Caren Poletti Williams, CPM®, CDFA®
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
Senior Portfolio Management Director,
Financial Planning Specialist,
Insurance Planning Director
Direct:
(615) 665-4713(615) 665-4713
Toll-Free:
(800) 841-0006(800) 841-0006
My Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
My Story
As a Portfolio Management Director, Caren Williams, CPM®, CDFA®, creates plans and portfolios for clients that consider the entirety of their financial needs. As a Financial Planning Specialist, she works with clients and their legal and tax advisors to develop, implement and monitor individualized wealth plans via holistic planning and problem solving. In recognition of her professionalism and dedication to our clients, Caren was named among Forbes Magazine’s 2019 Best in State Advisors and Working Mother Magazine’s 2019 Top Wealth Advisor Moms.
Caren has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a Financial Planning Specialist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), she understands and plans for the myriad of financial risks that might otherwise prevent her clients from reaching their goals. With the advanced knowledge of a Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®, )she applies a deep understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation and portfolio management concepts to her clients’ investment portfolios. Caren has also served as an ambassador for the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, speaking to incoming classes on portfolio best practices.
A native of Memphis, Caren is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Memphis, with a BBA in both Finance and Economics. She is an active member and ambassador for the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Women in Business Steering Committee. Caren is also active in the Nashville Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), supporting women’s business initiatives and networking. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Portfolio Management Institute (Denver, CO), and she formally served as President and Board Member of High Hopes Inc. in Franklin, TN and Board Member of The Word Wagon in Brentwood, TN. She and her family attend Christ the King Church in Nashville.
Caren and her husband, Tommy, reside in Franklin, Tennessee, with their two daughters, Mia and Elena.
Disclaimer:
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.
Named to Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors ranking for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023
2020-2023 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Named to Forbes Magazine’s Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rankings in 2019, 2021,2022, and 2023
2019, 2021-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Named one of Working Mother Magazine’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms in 2019, 2020, and 2021
2019-2021 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms. Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2019-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Caren has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a Financial Planning Specialist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), she understands and plans for the myriad of financial risks that might otherwise prevent her clients from reaching their goals. With the advanced knowledge of a Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM®, )she applies a deep understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation and portfolio management concepts to her clients’ investment portfolios. Caren has also served as an ambassador for the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, speaking to incoming classes on portfolio best practices.
A native of Memphis, Caren is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Memphis, with a BBA in both Finance and Economics. She is an active member and ambassador for the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Women in Business Steering Committee. Caren is also active in the Nashville Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), supporting women’s business initiatives and networking. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Portfolio Management Institute (Denver, CO), and she formally served as President and Board Member of High Hopes Inc. in Franklin, TN and Board Member of The Word Wagon in Brentwood, TN. She and her family attend Christ the King Church in Nashville.
Caren and her husband, Tommy, reside in Franklin, Tennessee, with their two daughters, Mia and Elena.
Disclaimer:
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.
Named to Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors ranking for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023
2020-2023 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Named to Forbes Magazine’s Best-In-State Wealth Advisors rankings in 2019, 2021,2022, and 2023
2019, 2021-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2021-2022). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Named one of Working Mother Magazine’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms in 2019, 2020, and 2021
2019-2021 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms. Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2019-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Securities Agent: MO, NC, MI, FL, SC, OH, OK, MS, MN, IL, CA, MD, CO, AZ, CT, NH, GA, AR, KY, VA, TX, NY, ME, AL, TN, MT, IN; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1416420
NMLS#: 1416420
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Thorough, thoughtful planning – planning that analyzes where you are as well as where you want to go – is one of the most important steps in establishing a path to your goals.
Our team works with you as we navigate through the Seven Pillars of Planning to explore and help define your objectives and needs, and then structure a wealth plan that is uniquely your own.
We believe our Legacy Process allows us to establish deep and lasting relationships, to deliver hands-on, high-end service in an effort to generate consistently reliable outcomes that are uniquely tailored to you. We draw on our three decades of experience working with clients and their advisors to provide perspective and help solve problems that may seem unusual or unique. Some of the issues we address include helping minimize tax obligations, ensuring portfolios are aligned with estate plans, and providing key investment advice during times of change and transition. To set the tone for our working relationship, you can expect that we will execute the services outlined below.
Our team works with you as we navigate through the Seven Pillars of Planning to explore and help define your objectives and needs, and then structure a wealth plan that is uniquely your own.
We believe our Legacy Process allows us to establish deep and lasting relationships, to deliver hands-on, high-end service in an effort to generate consistently reliable outcomes that are uniquely tailored to you. We draw on our three decades of experience working with clients and their advisors to provide perspective and help solve problems that may seem unusual or unique. Some of the issues we address include helping minimize tax obligations, ensuring portfolios are aligned with estate plans, and providing key investment advice during times of change and transition. To set the tone for our working relationship, you can expect that we will execute the services outlined below.
Our Relationship
We will:
• Ask the right questions to maintain a thorough understanding of your financial goals
• Update your financial information as your situation changes and your needs evolve
• Communicate with you regularly regarding changes to your portfolio and economic conditions
• Understand and monitor your investment risk and its alignment to your investment time frame
• Carefully explain all recommended financial strategies and solutions
• Meet with you regularly to discuss next steps in the Legacy Process as your life unfolds
• Act as your primary financial advisor
• Work hand-in-hand with your trusted advisors when situations warrant
• Treat you with the utmost respect and professionalism
• Ask the right questions to maintain a thorough understanding of your financial goals
• Update your financial information as your situation changes and your needs evolve
• Communicate with you regularly regarding changes to your portfolio and economic conditions
• Understand and monitor your investment risk and its alignment to your investment time frame
• Carefully explain all recommended financial strategies and solutions
• Meet with you regularly to discuss next steps in the Legacy Process as your life unfolds
• Act as your primary financial advisor
• Work hand-in-hand with your trusted advisors when situations warrant
• Treat you with the utmost respect and professionalism
Helping You Move Forward With Confidence
Evaluating a Divorce Agreement: Checklist
While your lawyer will certainly be of help, it's important for you to ask the right questions before signing any separation or divorce agreement.
Access the Checklist Here
Pre and Post Divorce Expense Worksheet
Our expense worksheet will help you keep track of your budget pre and post divorce.
Access The Worksheet Here
Priorities Worksheet
If you don't know what your priorities are, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Here's a worksheet to help you understand what's important to you before entering into negotiations.
Access The Worksheet Here
How Can I take Control of My Financial Life After Divorce?
Divorce is seldom easy for all involved. Here's a primer to help you get started. The more you know about the process the better equipped you'll be.
Finding A Plan That Works For You
The financial life of a woman is multi-faceted and nuanced. I am here to help you navigate through all of the milestones you may face. Contact me today and let’s get started.
Women and Wealth Brochure
- Securing your financial future starts with a well-defined financial plan based on the things you value most. Let's work together to build a strong foundation that supports your goals and aspirations.
In The Press
Awards
Caren Williams has been recognized in numerous financial publications.
- Forbes Magazine's Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020
- Forbes Magazine’s Best in State Advisors 2019, 2020, and 2021
- Working Mother Magazine’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms 2019 and 2020
- Forbes Magazine's Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020
- Forbes Magazine’s Best in State Advisors 2019, 2020, and 2021
- Working Mother Magazine’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms 2019 and 2020
Events
The events that we present to our clients are engaging and educational. By offering these periodic events, we hope to help facilitate greater financial understanding and promote ongoing, meaningful conversations.
4-part “Women & Wealth” Series:
- Saving & Budgeting 101
- Fixed Income Investing (Bonds)
- Equity Investing (Stocks)
- Putting It All Together & Planning For Your Future
- Saving & Budgeting 101
- Fixed Income Investing (Bonds)
- Equity Investing (Stocks)
- Putting It All Together & Planning For Your Future
Financial Wellness Series:
- Risk Tolerance & Investment Allocation
- Planning & Managing Retirement Income
- Debt Management
- Risk Management (disability, long-term care, life, health)
- Estate Planning Strategies & Directives
- Risk Tolerance & Investment Allocation
- Planning & Managing Retirement Income
- Debt Management
- Risk Management (disability, long-term care, life, health)
- Estate Planning Strategies & Directives
Women, Wealth & Wellness:
- Nutritional Wellness
- Physical Wellness
- Financial Wellness
Contact Ellie Ivancich at (615) 665-4740 or email ellie.ivancich@ms.com to learn about upcoming events.
- Nutritional Wellness
- Physical Wellness
- Financial Wellness
Contact Ellie Ivancich at (615) 665-4740 or email ellie.ivancich@ms.com to learn about upcoming events.
Disclosure(s):
2020 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2019, 2020, and 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2020, and 2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2019 and 2020 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms
Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2019 and 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
2020 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2019, 2020, and 2021 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2019, 2020, and 2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2019 and 2020 Working Mother Magazine & SHOOK Research's Top Wealth Advisor Moms
Source: Workingmother.com (Awarded October 2019 and 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was given.
Location
3102 West End Ave
Ste 200
Nashville, TN 37203
US
Direct:
(615) 665-4713(615) 665-4713
Toll-Free:
(800) 841-0006(800) 841-0006
Fax:
(615) 815-3158(615) 815-3158
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Caren Poletti Williams today.
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
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)
