

Bluestone Planning Group at Morgan Stanley

Our Mission Statement
on Wall Street
Our Story and Services
Why You?
Our clients are intelligent and capable people, who generally just don't have the interest or the time to take on managing their own investment and planning needs. We serve a range of clients from diverse backgrounds including:
- Multi-generational families;
- Business owners and high level executives;
- Members of the LGBTQIA+ community;
- Women seeking guidance for themselves and their family, especially following becoming divorced or widowed;
- Professionals like physicians, attorneys, academic faculty and staff, engineers, architects, and accountants;
- Individuals experiencing sudden wealth, such as winning the lottery, inheriting a significant sum, or selling a business;
- Introductions from existing clients to their friends, family, and colleagues
Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on.
– Serena Williams
Why Us?
Our team provides a distinctive collection of knowledge, wisdom, and experience. Both personally and professionally, we have seen a lot, and can bring those experiences to bear, helping you create a plan specific to your needs and aspirations. We respect that you have a unique vision for what wealth will do for you and your family. Sometimes it provides freedom from everyday worries, a tool to effect social change, or it can be the source of a family legacy that provides security and opportunity for generations to come. Whatever your vision is, we work to understand it, support it, and help you create and implement the structure needed to make it a reality.
As a dedicated Financial Advisor, we seek to be a safe space where you can say out loud both the dreams you aspire to, and the fears that worry you. We will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. We're direct, but compassionate. We bring our own life experiences to bear for your benefit, which helps us relate to the life events that you're experiencing. Our understanding gives us the insight to deal with these issues practically. This is not a theoretical exercise. We talk to you in ordinary terms, not industry jargon. We seek to educate you about your finances, not impress you with how much we know. This is about you, because it should be. Let us help you get where you want to go.
By working with a team, you get the benefit of each Financial Advisor having a more robust and nuanced understanding of specific areas of financial planning and investments. This allows each of us to dive deeper into our areas of interest. And you get access to all of us.
It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Why Planning?
A plan articulates specifically what you want to accomplish. Without specifics like this to guide our work, we're just throwing spaghetti and hoping something sticks. That's not a plan! And it's certainly not the most elegant, tax-efficient, or intentional way to accomplish those goals. Without the framework we get from a plan, it's hard to make adjustments because nothing is defined.
To help best position yourself to make your financial goals a reality, you need a plan to serve as the foundation for everything else: who are you planning for, what are you planning for, when will it happen, where will it occur, how does that plan look, and why is it important to you?
If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.
– Dolly Parton
- Financial PlanningFootnote1
- Retirement PlanningFootnote2
- Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote3
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote4
- LGBT+ Planning ServicesFootnote5
- Sustainable InvestingFootnote6
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote7
- Philanthropic ManagementFootnote8
- Endowments and FoundationsFootnote9
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote10
What's In a Name?
Potomac Bluestone is the rock that built Washington DC, used in the foundations of the White House, the US Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Like this strong, local resource, we would like to be the foundation upon which your financial plans are made and achieved.
After lots of discussion, and reflection, and editing, we are proud to announce our new team brochure. We hope you share our enthusiasm for how it showcases our team members, and our capabilities. It's our best description of who we are, what we do, and why someone should work with us. Please feel welcome to share it with your friends and colleagues.
Our clients are much more than a portfolio of assets. They are individuals and families with active lives, who seek a team of trusted advisors who will provide them with thorough and objective guidance on a full range of topics. Our team has a strong and collaborative practice that includes a diverse group of clients who need professional counsel on the following issues:
- Managing a life-changing event with confidence
- Meeting the needs of today's modern families
- Planning for, executing, and monitoring your successful retirement
- Covering educational expenses with a minimum of tax
- Constructing and managing a retirement plan and other financial wellness plans for their business
- Managing the challenges of complex executive compensation and stock options
- Managing the challenges of complex executive compensation and stock options
- Being tax smart in both the accumulation and distribution phases
- Preparing children emotionally and intellectually to manage wealth
- Achieving long-term charitable and philanthropic goals
- Collaborating with your accountant, estate planning attorney, and business attorney
- Managing risk throughout your portfolio
- Banking and lending solutions to manage cash flow
- Protecting your family through annuities and insurance
Out and About
The Bluestone Planning Group believes that our calling goes beyond the walls of our office – and our Zoom rooms. We are dedicated to bringing our full selves to our personal and professional communities through our experiences, our passion for helping clients finding their agency, and continuing our own education so we can best represent our clients.
We make it a priority to have our feet on the ground, regardless of venue -- whether it's speaking at local events, contributing to financial news outlets, making podcast appearances, rolling up our sleeves for charity events, or getting featured in magazines like Vogue. Our commitment to making a difference is always front and center. Here are some of the ways we stay connected, share our experience and insights, and support causes that matter most to our team, our clients, and our communities.
We are honored to announce the Bluestone Planning Group has been recognized as one of the 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams! We strive to bring our clients the quality advice and financial counsel they need to advance their financial wellbeing and this award let's us know we are on the right track. We would like to thank all of our clients who have bestowed their trust in us to guide them in managing their wealth…it would not be possible without you!
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23.
Award Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
We are proud to share that our team was recently profiled in Vogue Magazine.
It's hard to see yourself doing something when there's no one like you to help you visualize. How can you be an investor, when you don't see investors who look like you, who share your experience, who understand your perspectivd? Well, we do!
Here's to our being representative for an entire generation of women who can now see themselves as investors.
In 2021, Sue joined Ed Lopez of VanEck on their podcast, Trends with Benefits, to discuss her background, her start in financial services, building a practice, how to encourage more young women to enter the field of finance, and what men can do to help women in business. Take a listen here...
Syrinda Paige is proud to have been a three time speaker for the 3rd Black Wealth Summit in 2023. Her presentations included "Building the Wealth to Live the Life You Love," and "Credit and Debt Management : Staying on Track to Achieve Your Goals" Both presentations were aimed to be both practical and aspirational, and to provide actionable takeaways for attendees.
A coach and mentor to women and the younger generation and recently named a Morgan Stanley MAKER, she puts fears aside to be the change in her industry. MAKERS at Morgan Stanley is an annual program that celebrates groundbreakers, innovators and champions of women's achievement. Take a listen here to learn more about Sue's journey in the world of wealth management…
After nearly a decade of service on the PMI Board of Directors, and chairing it's annual Forum twice, PMI awarded Sue the Bill Eager Award. It is bestowed for attributes such as an effort to always improve your knowledge base and skill set, a willingness to share that knowledge and expertise with colleagues, a commitment to hard work and persistence, and being dedicated to helping their team achieve its full potential.
Syrinda has served on the board of Covenant House, a non-profit organization in D.C., since 2014.
Covenant House's annual Executive Edition of Sleep Out is a volunteer experience in the month of November. During the Sleep Out, executives and professionals stand in solidarity with our youth by making ourselves homeless for an entire night – sleeping on a cardboard box, in a sleeping bag, raising funds and awareness, all in an effort to give youth a safe roof over their heads, workforce training, and nutritious meals.
Syrinda was a co-producer of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson on Broadway. The production was such a hit that it was nominated for two Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Samuel L. Jackson, and Best Revival of a Play.
Location
Meet Bluestone Planning Group
About Sue S. van der Linden
I have been helping clients achieve their goals since 1994. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Portfolio Management Institute, and the Association of Professional Investment Consultants. And I am a member of Morgan Stanley’s Technology Council, and the Morgan Stanley Marketing Council. I earned my BA from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from The George Washington University. I hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation, am a Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Investment Management Analyst, Certified Private Wealth Advisor, and a Certified Wealth Strategist. I co-wrote Financial Custody: You, Your Money and Divorce. I was recently named a member of the MAKERS® Class of 2021, and to the Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors of 2021.
My husband Bob and I have a daughter, Rachael, who is a senior at The Madeira School. I am involved with many charities including the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association and others. For fun, I compete in equestrian sports, particularly dressage and eventing, but I also enjoy travel, reading, needlework, cooking, gardening, and playing with my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21.
NMLS#: 1255437
CA Insurance License #: 0G76059
About Syrinda Elizabeth Paige
NMLS#: 1282574
CA Insurance License #: 0F03310
About Annmarie M Bilger
With their help, Annmarie's father was able to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. her family moved to Grenada while he studied at St. George's University. When they returned to the U.S., they moved in with her grandparents. Her mother worked full time as a nurse and her father worked countless hours completing his residency.
Sadly, when Annmarie was 8, she lost her mother to breast cancer. Her grandparents stepped in again and became a second set of patents for Annmarie and her siblings. These childhood experiences were formative for Annmarie, instilling in her the importance of family., a strong work ethic, and helping and caring for others.
Today, she uses her knowledge, skills and over 25 years of experience to help busy families, corporate executives, nonprofits and business owners on their financial independence journeys. She takes great pride and personal satisfaction in helping her clients grow and maintain the wealth and lifestyle they have worked so hard to build while also helping employees prepare for their future. Annmarie's goal is to help and care for each client as if there were part of her extended family.
She has been a member of various CFP Board committees, where she helped create exam questions, participated in diversity and inclusion reviews of exam questions, and helped develop the exam passing standards.
Annmarie also serves as a board member of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and is the Chair of their annual Women's Leadership Conference. This work brings her personal fulfillment, as it promotes connecting and empowering women in business while also giving them a voice in the community.
She lives with her husband, Chris, in Howard County, MD; their three children, Allie, Erin and Jason; and their dog, Dice.
In her leisure time, Annmarie enjoys travelling, cooking and trying out new recipes, hosting parties, and spending time with friend and family.
NMLS#: 1726512
CA Insurance License #: 0M13320
About Rica Muhammad
She is a key team member in account servicing, and manages the transition for clients as they transfer to The Bluestone Planning Group.
She has a rich background in both private companies and government departments, including progressive positions at the National Society of Black Engineers, where she thrived in the mission of NSBE to expose more African-American students to the field of engineering.
Rica lives in Maryland with her children, Justice and Jelani; and her Mom. She enjoys baking, traveling, crafting, and roller skating in her time away from the office.
About Dante Chesley
Some years ago, he met Syrinda Paige, cultivating a professional relationship over time. The Client Service Associate opportunity knocked, with Dante being delighted to answer as the newest member of the Bluestone Planning Group. He looks forward to working with the team of Syrinda Paige, Sue van der Linden, Annmarie Bilger, Ana Mirandes, Rica Muhammad, and Jill Fernicola.

Contact Sue van der Linden

Contact Syrinda Elizabeth Paige

Contact Annmarie M Bilger
The Power of Partnerships
About Sean W. Ruediger
Sean began his career in financial services in 2012 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, Sean worked at PHH Mortgage as a Senior Loan Processor assigned to Morgan Stanley’s clients. Additionally, he was PHH’s lead trainer on Morgan Stanley’s mortgage procedures and processes.
Sean is a Lean Six Sigma certified yellow belt. He and his wife reside in Maryland. Outside of the office, Sean enjoys writing music, graphic designing and spending time with his family and friends.
About Tolu Adeyemi
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Tolu began his career in financial services in 2007, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Client Advisor at PNC Private Bank. He also served as a Wealth Management Banker and Investment Service Adviser for Merrill Lynch.
Tolu is a graduate of Kean University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He lives in Fulton, MD with his wife and two sons. Outside of the office, Tolu enjoys playing golf, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
About Jill Toomey
Jill began her career in financial services in 2013 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2016. Prior to her current position, Jill served as a Financial Advisor and as the Southeast Region Planning Solutions Specialist covering the states of GA, FL, AL, KY, TN, and WV.
Jill received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Delaware and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation, which is the standard of excellence in financial planning. Jill currently resides in Alpharetta, GA.
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Mosaic
Financial Wellness
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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9Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
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Awards Disclosures