Daniel R. Liff

With over thirty eight years’ experience as a licensed investment professional, Dan concentrates on asset allocation as an integral part of the wealth management strategies he implements for his clients. Dan sees proper asset allocation within a portfolio as the key to seeking to produce long-term returns with reduced volatility. Dan’s primary focus is on his client’s specific needs and risk tolerance which are major factors in the assessment, evaluation and ultimately selection of appropriate investment managers. Developing a long-term relationship and delivering exceptional client service are two key commitments Dan makes to every client.

In addition to his investment strategy work with private clients, Dan has extensive experience helping with corporate clients in providing guidance in stock purchase and stock option plans. His credentials include certification as a Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist; Guided Portfolio Manager; Financial Planning Specialist; qualified Estate and Trust Services Consultant; Certified Equity Professional; and Dan was named to Morgan Stanley's Directors Council for excellence in client services.

As a Morgan Stanley Managing Director-Wealth Management, Dan benefits from working within a culture of excellence and can bring to bear all the resources of Morgan Stanley for his private and corporate clients. Dan takes great pride in having spent all the years of his career with Morgan Stanley.

On a personal level, Dan is an avid golfer and enjoys collecting and restoring antique radios. Dan and his wife Joanne, married for more than thirty years, have four wonderful children.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NC, NJ, OH, TN, VT, WY, MA, WV, WI, WA, VA, UT, TX, SD, SC, RI, PR, PA, OR, OK, NY, NV, NM, NH, NE, ND, MT, MS, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, LA, KY, KS, IL, ID, IA, HI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1288263
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Honors & Awards

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    Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams 2025
    The 454 Group, formerly known as "The Liff Backer Team", has been named to Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams for 2025.

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23–3/31/24.
    https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/
    Click Here to View Ranking
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024
    Daniel Liff named a 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for New York.

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23.
    Click Here to View Ranking
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    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2023
    Daniel Liff named a 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor for New York.

    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22.
    Click Here to View Ranking
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    Morgan Stanley President's Club Member
    Dan has been a member of Morgan Stanley's prestigious Presidents Club every year since 2009.
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    Investing with Impact Director
    Daniel Liff, Managing Director, Financial Advisor has obtained the Investing with Impact Director designation. This is an elite group of advisors within the firm. Investing with Impact delivers a comprehensive and holistic wealth solution for our clients that seek to generate market-rate financial returns alongside positive environmental and social impact.
    The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
Experience
1987 - Present: Morgan Stanley*
Managing Director
Corporate Retirement Director
Portfolio Manager
Workplace Advisor-Equity Compensation
Insurance Planning Director
Financial Advisor
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™
Hauppauge, NY

1985 - 1987: New York City Board of Education
Teacher
New York, NY
Education
• Series 3 - National Commodity Futures
• Series 7 - General Securities Representative
• Series 63 - Uniform State Exam
• Series 63 - Uniform State Exam Series 65 - Investment
Advisory Agent
• Series 65 - Investment Advisory Agent
• Chartered Retirement Plan SpecialistSM
• Certified Equity Professional.
• Senior Investment Management Specialist Designation
• B.S. State University of New York, College at Cortland,
Cortland N.Y

Upcoming 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. ET

Join 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

888 Veterans Memorial Hwy
Ste 300
Hauppauge, NY 11788
US
Direct:
(631) 851-5345(631) 851-5345
Toll-Free:
(800) 965-5684(800) 965-5684
Fax:
(631) 755-8999(631) 755-8999

Meet My Team

About Elizabeth Golden

Series 7 & 63 Licensed

About Mary Ellen A. Passanisi

Series 7 & 63 Licensed
Insurance Licenses: Health, Life and Variable
MBA Banking & Finance Dowling College
BA SUNY Stony Brook
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.

Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
We can provide the tools and guidance to help you manage a retirement plan.
  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
State of the Workplace Study 2023
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State of the Workplace Study 2023

Explore Morgan Stanley at Work’s State of the Workplace III Financial Benefits Study results. Discover workforce challenges and how to stay competitive.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Daniel R. Liff today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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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.

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5Morgan 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.

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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 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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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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9Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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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:
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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.

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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)