Dan Sears is a Vice President and Wealth Advisor

with Morgan Stanley in Middleton, Massachusetts. For more than 30 years he has built an investment practice that allows him to engage in fewer, deeper and longer lasting relationships with high net worth clients that are based on customized solutions, experience and responsive service.

Working with individuals and families, as well as select endowments and foundations, Dan’s advice extends beyond investing to encompass both sides of a client’s personal balance sheet. In effect, he offers the personalized advantages of a family office within the solid boundaries of a global wealth management company. He works closely with his clients’ estate attorneys, CPAs, and other advisors to help clients to navigate the increasingly complex arena of financial management and reach all of their life's goals.

A native of Massachusetts, Dan grew up in Manchester-By-The-Sea and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcasting and Film from Boston University. Dan has been a Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley for 22 years. Dan is married to his wife Robin (an artist) and has two adult children. He enjoys gardening, golf, sporting clays and cooking.

Dan was the announcer for Hamilton Wenham Little League and spearheaded the Myopia Sled Dog Races.
Services Include
Securities Agent: RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA, WY, PA, NY, NJ, NH, NC, ME, MA, GA, FL, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1222145
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Outlooks & Updates

I strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. I am a firm believer of giving my clients as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
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    The Global Investment Committee Weekly
    Weekly insights into global markets, asset classes and economic trends from the Global Investment Committee, Morgan Stanley’s team of seasoned investment professionals.
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    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 below.
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    Asset Class Returns
    The latest Wealth Management perspectives on investment returns by asset class. The article below gives data on the returns on certain asset classes and highlights why diversified portfolios can help manage risk.
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    Prior Month Capital Market Indices
    For an overview of market performance from the prior month, please view the capital market indices below.
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    2022 Year-End Analysis
    Monthly, Quarterly, Annual, and Long-term tables of the major U.S. indices.
    Absolute and Relative Performance for the S&P 500 Sectors/Groups.
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    On Deploying Capital
    One of the most frequent questions that Morgan Stanley’s Custom Solutions Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) team is asked is: “Should I invest all of my money now, or just a little bit at a time?” As with most questions in the investing world, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
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    2023 Federal Income Tax Tables
    To better assist you with this year's tax filing, please find below the 2023 Tax Tables for your reference.
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    Total Tax 365
    My clients value the benefits of tax-smart investing strategies. Please watch the brief video below to learn about the full spectrum of our tax smart offerings and how we can help you achieve this over time across all of your portfolios.
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    Income Tax Filing Checklist
    To help you get organized early, we've put together this checklist that you may find useful as you prepare to file your 2021 tax returns.
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    Art Advisory
    Art is an asset and it can be made to work for you. Amid one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history, The Morgan Stanley Art Resources Team explain how collectors can plan for the future.
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    Driving Value: What May Be Hidden In Your Garage
    The broader adoption of technology to facilitate online auctions in a more cost efficient manner increases not only the size of the art collectibles market, but also the scope, breadth and compositions of transactions. Learn more about the differences between fine art and collectibles, as well as the economics of taste below.
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    Structured Settlements Capabilities at Morgan Stanley
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Are you prepared?

You may have spent years carefully working and planning so that you have sufficient income for a comfortable retirement. You may think that your retirement savings are protected, but have you ever considered what might happen if you or your spouse required long-term care? To mitigate this risk and to help protect their retirement portfolios, many people purchase long-term care insurance. The articles below can be used as a resource to help you understand the intricacies of each.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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    2024 Retirement Plans Quick Reference Guide
    This guide contains information on a wide variety of tax-qualified retirement solutions for both individuals and employers. For a better understanding of the features and benefits of the options available to you, please contact me.
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    IRA Rollover Guide
    The decision to roll over your retirement assets from a retirement plan or an IRA is one of the more important financial decisions you will make. Your retirement assets may represent a substantial source of your future retirement income and there are many factors you should consider in determining whether to roll over your assets.
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    Intelligent Withdrawals
    A tax-efficient withdrawal strategy is an important part of retirement planning. Using Morgan Stanley's Intelligent Withdrawal tool, we can help you identify the appropriate combination of securities and tax lots to sell so you can meet your retirement spending needs. Click the link below to view a sample report.
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    Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 Brochure
    Total Tax 365 is our full spectrum of year-round, active tax management solutions, tailored to help you minimize tax drag in your portfolio. We offer a comprehensive range of tax-efficient products and solutions to help you manage your tax liability and grow your long-term wealth. Working together, we can create a customized tax-smart investment plan designed to help you keep more of what you earn.
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    Planning For Long Term Care
    The cost of long-term care services — whether they are provided in the home, at a community facility or in a nursing home — may not be covered under major medical plans or Medicare, and therefore can be a considerable threat to your retirement savings. Planning for long-term care can help you manage this risk, and help give you more choices and more control over the care you receive.
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Inheritance Planning

When it comes to handling and understanding inheritances and the transition of wealth, every family faces its own set of complex financial issues and challenges. Multi-generational planning often requires the coordination of an attorney, accountant and financial advisor who have to work together to understand your particular goals and aspirations. Working with your professional advisors, we can help you create a customized, comprehensive plan to help you achieve your unique vision of a successful life and legacy for both you and your family.
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    Making the Most of Your Sudden Wealth
    Inheritances come in several forms. Many view inheritances as the passing down of wealth from a deceased family member via a Will or trust. This is, in fact, a very common wealth transition reality. But wealth also stems from other sources such as legal settlements, equity compensation, or proceeds from the sale of a business. This wealth can propel you to financial security or serve as a source of future regret, if not managed wisely. This fact sheet will help you identify the issues involved in managing, preserving and maximizing your new wealth.

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third‐party corporate trustee.
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    Preparing For Your Meeting with an Estate Attorney
    Many want their estate plan to have certainty and simplicity. However, an effective estate plan has to address the exact opposite- uncertainty and complexity. The guide below is designed to help you prepare to meet with your estate attorney and includes some questions, answers, definitions, and ideas you might want to consider when meeting with your attorney.
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    Implementing A Successful Estate Plan
    Many want their estate plan to have certainty and simplicity. However, an effective estate plan has to address the exact opposite- uncertainty and complexity. The guide below is designed to help you prepare to meet with your estate attorney and includes some questions, answers, definitions, and ideas you might want to consider when meeting with your attorney.
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    Yes, You Can Transfer Your Trust
    Many individuals who have established or are the beneficiary of a trust mistakenly believe that the trustee cannot be changed from one trust institution to another. In fact, may be possible for a trust to be transferred to another trustee.
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    Trust Services Overview
    Morgan Stanley provides a unique, “open architecture” corporate trustee platform for clients and families seeking a professional fiduciary. Trust Specialists within Morgan Stanley review and understand client documents and then recommend a corporate trustee partner who we contract with that’s the right fit for that particular situation. Our corporate trustee partners keep trust assets at Morgan Stanley and your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor remains the relationship manager for you and your family and utilizes Morgan Stanley investment platforms for your trust.

    Trust and other fiduciary services are provided by third parties, including Morgan Stanley Private Bank National Association, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.
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    Why an Investment Policy Statement Matters
    An investment policy statement will reinforce trust, confidence and responsibility with regard to obligations between the client an advisor. To understand what comprises a proper investment policy statement and why it is important, please reference the guide below.
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    Art Advisory
    Amid one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history, Morgan Stanley’s professionals can explain how collectors can plan for the future.
    Art Is an Asset
The process in which I focus is both personalized and thoughtful: first a financial inventory is taken and a risk profile is developed, then current and projected cash flow analysis from existing investments are generated. After a complete analysis of relevant factors is compiled, we plan and present a multi-year budget tailored to each client's specific needs.

Studies have shown that the way a portfolio is divided among different asset classes can have a far greater impact on the success of a financial plan than the individual investments chosen. An individualized investment portfolio is created utilizing the assets from the settlement of the divorce. The resulting investment strategy takes into account each client's financial needs upon completion of the divorce process. I will help determine asset allocation strategies for equity, fixed income and alternative asset classes. Together we will achieve the proper mix of assets and understand the factors relating to the trading of one type of asset for another from both a risk and a tax perspective. Insurance needs, including but not limited to the evaluation of existing policies and possible benefit changes of Life, Health, Disability Income and Long Term Care insurance policies will also be included.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Divorce: Planning For a New Beginning
Dealing with the impact of divorce on your financial life can make an emotionally difficult time even more challenging. Although divorce is seldom easy, you can prepare for it- and being prepared will help you feel more in control and better equipped to make informed, confident decisions about your financial future.
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Family Office Resources
As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues. As the demands of your family grow and evolve, you will likely need professionals who have expanded capabilities. Our Family Office services will help you manage the complex, multigenerational challenges of managing significant wealth.
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Family Governance & Wealth Education
The Family Governance & Wealth Education Group helps ultra -high-net-worth families strive to maximize the value of their human capital by driving family wealth education, making it more likely that all members of the family will have the foundation they need to lead meaningful, fulfilled and engaged lives. For an overview of the curriculum, please reference the document below.
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Spending & Budgeting
You have access to tools to help you manage your cash flow across all accounts at Morgan Stanley, as well as those held at outside financial institutions. These tools, available on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanly Mobile App, allow you to track spending patterns using cash flow, income and expenses analysis.
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Total Wealth View
As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions on Morgan Stanley Online or by using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, giving you a more complete financial picture.
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Guarding Your Wealth
Individuals often seek to protect their assets against a spouse in a divorce. Individuals may not have recourse against lawful creditors’ claims in many situations, but there are proactive steps individuals may want to consider and discuss with their legal and tax advisors in order to help protect their assets but only in situations where there exists no current claim and no basis for the assertion of any claim.
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Location

35 Village Rd
Suite 601
Middleton, MA 01949
US
Direct:
(978) 739-9601(978) 739-9601
Toll-Free:
(855) 432-1723(855) 432-1723
Fax:
(978) 735-1222(978) 735-1222

Meet My Team

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 Christian Catricala

Christian Catricala is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Christian began his career in financial services in 2015, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2016 as a Rotational Analyst supporting a variety of divisions in Wealth Management. Prior to being promoted to his current role, he was an Associate Private Banker supporting Wealth Management offices in Boston, Massachusetts.

Christian is a graduate of the Merrimack College, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Marketing. He lives in Melrose, Massachusetts with his wife. Outside of the office, Christian enjoys cooking, biking, and traveling.
NMLS#: 1773684
Wealth Management
From My Desk

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education


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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Dan Sears today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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2When 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.

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3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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4Morgan 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.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan 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.

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6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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7Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan Stanley does not assist with buying or selling art in any way and merely provides information to clients interested learning more about the different types of art markets at a high level. Any client interested in buying or selling art should consult with their own independent art advisor.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)