Carmela T. Carfora
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
Family Wealth Advisor
Direct:
(908) 626-8630(908) 626-8630
My Mission Statement
Providing clients with tailored wealth planning strategies that help instill confidence in achieving their financial and personal goals.
My Story and Services
Carmela Carfora is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Family Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley. With a bachelor's degree in Economics from The City University of New York, Carmela brings a strong educational background to her role. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2006 as a Financial Advisor, bringing over two decades of experience in institutional sales from her previous position at Alex Brown & Sons. Throughout her career, Carmela specialized in initial public offerings and served institutional and professional asset managers in New York City.
As a Financial Advisor, Carmela offers a comprehensive suite of services to her clients. These include annuities, alternative investments, asset management, financial planning, life insurance, retirement planning, and more. With her wealth of knowledge and eperience, Carmela creates tailored wealth management strategies to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual and family she serves. Her dedication to understanding her clients' aspirations and guiding them towards their objectives sets her apart.
Originally from Queens, NY, Carmela now resides in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She has been married to her spouse, Robert Pankow, for 39 years. Together, they have raised two accomplished children, Corin and Catherine, who are NYU graduates. They also share their home with their beloved dog, Coco. Outside of the office, Carmela is an engaged member of the Saint James Church community. Carmela cherishes her free time spent with her two daughters in New York City, exploring the arts, theater, museums, and enjoying the amazing restaurants.
With her extensive experience, genuine care for her clients, and a commitment to their financial success, Carmela takes great pride in building long-lasting relationships. Her goal is to guide individuals and families on the path to financial security, helping them navigate through different life stages and market conditions. Carmela's expertise and personalized approach ensure that her clients receive the highest level of service and support as they work towards their financial goals.
Core Capabilities
Retirement Planning
- Leading up to and through retirement, I help ensure that you have the income and resources to live out the lifestyle you envision, while accounting for the unexpected.
Estate Planning
- Regardless of your current financial circumstances, it is crucial to have a backup plan for your money in case something happens to you. I regularly review this with you and coordinate with your estate attorney to help ensure that your wishes are met in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.
Alternative Investments
- Our leading alternatives platform offers 160+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income—while maintaining a goals-based approach for asset allocation.
Goals-Based Planning
- Working with me, pair with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan tailored to your needs. Read more about the advantages of working with your goals planning system.
The investments listed may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
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. 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.
Securities Agent: MD, NJ, MA, FL, NY, CA, VA, TX, OH, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1255388
NMLS#: 1255388
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Four-Step Process
My wealth management approach is centered around you and your unique goals. I understand the importance of considering not only your current financial situation, but also your family and career aspirations. Together, we'll create a customized strategy that helps you navigate life's challenges and make informed decisions about your wealth. I'll work with you as a team to create a plan that will help you reach your financial goals and aspirations.
1. Intro
We will first have an introduction call to assess your concerns and see if I will be a good fit for you. If we decide to move forward, we will schedule a meeting to discuss important financial information.
2. Get to Know You Meeting
We continue our initial dialogue by talking about your current financial situation and identify circumstances that may be unique to you. We will also define your priorities moving forward and review documents you have prepared.
3. Plan Creation
In this step we take into consideration all of your concerns, goals, and unique circumstances to put together a plan tailored for you that will help you grow, preserve, and transfer your wealth.
4. Implementation & Ongoing Service
After creating the plan that is uniquely yours, we will begin implementing it and putting it to work. From there, I will be committed to continuous service, updating the plan as you and your life change.
BANKING & LENDING PRODUCTS
Morgan Stanley has a variety of Cash Management and Lending Solutions designed to help meet your distinct needs. These needs could include: obtaining a Tailored Lending Facility, Liquidity Access Line, Home Loans, and more. Check out the options below and connect with us to learn more.
5.00% Annual Percentage Yield Preferred Savings
Take advantage of our Preferred Savings Program for Qualifying Cash offer with flexible options and more ways to save.
Learn More About Preferred Savings
CashPlus
The CashPlus Brokerage Account is a modern alternative to banking which also offers complimentary Identity and Credit Protection from Experian®, helping to safeguard your identity and financial future.
Learn More About CashPlus
Home Loans
Potential new homeowners are facing different challenges than the generation before them. To make matters worse, high inflation and rising rental prices are making it harder to save for a down payment. Morgan Stanley Clients, if eligible, have options for reduced home loan rates.
Learn More About Home Loans
Spending & Budgeting Tool
As a Morgan Stanley client, you have access to Spending and Budgeting tools to help manage your cash flow across all of your accounts at Morgan Stanley, as well as those held at outside financial institutions. These tools, available on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, allow you to track spending patterns using cash flow, income and expense analysis.
Learn More About our Financial Management Tools
Liquidity Access Line
As rates rise, we’re here to help with potential financing options for virtually any of your personal or business goals. One option would be a Liquidity Access Line, which is a securities based line of credit that uses the eligible securities in your Morgan Stanley brokerage account as collateral without disrupting your long-term investment strategy. LAL can be used to finance:
Real estate purchases
Home renovations
Business needs
Tax payments
Learn More About LALReal estate purchases
Home renovations
Business needs
Tax payments
Women and Wealth
These days, women are largely responsible for their families' financial decisions and control more than $10 trillion in U.S. household assets.
Read more about women and wealth here
MS Reserved Living & Giving
Exclusive offers to keep Reserved Clients and their families safe and engaged. Offers span across such categories as Dining, Health & Wellness, Travel, Entertainment and more.
Browse the Latest Offers
GIC Weekly
Mike Wilson from Morgan Stanley’s Global Investment Committee headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance, and fixed income.
GIC Weekly
GIC Monthly
A monthly publication that summarizes Morgan Stanley’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape.
GIC Monthly
2023 Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits
The link below provides a detailed overview of the maximum benefit and contribution limits for various retirement plans and accounts for the years 2017-2023. The information is presented in a clear and easy-to-read format, with tables outlining the limits for IRAs, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, SAR-SEP IRAs, and more. This resource is essential for anyone looking to stay informed about the latest limits and regulations for retirement planning. It's an important tool for financial planners, accountants and anyone who's looking to plan for their retirement.
2023 Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits
Thoughts on the Market Podcast
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist as he and his colleagues discuss their viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Thoughts on the Market Podcast
Cybersecurity
At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal data is our highest priority. Learn more about our cybersecurity and fraud prevention measures and leverage our resources and thought leadership to enhance your own online security.
Cybersecurity
Digital Tools
Morgan Stanley's online tools sets us apart from our competitors. From our spending & budgeting tool to our goals planning system, there is an online tool to help all clients with their unique set of needs.
Digital ToolsUpcoming Firm Events
We hope you will join us for this upcoming event.
U.S. Policy Pulse: Trump 2.0 and the Markets
DATE: February 25, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. ETJoin Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett, on Tuesday, February 25, for a conversation with Chief Economic Strategist and Global Head of Thematic and Macro Investing, Ellen Zentner, and Head of U.S. Public Policy, Monica Guerra, on the top policy and regulatory actions that could impact investors in the months ahead.
CRC4192005 02/2025
Online
Location
15 Independence Blvd 1st
Fl
Warren, NJ 07059
US
Direct:
(908) 626-8630(908) 626-8630
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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Carmela T. Carfora today.
1Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
2Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
5Morgan 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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
8When 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.
9Morgan 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
2Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
5Morgan 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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
8When 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.
9Morgan 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)
