Welcome

Welcome to The Appelstein Monahan Group at Morgan Stanley.

We are a Wealth Management practice based in Boston and Middleton, MA with over 75 years of combined experience working with a select group of accomplished individuals and families, including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and financial professionals. As a group, we focus on advising people in need of retirement and legacy planning solutions in addition to traditional portfolio management and investment advice.

Much like that of a boutique, our practice is committed to accessibility and exceptional service. Combining our talents with the global resources of Morgan Stanley, we have the full range of capabilities to create, implement and maintain truly comprehensive wealth management plans.

We are investment behavioral counselors that are dedicated to offering quality and personalized wealth management solutions our clients can trust.

We look forward to meeting with you and your family to discuss how we can help you reach your goals.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Approach

As your personal CFO, we develop custom financial plans and investment strategies around your goals, needs and anxieties to help guide you on your financial journey. Our objective is to help our clients achieve and keep a position of financial independence.

We do so through our consultative process:
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    1. Develop an Understanding of You and Your Family
    •Listen carefully to understand your current situation,
    both short term and long-term goals/objectives, and your
    concerns
    •Identify any challenges unique to your situation
    •Understand your financial priorities
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    2. Analyze and Assess Your Finances
    •Collect financial statements, tax returns and other
    documents
    •Review your current and future financial situation
    •Analyze current investment portfolio
    •Identify any shortfalls or the impact of unexpected life
    events
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    3. Create Recommendations and Present to You
    •Develop a tailored financial plan and investment
    portfolio, utilizing Morgan Stanley resources
    •Present your financial plan and investment portfolio
    •Begin implementation, addressing any blind spots along
    the way
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    4. Ongoing Service and Commitment
    •Set up regular portfolio and financial plan reviews
    •Discuss changes in your life, adjusting your roadmap
    accordingly
    •Regular communication with your CPA, Estate Planner,
    and any other advisors you may have to ensure
    coordination

MODERN WEALTH TOOLS

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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley App make it easier for clients to view account information and monitor plans. Additionally, by linking your external accounts, you will benefit from more holistic planning with your entire financial picture in mind.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
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    Goals Based Planning
    We utilize financial planning software, the resources of Morgan Stanley, and work with you to develop comprehensive plans around your current situation and goals. Your financial plan is the roadmap to achieving your goals.
    Learn more about the Goal Planning System
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    Aladdin
    Our portfolio Risk Platform, powered by BlackRock's Aladdin, provides real time analytics that allow us to identify and better understand risk in your portfolio.
    Learn more about Aladdin
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    Cybersecurity
    Morgan Stanley makes it a priority to protect client information by continuously investing in enhanced online security features. Both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley App ensure the security of client assets.
    Protecting Your Data in a Digital Age

Press & The CFP®

The Appelstein Monahan Group Named to Forbes Magazine's Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2025
2025 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from
3/31/23 – 3/31/24.

The Appelstein Monahan Group Named to Forbes Magazine's Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024
2024 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from
3/31/22 – 3/31/23.

The Appelstein Monahan Group Named to Forbes Magazine's Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2023
2023 Forbes America's Top Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from
3/31/21-3/31/22.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Individuals certified by the CFP® Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate commitment and professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These four cornerstones set the foundation for the CFP® professional's ability in helping clients achieve their goals. Jeff's diverse skillset can help clients navigate the complicated financial factors in their lives.

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    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the latest report
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    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.
    Read the latest report

Location

28 State Street 35th
Fl
Boston, MA 02109
US
Direct:
(617) 478-6522(617) 478-6522
35 Village Road
Suite 601
Middleton, MA 01949
US
Direct:
(978) 739-3928(978) 739-3928

Meet Appelstein Monahan Group

About Jeffrey Appelstein

Jeffrey Appelstein is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), Executive Director, and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley’s Middleton office. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jeff has become a trusted advisor to retirees, high net worth families and small to mid-sized business owners. He works closely to help his clients understand, control, grow and preserve their wealth. He focuses on financial and investment-based solutions, estate and wealth transfer strategies and money management. Jeff positions himself as the personal CFO to his clients, helping guide them on their financial journey.

Jeff is a cum laude graduate from the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Jeff was a Financial Advisor at UBS and Merrill Lynch in their North Shore office’s. Jeff began his career at John Hancock where he obtained his CFP® .

Jeff enjoys working out, skiing, playing softball and spending time with his friends and family. He resides with his wife, Kim, and three children, Leigh, Josh, and Brooke in Middleton, MA.
Securities Agent: SC, UT, NH, MO, AZ, PA, NY, KY, NV, MN, MD, CO, VA, NC, MA, WA, OH, NJ, IL, DC, CA, RI, VT, IN, CT, ME, FL, DE, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2094083

About Justin Monahan

Justin Monahan is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley’s State Street Office in Boston. With over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, Justin is firmly committed to developing long-term relationships with his clients. Justin works closely with clients to develop financial plans and investment strategies. Additionally, he coordinates with accountants, estate planners and other professionals to help shape clients’ full financial lives. Justin's focus is to assist both high net worth families and small-mid sized business owners in prioritizing and achieving their financial goals.

Justin graduated from Providence College in 2000. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Justin was a Financial Advisor with UBS and Merrill Lynch in both the North Shore and Boston offices.

Justin is an avid golfer and is involved in several charitable endeavors, including Golf Fights Cancer. He resides in Belmont, MA with his wife Sarah and two children Ellie and Joey.
Securities Agent: VT, NH, MN, DC, UT, PA, NV, IN, IL, CO, TN, RI, NC, CA, NJ, KY, FL, CT, SC, NY, AZ, MO, ME, MA, WA, OR, VA, DE, OH; General Securities Representative
NMLS#: 2089723

About Robert Lemone

Robert Lemone is a Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager, and Financial Planning Specialist with the Appelstein Monahan Group at Morgan Stanley’s State Street Office in Boston. A graduate of Boston College with a degree in Finance and English, Rob joined the team in 2020 with a focus on advising individuals and families on comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Rob is dedicated to developing personal relationships with clients and takes the time to understand their needs and goals.

Rob grew up just outside of Boston in Wellesley, MA and attended St. Sebastian's School in Needham, where he remains active in the school's alumni association.

Rob lives in the South End and enjoys friends and family, and all things Boston Sports. He also enjoys playing golf in the summer in Osterville, MA.

Robert Lemone was named to Morgan Stanley's prestigious Pacesetter Club for 2025, a global recognition for financial advisors who, early in their career, have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first class client service.
Securities Agent: MA, AZ, VT, NC, CA, MN, ME, FL, CT, VA, RI, NY, NJ, DC, WA, NH, MO, UT, OH, NV, CO, DE, SC, PA, KY, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2128448

About Susan Cohan

Susan is a Senior Registered Associate with Morgan Stanley. Her primary responsibilities are client focused and she prides herself on providing the highest level of service. Susan is skilled in building and maintaining productive relationships, and is effective in meeting the needs of clients.

Susan earned a B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Rhode Island, and holds the Series 7 and 66 securities licenses. Prior to joining the team Susan worked in public accounting, and has held a variety of sales and marketing roles in both fortune 50 and medium sized firms.

Susan, her husband Eric, and family live in Marblehead. She enjoys working out, especially riding her Peloton

About Timothy Lake

Tim's professional commitment has always been about going the extra mile for his clients. He has a multitude of experience handling the complex operational details that a sophisticated client base requires. He works on all areas of client service, and is passionate about providing the best client experience possible.

Tim has been in the Financial Services industry since 2004. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Tim worked for UBS Financial Services Inc. and Putnam Investments. He earned a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

Tim and his wife Katie live in Dracut. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with his wife and dogs.
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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Appelstein Monahan Group today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan 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.

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3When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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4Morgan 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.

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5Morgan 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.

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6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and 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 matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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7Alternative 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.

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8Morgan 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

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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)