Why Brad Meigs CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS Named The American College of Financial Services as a 401 k Partial Beneficiary

Alumni Spotlight: Brad Meigs CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS

Bradford L. Meigs, CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS has spent his career helping families plan for the future. As a financial advisor with New York Life Insurance Company, he guides clients to grow, manage, and protect wealth across generations.

He applies that same discipline to his own philanthropy.

In 2019, Meigs named The American College of Financial Services as a partial beneficiary of his 401(k), creating a simple and lasting way to give back.

His decision reflects a belief that education strengthens the profession. By supporting The College, he is helping prepare future advisors to better serve clients, expand access to financial knowledge, and uphold ethical standards.

“The College played a significant role in my professional development,” Meigs says. “It shaped how I think about financial planning and reinforced the importance of ethics. Naming The College as a beneficiary felt like a natural extension of that.”

Meigs earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College, served in the United States Army, and began his career in finance in 1972 at LF Rothschild before joining New York Life. He later earned his CLU®, ChFC®, and MSFS from The American College.

“The technical knowledge is essential,” he notes, “but what distinguishes The College is its focus on ethical standards and applied education. That benefits the entire profession and society.”

His approach also reflects sound planning principles. Retirement assets such as 401(k)s and IRAs are often among the most heavily taxed when left to individuals.

“When these assets pass to heirs, they can be subject to income taxes and potentially estate taxes,” Meigs explains. “When directed to a qualified 501(c)(3), the full value supports the mission without being reduced by taxes.”

For donors who have already provided for family through other assets, naming a charitable beneficiary can be an efficient way to extend impact.

“It does not require rewriting your will,” he says. “You update a beneficiary designation, retain control during your lifetime, and create a legacy aligned with your values.”

Meigs views this as an investment in the future of financial services.

“Our clients deserve advisors who are well educated and ethically grounded,” he says. “The College helps ensure that standard for future generations.”

For alumni and friends, his advice is straightforward:

“Review your beneficiary designations. If you believe in advancing applied financial knowledge and ethical leadership, a retirement account is a practical way to make a lasting impact.”

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about naming The American College of Financial Services in your estate plans, please contact: Alex Simon, Major and Planned Gift Officer, alex.simon@theamericancollege.edu or (610) 526-1026.

The American College of Financial Services is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by federal and state law. EIN 23 1352008.