Stephen Maresca '72CBA Plans His Work and Works His Plan

September 9, 2013

Stephen Maresca '72CBA doesn't believe that anything good happens by accident.

A forward-thinking person by nature, he is convinced that anyone who fails to plan is unknowingly planning to fail. He looks at the future as a challenge, but one that can be turned into an opportunity by thoughtful preparation that leads to prudent choices.

Maresca puts his personal philosophy into action as a Financial Advisor for individuals and small businesses. His practice focuses on estate and retirement planning and includes tax preparation and tax planning as a way to provide a complete financial package for his clients.

"I'm part of a firm called American Portfolios Financial Services," he said. "I have my own business and my own clients, but I have to work through a firm because if I want to recommend an investment I'm not what they call a principal, which means that I have to do my business through another firm. Mutual funds, investments, annuity and insurance are all done through American Portfolios Financial, but I'm considered an independent consultant. I have my own business within them. The tax work is actually my own separate business."

Not surprisingly, the many recent changes in the federal, state and local tax laws, coupled with the still-turbulent economy, have made it more important than ever for people to seek the assistance of a professional financial planner. Maresca is well aware that for the average individual and small business owner, the only way to successfully plan for the future is to view it within the context of the present.

"The world of finance and investments is complicated," he noted, "and it's important because everyone needs to make the most of their money and be prudent about where it goes. One of the big facts of life today is that people are living longer, and as people live longer they have to manage their income and expenses over a greater period of time. It's absolutely essential for people to have their finances professionally monitored Everyone should have someone that they can trust, who knows the investment and financial field and has their best interests at heart."

Being aware of the interests and concerns of others is nothing new for this dynamic alumnus. He began his studies on St. John's Schermerhorn Street campus, transferring for his senior year to the Staten Island campus when the Brooklyn Center closed in 1971. He immediately made his presence known by serving as the first Student Body President from St. John's newest location, acting as a spokesperson for the students in their dealings with the University.

Today, forty years later, Maresca is still doing what he can to effect change within his Brooklyn community. He has run for elected office and is active in a wide range of party politics and community affairs.

"I like the idea that by getting involved in civic activities I'm doing what I can to make the world a better place," he remarked. " I got involved because I wanted to do something for my community, to represent the people around me and hopefully do some good in the process. I do that whenever I can. It covers everything from trying to make the neighborhood better to collecting food at Thanksgiving and organizing clothing drives. It also blends into the political, which is something that I've been active in almost since I graduated from St. John's. Most of this is pro bono, and what I get is the psychic enjoyment that comes from doing good."

He also derives a great deal of enjoyment from continuing to support the University that helped to form him into the person he is today. In addition to being an active participant in a variety of alumni events, Maresca is a member of The McCallen Society, an organization comprised of donors who have included St. John's in their estate plans. It is his way of giving back to the University by helping to plan for its future.

"St. John's will always be an important part of my life and I will never forget that whatever success I've had is because of what I experienced as a student there," he said. "To remember St. John's with whatever is left after I'm gone will help me to pay back for all that it's given me. Being a member of The McCallen Society allows me to be a part of the University's future. I've lived my entire life advising people about the importance of planning, so there was no way I could pass up an opportunity to practice what I preach."

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