Chris Rivers, CFP®

President’s Message

We slide into November hot on the heels of a historic World Series title run by the Washington Nationals.  This was a long time coming as the last time that Washington had a rooting interest in the World Series was 86 years ago, in 1933, when they lost to the Giants. To those of us with a Series 7 license, 1933 may call to mind the Securities Act of 1933 – don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz at the end of this post on the ’33 Act vs. the ’34 Act.

1933 was a year of significant change in the U.S.  Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated on March 4^th, in the depths of the Great Depression, and the next day he declared a bank holiday lasting through March 13^th.  This had a clear short-term effect, as on March 15, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained a whopping 15.3%....to close at 62.10.  Since that time, the Dow has gained a whopping 43,585%, to reach the current level of roughly 27,000.  

We’ve come a long way since 1933, and there is much to be thankful for.   Here at home, we are thankful for your continued engagement with the chapter, which makes the FPA NCA a vibrant community.  The more of you we see at meetings, happy hours, and symposium events, the stronger we become.  Change is constant in our industry, and we are grateful that you continue to help shape the planning profession of the future.

Speaking of the future, here in the national capital area we are blessed with one of the strongest and most vibrant NexGen communities in the country.  On November 7^th, we have our NexGen Retreat from 10:30am to 4pm at the Lake House in Reston, VA.   We have three speakers lined up during the day, and the event is followed by a happy hour open to ALL members at 4pm.   And yes, that happy hour includes 1 hour of CE.   Please consider attending or sending a team member, as this is one of our liveliest events of the year.

Then on December 5^th we have our annual membership meeting and luncheon. We have two speakers lined up addressing timely topics. First, Harlan Accola will be presenting advanced applications in reverse mortgages and retirement planning. He’ll be followed by economist Terry Clower from George Mason University, presenting a local and national economic review and outlook.

On the horizon in early 2020, we have our premier event, the Winter Symposium, on Friday, January 24^th, at a new location, the Tysons Marriott.  Speakers and agenda will be announced in the coming weeks via email and social media.  Be sure to sign up early to take advantage of the early bird rate!

Lastly, a few weeks ago the 2020 board met to begin planning for next year. We’ve got a lot of exciting ideas for the future, but we need your help. We need volunteers, especially on board committees.   In many cases these are commitments of not more than 1-2 hours per month.  We need feedback and suggestions as well, as the chapter and its activities should be driven by the things that you, the members, value.   In the meantime, as you ready for the year-end flurry of activity in your practice, take a moment to consider all that you have to be thankful for, at work and at home.

All the best,

Chris

Chris Rivers, CFP®

2019 FPA NCA President

CRivers@AFMFA.com