Our Story

Managing wealth involves far more than managing an investment portfolio.  It begins with developing a holistic, comprehensive understanding of who you are and the financial forces at work in your life.  It means helping you understand and respond effectively to these forces.  And, of course, it means helping you invest your assets in a way that reflects the realities of your life and the uniqueness of your long term goals. As Financial Advisors, we are committed to building a relationship of trust in which we can work closely with you to help you define your objectives, explore alternatives and choose the financial and investment strategies that are most appropriate for you.  As our relationship evolves, we hope you will come to regard us as a valued resource and professionals who can help you make a more informed decision on any financial issue. Our most important goal:  to help you achieve your objectives, providing guidance that helps your wealth do more for you.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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PLANNING FOR YOUR FAMILY'S FINANCIAL NEEDS

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    Philanthropic Planning
    Your philanthropic objectives are as personal as your vision of a better world. We can help you define and pursue your objectives, a considerable challenge when there are so many worthy causes and so many unmet needs.
    Strategic Philanthropy
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    Trust and Estate Planning Strategies
    Trust and Estate Planning Strategies
    We can review your tax and estate structures so that their tax characteristics are accurately reflected in your asset allocation analysis.
    The State of Your Parents' Estate
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    Intangible Asset Management
    Managing intangible assets is becoming increasingly important for individuals and companies to help grow and generate profits.
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    Family Governance
    It's extremely important to have a sound framework within which to make important family decisions, particularly for ultra high net worth families engaged in a common enterprise, such as running a family business, operating a family office, or simply investing together. We provide access to experts with the experience to help determine the optimal structures for your family.
    Family Governance system
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    Signature Access
    We provide access to abroad range of dedicated services designed to help enrich and enhance the health, safety, comfort, and interests of affluent families. These include everything, from private aviation, personal security, art advisory, and household staffing, to private health advisory services and advisory services for single family offices.
    The Lifestyle Advisory Offering
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    Wealth Education
    Financial Literacy means being empowered with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of life. Discussing family finances is especially important with adult children, no matter their age. It's not always easy, but starting the conversation is a key step in long-term wealth planning.
    Financial Empowerment Across Generations
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    Charitable Giving
    Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc. (Morgan Stanley GIFT) can provide you with an overview of some of the common methods that individuals use to make charitable gifts, along with some important tips that you should keep in mind.
    Charitable Giving Review
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    5.00% Annual Percentage Yield Preferred Savings
    Morgan Stanley clients with eligible brokerage accounts can earn 5.00% APY through deposits into our Preferred Savings Program for qualifying cash. Contact our team to learn more or click here for more details. Terms apply.
    learn more
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    2024 Tax Tables
    This helpful resource outlines the 2024 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
    Access the 2024 federal tax tables

Global Sports and Entertainment

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Every sports and entertainment profession is unique with its own characteristics, earnings profile and variable career span.
You require Financial Advisors who know the industry and how money flows from your work to your wallet. As Sports and Entertainment Directors, chosen for our advanced experience working within very specific fields, we understand the total financial picture and craft creative financial strategies that account for the unique challenges and dynamics of our clients’ careers.

Your life is filled with people who have supported and encouraged you. As Sports and Entertainment Directors, we are an integral part of that team, working alongside your agent, business manager and personal confidants. We believe that a cohesive and connected team is best suited to help high achievers make smart choices about their wealth.

By putting clients first, our team's Financial Advisors are leading the way.

Here, we celebrate excellence and give back to our community. Explore our collection of accolades, recognizing the outstanding achievements of our team and partners. Additionally, delve into our charitable efforts, where we strive to make a positive impact on society through various initiatives and partnerships. The BGS Group gives back to the NY Metro area through various charities. Most notably, the team has given back through the Ronald McDonald House at New Hyde Park, Island Harvest at Bethpage and with Meals From the Heart.
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024
    2024- The BGS Group

    [Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. (https://mgstn.ly/47xqiQ1)]
    Press Release
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    2020-2023 - Williams Burns

    2020-2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
    Press Release
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    Island Harvest, Bethpage, NY (Nov 2020, June 2021, June 2023, June 2024)
    Island Harvest has become Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organization.
    Their volunteers and staff now deliver millions of pounds of good, surplus food – much of which might otherwise go to waste – to a network of 570 Long Island-based food pantries, soup kitchens and other non-profit organizations that offer feeding services for those in need. By doing this, they provide a vital supply of food to counter the sharply rising problem of hunger here.
    To learn more about Island Harvest, Click Here
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    Ronald McDonald House, New Hyde Park, NY (Nov 2019, Oct 2022, Oct 2023)
    Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro means more time together for families with sick children.
    Time is that one thing we never seem to have enough of. It becomes all the more precious when you have a child who is very sick. The Ronald McDonald House takes care of some of the worries—where to stay, what to eat, and where to wash clothes—so that families can spend more time with each other. You can use your time to give families more time with their sick children.
    To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House, click here

Location

2 Jericho Plaza
Jericho, NY 11753
US
Direct:
(516) 336-0820(516) 336-0820
Toll-Free:
(866) 734-7286(866) 734-7286

Meet BGS Group

About William Burns

William Burns
Managing Director
Financial Advisor
Sports and Entertainment Director
NMLS #1288339

William Burns is a Financial Advisor in the Jericho office of Morgan Stanley.  He holds his Series 7, 8, 63, 65 and Life and Health Insurance Licenses.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Bill spent 25 years with Merrill Lynch as an International Wealth Management Advisor.  He also went through the Merrill Lynch Management Assessment and Training Program and spent significant time coaching, counseling and presenting at their Financial Advisory Training Program in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2023, Bill was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor list for the 4th year in a row.

Bill and his team work with a diverse client base that includes entertainers, professional athletes, business owners and other professionals.  The common thread is they are all looking to achieve their personal life goals, such as a comfortable retirement, sending their children to college or buying a second home.  His experience lies in proper asset allocation and asset management to help achieve these life goals.

Bill graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Oswego where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in both Economics and Psychology.  He currently resides in Cold Spring Harbor with his wife Gail and sons, William and Nicholas. 

He is very active in local sports league as a coach in baseball and basketball.  He is an avid golfer, and enjoys skiing, kayaking and travel.

2020-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: IL, FL, SC, NC, GA, DE, NV, IN, CT, CO, AK, NY, HI, TX, MA, AZ, ND, VA, PA, NJ, MI, MD, CA, MT; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1288339

About Theodore Grippo

Theodore Grippo
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Sports and Entertainment Director
NMLS #1290407

Theodore Grippo is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Jericho Office of Morgan Stanley.  He holds his Series 7, 63, 65 and Life and Health Insurance Licenses..

Ted has over 25 years of experience helping clients achieve their long-term financial goals. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2008, Ted spent 15 years as an International Wealth Advisor at Merrill Lynch.  He has been a partner of the BGS Group since 1993.  Ted attended Geneva College and graduated from NYIT in 1987 where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

Ted and his team have extensive experience working with high net worth families and business owners as well as professional athletes and entertainers.  He focuses in long term financial planning and professional portfolio management.  

Ted lives in Laurel Hollow, NY with his wife Heidi and their daughters Juliana and Kayley.  He is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing baseball.
Securities Agent: MA, AZ, AK, NE, NC, MT, GA, FL, WA, VA, TN, PA, CT, ND, NV, IN, TX, MI, HI, SC, CO, CA, MD, NY, NJ, IL, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290407

About Christopher Smith

Christopher Smith, CFP®
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Portfolio Management Director
Global Sports and Entertainment Director
NMLS #1255462

Christopher Smith is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner in the Jericho office of Morgan Stanley. He has been working in the financial field for over 20 years. He holds his series 7, 63 and 65 and Life and Health Insurance Licenses.

After graduating from Baruch College with honors, with a degree in Finance & Investments, Christopher spent 5 years working as an equities trader on Wall Street.  Gaining invaluable experience trading stocks for his own account, Christopher then decided it was time for a new challenge; helping people achieve their goals, such as planning for college and retirement and helping investors increase their cash flow and lower their tax burdens.
 
As a Vice President at HSBC Securities, Christopher developed financial plans for his clients around their goals, values and aspirations.  Christopher believes it is vital to take a team based approach, involving clients trusted advisors such as attorneys, CPAs, as well as insurance providers to help develop a financial plan.  Utilizing sophisticated financial planning software and asset allocation tools, and with the help of countless resources provided by Morgan Stanley, Christopher guides his clients through life's twists and turns, helping to keep them on course every step of the way.

Christopher lives in Massapequa with his wife Kerri and their two children, Brodie and Ryleigh. Christopher is a sports enthusiast who enjoys playing golf, baseball and basketball in his free time.
Securities Agent: GA, VA, MA, FL, SC, NY, NC, MT, NM, NJ, CT, CA, AK, ND, IN, CO, MI, AZ, HI, DE, PA, TX, NV, MD, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1255462

About Jenna Muscarella

Jenna Muscarella, CFP®
Financial Advisor
NMLS # 2373421

Jenna Muscarella is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner at Morgan Stanley. She holds her Series 7,66 and Life and Health Insurance Licenses.

She’s been working in the financial field for over 6 years. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, Jenna was an advisor at AXA/Equitable Advisors. There, she specialized in working with educators, helping them plan for retirement and various other needs such as asset management and insurance.

Jenna and her team, BGS Group, have extensive experience working with entertainers, professional athletes, business owners, high net worth families and individuals. She takes a holistic planning approach, first taking the time to understand her clients, what their future goals are such as, a comfortable retirement, sending their children to school, or buying a vacation home. Then, she creates a plan and puts together the proper investment portfolio to get them to their future goals from where they are today.

Jenna graduated with honors from Quinnipiac University where she graduated early to receive both her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Master’s in Business Administration in 4 years. She grew up in Garden City and currently lives in Massapequa. She enjoys watching professional sports, traveling, cooking, and making people laugh.
Securities Agent: MN, MA, OH, PR, NJ, VI, WV, DC, IN, WY, WI, WA, VT, VA, UT, TX, TN, SD, SC, RI, PA, OR, OK, NY, NV, NM, NH, NE, ND, NC, MT, MS, MO, MI, ME, MD, LA, KY, KS, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2373421

About Stefanie Andors

Stefanie Andors joined BGS Group in the Jericho office of Morgan Stanley in 2019 and brings with her 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. The focus of much of her career has been on portfolio construction, asset allocation and manager selection. In her current role as Portfolio Management Associate Director she will be an additional resource to clients as well as contribute to the team’s investment research and strategy implementation.

Stefanie is a graduate of Hofstra University where she obtained her BBA and MS in Finance. She holds her Series 3,4,7,24,63 and 65 and Life and Health Insurance licenses. Stefanie lives in Hicksville, NY.

About Georgia Skiadas

Georgia has been a Client Service Associate for over 15 years.  She has her Series 7 and her Series 63 licenses.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she worked at Merrill Lynch as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate.  Her role includes all levels of client service and administrative functions.  Her knowledge and expertise make her an integral part of our team, providing an unsurpassed level of service.

She graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business.

About AnnMarie DeVeau

AnnMarie has been a Client Service Associate for over 10 years.  Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2013, she worked as a Client Service Associate for Wells Fargo.  Her role includes marketing and administrative functions.  AnnMarie's professionalism, knowledge, and strong work ethic make her a valuable member of our team and enhance the level of service you will receive.

She graduated from NYIT with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

Overcoming Your 5 Biggest Retirement Challenges


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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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.

Wealth Management for Athletes and Entertainers

Understanding the unique financial challenges of athletes and entertainers and how they differ from one profession to the next, we deliver the experience and resources you need to help create and implement a comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plan based on your needs, values and aspirations.
  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Private Banking Solutions
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career
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You are your Own CEO: Build a Dream Team for Your Career

Assembling a team of trusted professionals to manage your career—and your money—is essential to help best position you to thrive. Here’s how.

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 BGS Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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 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.

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2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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3Morgan 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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4Investors 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.

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5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Morgan 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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7When 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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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)