financial Network CIO Brad McMillan. During the event, Brad offered his observations on recent market challenges and emerging opportunities, sharing how investors can stay informed on current events and make smart investment decisions.
First Annual Barbeque Cookout
August 6, 2021
On Friday, VPF hosted its first annual barbeque cookout for clients! The event featured pulled pork sliders, drinks by the pool, and free VPF apparel. The team enjoyed catching up with clients in person, and looks forward to hosting another cookout next summer!
VPF Hosts "Keeping Your Investments on Track During Turbulent Times" Presentation
June 30, 2020
VPF hosted a presentation for the Newton Free Library's series, You and Your Financial Future. Titled "Keeping Your Investments on Track During Turbulent Times," the presentation touched on topics related to COVID-19 and the pandemic's impact on investment activities. By analyzing former economic trends during market swings, VPF shed light on strategic investments during turbulent times.
VPF Hosts “Mindful Retirement” Workshop
October 12, 2019
On Saturday, October 12th, VPF hosted a “Mindful Retirement” workshop at The Harvard Club for their clients. Facilitator Joni Youngwirth, an industry leader and managing partner at broker/dealer Commonwealth Financial Network, talked about the most important components of a successful retirement beyond finances. Attendees were challenged to conduct a personal assessment of retirement readiness and started to lay a foundation for a successful retirement action plan.
VPF looks forward to hosting this event again in the future and preparing their next group of clients for a successful retirement as they make this life transition.
VPF Hosts Economic Outlook with Brad McMillan
September 21, 2019
On September 21, the VPF team hosted An Economic Outlook presentation with Brad McMillan. As CIO of Commonwealth Financial Network®, Brad has extensively researched the economy and how it affects investors. He spoke to VPF's clients regarding the state of the economy and whether they should be worried based on economic trends. Clients learned that positive trends in areas such as job growth and consumer confidence show that a possible recession might not be as soon as many expected. Brad facilitated a lively question-and-answer session following his presentation, answering questions that ranged from the effects of the current political turmoil to artificial intelligence and what he thinks it can mean for our economy.
An Economic Outlook is the third event that VPF has hosted this year as part of our initiative to make relevant financial information accessible to clients.
Celebrating Ashley's 40 Under 40 Recognition
July 18, 2019
David Hosts Final Installment of "You and Your Financial Future" Series
May 1, 2019
In the final installment of this year’s You and Your Financial Future series, sponsored by the Newton Free Library, the topic of discussion was “Diversification and Managing Your Portfolio.”
During the seminar, David served as both panelist and moderator. He used his knowledge of the financial industry and investments to contextualize the program. The other two panelists were Aaron Stevens and Dr. Zvi Bodie. Mr. Stevens discussed how to make smart financial choices to achieve your retirement and other goals. Dr. Bodie focused on balancing the risk of your portfolio with your financial goals.
David has participated in the You and Your Financial Future series for two years. The program seeks to educate Newton residents on a variety of important money-related topics.
David Moderates "You and Your Financial Future" Series
March 27, 2019
For the second year in a row, David was selected to moderate a three-part series of presentations, You and Your Financial Future, hosted by the Newton Free Library. Attendees learned about a variety of money-related topics that can assist them in achieving their financial goals. The topics included: taxes; gifting, trusts, and family asset preservation; and diversification and managing your portfolio. Each topic was discussed in detail by a panel of experts, which included one academic, one private practitioner, and David himself.
The first discussion, The Tax Talk, was on Tuesday, March 27. The panelists included:
David Griswold is President and Founder of Vantage Point Financial, a full-service, independent financial firm. David teaches finance and economics in both the undergraduate and MBA programs at the Boston University School of Management. His courses at Boston University include investments, economics, financial management, and risk management. After completing his bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University, David went on to complete his MBA in marketing and international business at University of Cincinnati, and a master's in German literature from Bowling Green State University. He went on to earn his doctorate in finance and economics from Boston University, where he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma as top of his doctoral class.
Brad McMillan, CFA®, CAIA, MAI, is chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser–independent broker/dealer. As CIO, Brad chairs the investment committee and is the primary spokesperson for Commonwealth’s investment divisions. Brad received his BA from Dartmouth College, an MS from MIT, and an MS from Boston College. He has worked as a real estate developer, consultant, and lender; as an investment analyst, manager, and consultant; and as a start-up executive. His professional qualifications include designated membership in the Appraisal Institute (MAI), the CFA Institute, and the CAIA Association. Brad speaks around the country on investment issues and writes for industry publications, as well as for this blog.
Ron Weiner has been owner of Weiner and Rice, PC, since 1986 and has always worked in public accounting. He received a Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, and a Master of Business Administration from Boston University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. Ron is a long-term member of the BNI Financial District Chapter.
The following two presentations after The Tax Talk were:
- Gifting, Trusts, and Family Asset Preservation: Tuesday, April 17
- Diversification and Managing Your Portfolio: Tuesday, May 29
VPF Hosts First Beer Tasting Client Social
October 19, 2018
David and Ashley hosted the office’s first beer tasting client social on Thursday, October 19. The event took place at Hopsters in Newton, MA, rated Boston’s best craft beer experience! Guests enjoyed flights of beer alongside craft pizzas and great conversation.
The beer tasting is part of a series of client-centered events that David and Ashley began offering in October 2016. These events, which have included beer and wine tastings, have received positive feedback from both VPF's clients. Clients have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing night with friends and family while also creating new connections with other members of the VPF community.
David and Ashley plan on hosting other client socials in 2018, including alcohol tastings, group sporting events, and a CPR course.