Mitchell Freedman '64

Mitchell Freedman ’64 had childhood hopes of becoming a composer and rock and roll star, and for good reason. His high school band had an agent and an entertainment lawyer and was offered a recording deal. At the time, he was only 16.

Although his performing days are long over, except for an occasional “gig” at the local karaoke bar, Mr. Freedman is still drawn to the magic of arts and entertainment.

Mitchell Freedman Accountancy Corporation (MFAC), the accounting firm he founded in a small Los Angeles office in 1981 has grown into a successful corporation with well-known clients, and his financial advisory firm, MFAC Financial Advisors, Inc., keeps them well-heeled.

“We specialize in business management and financial counseling for performing and creative artists, and individuals with complex and unique financial needs,” he says.

His clients include Oscar-, Emmy-, and Tony-Award winning television and film directors, actors, writers, producers, variety performers, and executives.

“I can’t tell you who they are,” he says. “But, you know them, and if you go to Las Vegas, you might see one or two of them in their resident shows.”

Mr. Freedman has been honored five consecutive times as one of the “250 Best Financial Advisors” in the United States by Worth magazine, twice by Accounting Today as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in the accounting profession, and has appeared on three consecutive lists of the “50 Name$ to Know in Financial Planning” by Accounting Today. He has also been a commentator on CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and BBC3.

He co-authored the Guide to Planning for Performing and Creative Artists and the Guide to Planning for Divorce. He is also a founder and past-chair of the California Jump$tart Coalition, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of California’s youth.

“It’s extremely problematic that we have a generation of individuals who spend more than they earn, resulting in the first negative savings rate in this country since the Great Depression” he says. “We work to emphasize the importance of using credit wisely, and learning to plan and save.”

Among Mr. Freedman’s strongest memories of Adelphi are time spent with his Alpha Phi Beta fraternity brothers, and having to park in “Siberia” when arriving on campus for an afternoon class.

His first job after Adelphi was with Phillip F. Seckler & Co., a small accounting firm in New York City.  He also served as an adjunct professor in the Adelphi on Wheels Edu-train program.

Mr. Freedman has lived in the Los Angeles area since 1978 and currently lives in Malibu, California with his wife Arlene. Music is still a big part of his life, and he enjoys retreating to a music studio in his home. 

Contact
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