Traci Pepevnik
Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(847) 504-2933(847) 504-2933
Carol Passalaqua, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPS®
First Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANS SPECIALIST,
Corporate Retirement Director
Direct:
(847) 480-5442(847) 480-5442
Toll-Free:
(800) 543-3623(800) 543-3623
My Mission Statement
Comprehensive wealth planning strategies for your life and future generations.
Carol L. Passalaqua
For more than 40 years, I have dedicated my career to helping businesses, individuals and families develop and implement comprehensive wealth management and retirement planning strategies designed to support their long-term financial goals.
I began my career in financial services in 1981 as a bank trust officer, spending 12 years in the trust industry administering personal trusts and corporate pension plans. In 1993, I became a Financial Advisor with Prudential Securities and joined Morgan Stanley in 1995.
Throughout my career, I have focused on delivering thoughtful, personalized financial guidance to individuals, families, business owners and corporate retirement plans. I am among a select group of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors who have earned the Corporate Retirement Director designation, which recognizes specialized experience in corporate retirement planning.
I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Investment Analyst, credentials that reflect my commitment to continuing education, professional standards and comprehensive financial planning.
I began my career in financial services in 1981 as a bank trust officer, spending 12 years in the trust industry administering personal trusts and corporate pension plans. In 1993, I became a Financial Advisor with Prudential Securities and joined Morgan Stanley in 1995.
Throughout my career, I have focused on delivering thoughtful, personalized financial guidance to individuals, families, business owners and corporate retirement plans. I am among a select group of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors who have earned the Corporate Retirement Director designation, which recognizes specialized experience in corporate retirement planning.
I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Investment Analyst, credentials that reflect my commitment to continuing education, professional standards and comprehensive financial planning.
Securities Agent: CO, OK, NY, NV, PA, NE, GA, FL, AL, NJ, MI, LA, CA, VA, RI, IL, ID, CT, WA, WI, VT, OH, MN, IN, DE, AK, SC, NC, MO, IA, TN, MA, KY, KS, OR, MD, AZ, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1272856
CA Insurance License #: 0C05279
NMLS#: 1272856
CA Insurance License #: 0C05279
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Education, Awards, Licenses, and Certifications
Education
• Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist Designation Program, College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO (2007)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst Program, Wharton School of Business (2003)
• Certified Financial Planning Education Program, College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO (1991)
• M.B.A. - Keller Graduate School of Management, 1987, Lake Forest, IL (1987)
• B.A. - Southern Illinois University, 1981, Carbondale, IL (1981)
• Associates of Arts - College of Lake County (1979)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst Program, Wharton School of Business (2003)
• Certified Financial Planning Education Program, College for Financial Planning, Denver, CO (1991)
• M.B.A. - Keller Graduate School of Management, 1987, Lake Forest, IL (1987)
• B.A. - Southern Illinois University, 1981, Carbondale, IL (1981)
• Associates of Arts - College of Lake County (1979)
Awards
• Chicago Magazine Top Wealth Advisors 2022, 2023, 2024
• 2022-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• 2022-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Associations
• Lake County Estate Planning Council
• Chicago Estate Planning Council
• Chicago Estate Planning Council
Certifications
• Corporate Retirement Director Designation
• Certified Financial Planner
• Certified Investment Analyst
• Certified Financial Planner
• Certified Investment Analyst
Disclosures
• 2022-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Valuable Tools and Resources
We believe financial education leads to better insights into our investment strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in today’s global markets.
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’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.
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’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.
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.
Check out the latest episodeGiving Back
Charitable giving is a priority of mine and of my practice. Listed are a few organizations I support:
Save-A-Pet
Save-A-Pet offers rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance. They are a nonprofit organization and one of the largest no-kill cat and dog rescues in Lake County that operates a full-time adoption center. They provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals that have escaped euthanasia.
Click here to learn more
Paws INC
Their Mission: is to build No Kill communities – starting with a No Kill Chicago – that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education. To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based mode
Click here to learn more
BraveHearts
BraveHearts brings hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse.
Click here to learn more
Lake County Honor Flight
Lake County Honor Flight is an independent hub of the Honor Flight Network. They work diligently to raise funds in order to provide trips to our veterans at no cost
Click here to learn moreMODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
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
Total Wealth View
Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
Learn How Total Wealth View May Make Sense For YouLocation
111 S Pfingsten Rd
Ste 200
Deerfield, IL 60015
US
Direct:
(847) 480-5442(847) 480-5442
Toll-Free:
(800) 543-3623(800) 543-3623
Fax:
(847) 498-1546(847) 498-1546
Meet My Team
Joni Spungen
Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(847) 480-5406(847) 480-5406
About Traci Pepevnik
Traci Pepevnik is a seasoned Wealth Management Associate with 30 years of industry experience. She is dedicated to strengthening client relationships by delivering exceptional service and thoughtful, detail-oriented support to high-net-worth clients. Traci has been in partnership with Carol Passalaqua since 2006, and is known for her responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering a seamless client experience.
Traci lives in the Northwest Suburbs with her husband and has two adult children. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family. Go Spartans!
Traci lives in the Northwest Suburbs with her husband and has two adult children. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family. Go Spartans!
About Joni Spungen
Joni Spungen is a Portfolio Associate. Joni earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® . Outside of work, she loves to read and spend time with her husband and two adult children.
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors
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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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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
Retirement for Plan Sponsors
End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
- Plan Evaluation
- Investment Management
- Plan Management Support
- Plan Participant Education
Small Business Retirement Plans
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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 Carol Passalaqua today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
1Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3When 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.
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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
1Morgan 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
3When 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.
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.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
