Peter Neuwirth ’74 Takes His Own Advice

Peter Neuwirth ’74—actuary, co-founder of consulting firm Neuwirth Associates, and author of two books on financial planning—is an expert on retirement income strategy. He is also an enthusiastic investor in Lawrenceville with a charitable gift annuity (CGA) established in 2003 and a charitable remainder trust (CRT) established in 2006. The income from both investments became indispensable during unexpected challenges.

“I had benefited from the sale of a small company in 2002 and was looking for ways to shelter income,” says Neuwirth. “Lawrenceville approached me about planned giving. With a CGA I was able to take a tax deduction while securing a guaranteed income stream, a key component of my long-term retirement plan, and the return on investment was very competitive with commercial products.”

A few years later, when Neuwirth wanted to make a larger investment, a CRT, with its higher minimum gift threshold and expanded survivor benefits, was more appropriate to his circumstances as well as his philanthropic goals. He used his gift to establish the Peter J. Neuwirth Financial Aid Fund.

“I received a better education at Lawrenceville than I did at Harvard,” he states. “When I think about benefiting the School, I want to provide an opportunity for more kids who wouldn’t have the resources to attend otherwise.”

Neuwirth says his investments in Lawrenceville are two of the best financial decisions he’s ever made. “My CGA kicked in at the age of 65 with much-needed income as I was going through a divorce. Then the pandemic hit and I lost my home to a wildfire. Insurance paid for the loss, but having a steady income from my two Lawrenceville gifts meant I was much less constrained for cash flow.”

Neuwirth’s focus on future value is based on core beliefs about planning for life’s and the market’s uncertainties. “I think about the long-term future all the time and the value I’ll be getting in ten or 20 years. How you deploy your resources today will affect your ability to have a sustainable retirement and leave a meaningful legacy. Planned giving is as good a way as I can think of.”