Who Am I and How Do Can I Help?

My goal is to be the go-to advisor for "What do I do with my RSUs/options/ESPP? When? How? What are my options and who can I trust to guide me?" As a planner at heart, I like to reverse engineer myself from complicated problems to calculated solutions. Yes, that means I cannot help you until I understand you. Below, I have detailed how we work together to gather that information and the tabs on this website are designed to give you a further sense of my process. If you are even considering hiring a professional's guidance, reach out to me for a consultation!

Each client gets their unique comprehensive, personalized wealth plan built around the things most important to them. That's easy to say, but what does it actually mean? At The Lighthouse Group at Morgan Stanley, the group has learned over the years that a crucial first step in successful Wealth Management is helping their clients identify, clarify and articulate the things they find most meaningful. Generally, they fall into four categories – People, Activities, Convictions and Things.

  • People: who you care about
  • Activities: what you like to do
  • Convictions: your core values
  • Things: the possessions you treasure The Lighthouse Group uses this information to develop what they call a PACT Profile – a clear set of your specific goals. Once your PACT goals have been established, every decision involving money becomes both far simpler and more strategic – every choice is automatically aligned with your most cherished goals. Furthermore, combining the highly credentialed group and the global capacity and strength of Morgan Stanley, The Lighthouse Group provides a comprehensive yet highly personal array of Wealth Management services as appropriate to your customized PACT Profile. The Lighthouse Group believes this approach gives you the best opportunity to realize your goals and objectives.

2025-2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025-2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Services Include
Securities Agent: VA, NY, CO, AZ, PA, NH, NC, IA, FL, NE, MO, KS, AK, CT, WA, VT, ND, SC, MA, IL, ID, HI, DC, CA, WV, TX, OR, KY, TN, RI, NV, NJ, MI, LA, IN, GA, DE, WY, OH, MD, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2677929
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Turn equity into a plan—not a guessing game.

Your comp isn't just salary—it's grants, vesting schedules, trading windows, and forms that show up at tax time. I help you map every grant to your real-life priorities—home purchase, family planning, career transitions, or early retirement—so vesting dates and exercise decisions support your goals instead of creating last-minute pressure.

  • Understand what you have: RSUs, ISOs/NSOs, ESPP, performance awards (PSUs), refreshers
  • Decision frameworks: Hold vs. sell, exercise timing, pre-IPO vs. post-IPO considerations (if applicable), blackout windows and 10b5-1 plans (where relevant)
  • Vesting & liquidity planning: Coordinating vest dates with cash needs, savings goals, and portfolio targets
  • Execution support: A repeatable process for elections, exercises, and sale strategies

Reduce single-stock risk without losing sight of the upside.

When your paycheck, benefits, and investments are all tied to one ticker, your financial life can move with the same headlines. Many public-company employees unintentionally end up with a concentrated position. I help you manage that risk in a structured way—so your long-term goals aren't overly dependent on one company's performance.

  • Concentration analysis: How much exposure you really have (equity + unvested + career risk)
  • Sell/hold frameworks: Decision rules that reduce emotion and regret
  • Diversification strategies: Systematic selling, rebalancing, goal-based buckets
  • Protection strategies (where suitable): Hedging and structured approaches may be considered depending on eligibility and constraints
  • Downside planning: What happens to the plan if the stock drops 30–50%?

Keep more of what you earn with proactive, tax-aware equity decisions.

With equity comp, taxes aren't just April—they're every vest, every exercise, every sale. We coordinate with you and your CPA around equity events with a tax-aware strategy—so you're not surprised by under-withholding, AMT complications, or cost-basis confusion. The goal is clarity, coordination, and fewer 'why is my tax bill so high?' moments.

  • RSU taxation & withholding gaps: Avoiding "I owed way more than I expected"
  • Stock options tax strategy: ISO vs. NSO considerations, AMT awareness, timing trade-offs
  • ESPP tax basics: Qualifying vs. disqualifying dispositions and what that can mean for planning
  • Multi-year planning: Timing income, estimated taxes, charitable strategies (when appropriate), coordinating with a CPA
  • Documentation made simpler: What to track (cost basis, supplemental forms, lot selection)

Build a portfolio and plan that fits your life—before and after equity events.

Equity windfalls are great, but they're most powerful when they're converted into progress: housing, independence, flexibility, and optionality. My job is to connect the dots—turning equity compensation decisions into a cohesive investment strategy that supports near-term milestones and long-term financial independence.

  • Goal-first planning: Short-term (cash needs, house down payment) vs. long-term (FI/retirement)
  • Liquidity & cash management: Emergency fund sizing for variable comp and vesting cycles
  • Portfolio construction: Tax-aware diversification aligned to time horizons and risk tolerance
  • Life event planning: Role changes, relocation, sabbaticals, startup jump, parental leave, etc.
  • Ongoing monitoring: Rebalancing around vest schedules, market swings, and changing goals

Location

61 South Paramus Road, 3rd
Fl
Paramus, NJ 07652
US
Direct:
(201) 967-6268(201) 967-6268

Awards and Recognition

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
2025-2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2025-2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

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 Don Janevski

Don Janevski is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New Jersey.

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.

Don began his career in financial services in 2003 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Mortgage Loan Consultant and a Mortgage Product Specialist with Silver Financial Capital Group, as well as a Branch Manager with First Lenders Mortgage.

Don is a graduate of the Montclair State University, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management. He lives in Emerson, NJ with his family. Outside of the office, Don enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and painting.
NMLS#: 197095

About Adam Guralnick

Adam Guralnick is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New Jersey.

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.

Adam began his career in financial services in 2002, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at UBS. He also served as a UHNW Associate Private Banker at Citi Private Bank and a Merrill Lynch Banking Advisor.

Adam is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Arts in Informatics. He lives in Livingston, New Jersey with his family. Outside of the office, Adam enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1114313

About Rick Marx

Rick Marx is a vice president and financial planning director, serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in northern New Jersey. He is responsible for helping financial advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Rick began his career in financial services in 2007 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he was a financial advisor at JP Morgan Chase in New York City as well as a financial consulting director for TIAA also in New York City.

Rick graduated from Hunter College and holds both the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Chartered Financial Consultant® designations. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Gloria, and son, Dean. Outside of work, Rick enjoys playing guitar, reading, cooking and spending time with his family.

DISCLOSURE:
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.


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.

© 2026 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.

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.

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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Article Image

Iran Conflict: Seven Takeaways for Investors

Prolonged conflict with Iran could lead to higher oil prices, hotter inflation and greater market uncertainty.

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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

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
Article Image

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 J. Daniel Diaz 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.

1When 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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

Back to top



2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Back to top



3Alternative 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



6When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

Back to top



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 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.

Back to top



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), 4763067 (9/2025)