Alec Benson
Financial Advisor,
Financial Planning Specialist
Direct:
(925) 746-2926(925) 746-2926
My Mission Statement
Comprehensive wealth planning strategies for your life and legacy
Welcome
Thank you for visiting my website. If you are a current client… Welcome. And if you are a future client, I hope you find my website informative and useful.
At the Ferber-Benson Group, we believe the changing world is complex and unpredictable. Even the most sophisticated find it difficult to both craft and adhere to an investment discipline. It is now more important than ever to expect greater simplicity, transparency and quality service from a trusted advisory relationship.
Our team works diligently to deliver creative and thoughtful strategies based on your unique needs, all in an effort to help ensure that you have trust in our experience, integrity, and the professional quality of our work.
We believe trust is earned, not given. Our team takes great pride in building a long-term relationship – one that is dedicated to you… after all it’s your future.
At the Ferber-Benson Group, we believe the changing world is complex and unpredictable. Even the most sophisticated find it difficult to both craft and adhere to an investment discipline. It is now more important than ever to expect greater simplicity, transparency and quality service from a trusted advisory relationship.
Our team works diligently to deliver creative and thoughtful strategies based on your unique needs, all in an effort to help ensure that you have trust in our experience, integrity, and the professional quality of our work.
We believe trust is earned, not given. Our team takes great pride in building a long-term relationship – one that is dedicated to you… after all it’s your future.
Securities Agent: MI, CA, AK, NV, NH, IN, IL, ID, GA, MA, FL, OK, TX, KY, LA, WY, NJ, AZ, WA, NY, MO, DE, SC, PA, OR, NC, HI, CO, VA, UT, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2388323
NMLS#: 2388323
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources
We believe financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental tools, investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’ve provided links to these materials and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the tools and topics that impact your overall wealth.
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental tools, investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’ve provided links to these materials and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the tools and topics that impact your overall wealth.
Morgan Stanley Online
Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.
Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
On The Markets Research Report
Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
Click here for the most recent "On the Markets" report
Total Wealth View
Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth Tool. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
Learn more about Total Wealth View
Morgan Stanley CashPlus
Access your cash anytime and anywhere with a Morgan Stanley CashPlus Account, the next generation of cash management at Morgan Stanley. CashPlus allows you to easily manage your cash on the go with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Learn more about CashPlus
Digital Vault
Digital Vault allows you to easily manage and share your important documents. All files are scanned for viruses and malware, and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
Learn more about Digital Vault
Portfolio Risk Platform
Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Platform is powered by BlackRock's Aladdin risk engine, a state-of-the-art, innovative risk engine used by several of the world’s largest institutional asset managers, providing you with comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios. This helpful tool can assist you in making educated investment decisions with increased confidence.
Learn more about the Portfolio Risk Platform
MS Reserved
Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards clients with over one million dollars in assets and liabilities invested at the firm. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
Learn more about MS Reserved
Family Office Resources
Family Office Resources (FOR) is a helpful resource that provides specialized technical expertise to ultra-high net worth advisors and clients across a broad range of family wealth management issues.
Learn more about Family Office Resources
Goals Based Planning
Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology in reaching your financial goals.
Learn more about our Planning ToolsEquity Compensation Resources
For many of our clients, wealth building begins at work. Helping you make the most of your compensation and the benefits you receive through your employer may help you reach your financial goals more quickly. As we help you make these decisions, we think it's important to consider and discuss the following:
Founder and Early Employee Playbook
Founders and early employees are faced with unique decisions and challenges. We will help you navigate this process, guiding you through each step.
Learn more about our process
Diversifying Company Equity Holdings
Equity compensation can be a valuable part of your compensation, but as you accumulate company stock over time, including in your 401(k), it may become a disproportionate share of your total portfolio and net worth. If the value of that stock declines—for any reason—your net worth could take a major hit. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider diversifying.
Learn more
Understanding RSUs and PSUs
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a promise to deliver shares of company stock to the holders upon vesting. Performance Stock Units (PSUs) are similar to RSUs, but their vesting schedule may be based solely or in addition to on predetermined measures of performance. The employee is not required to pay for the shares when shares are awarded or when they vest. Understanding your RSUs and PSUs are critical when implementing a plan.
Learn moreTax Considerations with Equity Compensation
To make the most of your equity compensation, you will need to know the tax impact of your equity awards. The type of equity compensation and the length of time you hold the actual shares underlying the award will determine the tax treatment of your equity compensation. Having a strategy to minimize these taxes will allow you to keep more of the equity compensation you’ve earned.
Learn moreClient Service Team
Jennifer Argento - Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(925) 930-3812(925) 930-3812
Email:jennifer.argento@morganstanley.com
Location
1333 N California Blvd
Suite 133
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
US
Direct:
(925) 746-2926(925) 746-2926
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Alec Benson today.
1Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
5Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
6Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
5Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
6Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.
7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)
