Matt Edwards
Associate Private Banker
H. Bruce Spencer Jr., CFP®
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
Senior Portfolio Management Director,
Lending Specialist
Direct:
(423) 752-4709(423) 752-4709
Toll-Free:
(800) 745-7745(800) 745-7745
My Mission Statement
My mission is to empower my clients to achieve financial success through comprehensive financial planning and investment management. I strive for excellence, integrity, and personalized attention to simplify the complexities of finance.
My Story
A native of Winchester, Tennessee, Bruce moved to Chattanooga in 1998 as a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He began his financial services career at a local bank after graduation and joined Morgan Stanley in 2004. Bruce continued his education by earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2009 and his MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2012.
Outside of the office, Bruce enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Alicia, and two young children. In 2023, Bruce received the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor recognition, an award that demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his clients and their families.
Disclosure: Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22.
Outside of the office, Bruce enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Alicia, and two young children. In 2023, Bruce received the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor recognition, an award that demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his clients and their families.
Disclosure: Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Aug 2022) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21 - 3/31/22.
Securities Agent: TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, AL, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, TN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1290493
NMLS#: 1290493
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Goals-Based Process
The hallmark of my wealth management process is a longstanding commitment to building customized strategies from the ground up, utilizing my experience, wisdom and the intellectual capital of Morgan Stanley. My goals-based approach can lead to strategies that are not only designed to help reach specific financial targets, but are reflective of who you are and how you plan to enjoy the wealth you’ve worked hard to achieve.
1: Discovery
We'll begin with a conversation to understand your priorities. This is your opportunity to learn about me, as I get to know you. I'll then review your financial documents to fully understand your current financial situation.
2: Analysis
I utilize a variety of planning and risk analysis tools to identify appropriate strategies and then stress-test each recommendation before formalizing your custom plan.
3: Presentation
I present your plan in detail, which includes investment recommendations, as well as other strategies aimed at reducing risk, minimizing taxes, and help with achieving your estate planning goals. Based on our discussion, we will revise your plan accordingly.
4. Implementation
Upon your approval, we begin to implement each strategy. We can collaborate with your CPA and estate attorney to help ensure continuity. I believe in full transparency and keep you involved each step of the way.
5: Ongoing Service
I'll meet with you regularly to track performance towards your goals, discuss changes in your life, and update our strategies as needed.
Are You Prepared For Anything?
I have been assisting clients to not only achieve their financial dreams but also maintain their desired lifestyle throughout all aspects of their lives. There is no better feeling than helping clients maintain or even improve their lifestyle, especially after retiring! My goal is to help plan, prepare, and execute your financial plan for retirement, family, or any other aspect of your life. Below are important points and tips that everyone should be aware of when planning for their goals.
Goals Planning System (GPS)
GPS is our financial planning software. It helps define what you want out of life, so we can create a financial framework to bring these goals to fruition.
To learn more, watch this video:
Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
How you plan your finances in retirement may be just as important as the process of saving for retirement. Here are some key considerations.
Post-Retirement Success
Investing in a Loved One's Education
With education costs rising ever higher, planning your funding strategy today can help ease financial anxiety for your family.
Find answers to key questions here
Planning for Families Special Needs Children
If your family has a special needs child, it's critical to be aware of the key financial planning and estate issues which may impact their care.
To learn more, click here:CLIENT RESOURCES, OFFERINGS AND MORGAN STANLEY INSIGHTS
Below are a few of the applications and resources we leverage in working with you. These tools are meant to transform complex financial situations into concise and easily digestible content. In addition, I've provided some helpful insights regarding the markets, our firm's offerings, as well as some timely advice and educational pieces on various elements in finance.
Morgan Stanley Online
Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
Security Center
Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
Visit our Security Center
Portfolio Risk Platform
Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio’s exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
Portfolio Risk Platform
eDelivery
Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
Enroll Today
Total Tax 365
Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
Learn More
Digital Vault
Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
Get Started TodayKEEPING YOURSELF FINANCIALLY EDUCATED
I believe financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, I am committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.
I have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of my practice. I've provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
I have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of my practice. I've provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
Global Investment Committee on the Markets
A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out the latest edition here.
GIC on the Markets:
Thoughts On The Market Podcast
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Listen Here:
Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
From the use of satellite data technology to solve some of the world's most complex problems, to learning how not to follow the crowd when making decisions, The Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond. Click the link below for more information and to access a library of interesting content.
Listen Here:
The Morgan Stanley Minute
Explore our 1-minute investment insights videos, in this on-going series, from our firm’s leading thinkers. Discover current investment trends and topics like green bonds, active investment, monetizing small businesses, cybercrime and more.
Watch here:Client Service Team
Sarah Daniel - Registered Associate
Phone:
(423) 752-4741(423) 752-4741
Email:Sarah.L.Daniel@morganstanley.com
Sarah Daniel joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. She manages the daily administrative and operational tasks for the team. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Sarah worked in retail banking for ten years. She earned her degree in Business Management from Bryan University.
Location
820 Broad Street
1st Floor
Chattanooga, TN 37402
US
Direct:
(423) 752-4709(423) 752-4709
Toll-Free:
(800) 745-7745(800) 745-7745
Fax:
(423) 752-4724(423) 752-4724
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
About Matt Edwards
Matt Edwards is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia and Tennessee.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate.
Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate.
Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Masters Degree in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
NMLS#: 763106
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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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
Article Image
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact H. Bruce Spencer Jr. 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 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
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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
1Morgan 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
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
5Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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)
