My Story

David Groetsch has been a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley since 1995, focusing on providing financial solutions for individuals, their families, and businesses. Dave is a founding member of The Groetsch Fiore Group at Morgan Stanley. Dave works from an extensive knowledge base built on decades of experience and training. Dave takes the time to understand client goals and uses the vast resources and intellectual strength of Morgan Stanley to help clients navigate the complex world of finance and investments.

Dave attended Westminster College in Pennsylvania and received his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) license, which recognizes expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement.

Dave is a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®), a designation offered to financial professionals who wish to implement and manage retirement plans for businesses. The CRPS® designation enables Dave to utilize a wide range of retirement plans such as SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k) and more to match desired retirement outcomes. Dave is also a Corporate Retirement Plan Director, a designation recognizing individuals who focus on helping corporate clients manage their retirement plans. Only 2% of Morgan Stanley advisors hold the Corporate Retirement Director designation.

Dave resides in Sewickley, PA with his wife Julie and their three children. Dave enjoys spending time with his family and friends, studying history, playing golf, exercising, and being involved with youth basketball. Dave currently serves on the boards of the Baierl Family YMCA and the North Allegheny Basketball Association.
Services Include
Securities Agent: CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, CT, AK, AR, AZ, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1393517
CA Insurance License #: 0N04854
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

My Financial Planning Process

Over the years I have worked to develop a reputation of trust, intuition, and accomplishment, by working closely with clients such as individuals, families, businesses, and institutions, to help them face a variety of financial challenges. These can range from designing income strategies for retirees, and dealing with life crises such as divorce, to helping foundations preserve and grow their endowment portfolios.

As a financial advisor, I focus on helping preserve and grow my clients' hard-earned wealth. I do this by creating a personalized financial plan that best fits their risk tolerance while striving to achieve their liquidity, income and tax-advantaged needs as well as reaching their long term goals.
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    Step 1: Introductory Meeting
    Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
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    Step 2: Discovery Meeting
    During the discovery meeting, we will work together to establish your financial goals by reviewing your current financial situation and developing a suitable risk tolerance that will ultimately help you achieve the financial outcome you envision for yourself.
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    Step 3: Financial Plan Presentation
    My financial plan presentations map out essential factors that play into your financial success such as your employee and employer contributions, liquidity events, and insurance coverage. Examining all relevant financial information provides a comprehensive asset allocation analysis for all of your accounts ensuring a comprehensive financial plan.
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    Step 4: Action Items & Next Steps
    After the financial plan presentation, I will follow up with you regarding our analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits and insurance coverage.
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    Step 5: Implementation
    The implementation process focuses on creating prospective strategies custom designed for your specific needs. Recommended changes could include logistics, tax impact, asset allocation adjustments, and saving and benefit modifications.
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    Step 6: Monitoring & Performance Tracking
    Finally, I will be constantly monitoring your assets and analyzing your performance tracking data to ensure your financial expectations are being met and adjusted accordingly. I will keep a high degree of communication with you to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed.

Our Digital Offerings

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    Morgan Stanley Online & MS Mobile App
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App have a variety of features for viewing your account balance and activity to advantage of. They include:

    - eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    - eDelivery, which reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves.
    - Linking your accounts outside of Morgan Stanley, which can help you see your larger financial picture and allow us to have more informed wealth planning discussions.
    - Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.

    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Digital Vault
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    Total Wealth View
    Total Wealth View allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.

    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
    Total Wealth View
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    Portfolio Risk Platform - Aladdin
    Our new Portfolio Risk Platform, powered by Aladdin, empowers clients with better analysis of specific risk drivers, risk models based on simulated markets and more.

    Aladdin allows us to view your risk and returns across all of your portfolios – whether they’re held here at Morgan Stanley or at any other financial institutions. Let’s start working together to uncover risk across all of your investments. Let’s use the full suite of industry-leading risk analytics to help make your next investment decision.
    Aladdin

Insights & Research

We seek to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future, and why. The links below provide in-depth analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the worlds of business and finance not only now, but in the future.
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Learn More
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Learn More
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    Wealth Management Insights Podcast
    From the use of satellite data technology to solve some of the world's most complex problems, to learning how not to follow the crowd when making decisions, The Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Insights Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond. Click the link below for more information and to access a library of interesting content.
    Learn More
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Learn More

Corporate Retirement Solutions

As a Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) and a Corporate Retirement Director with Morgan Stanley, Dave works with businesses to meet their retirement plan objectives to put themselves and their employees in position for long-term financial success.
    Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®)
    - Enables Dave to utilize a wide range of retirement plans such as SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), 403(b) and more to match their desired retirement outcomes.
    - Attests to Dave's graduate-level abilities to create, implement and maintain retirement plans for businesses and not-for-profits.
    Corporate Retirement Director
    - Identified by Morgan Stanley as a retirement-focused Financial Advisor.
    - Has a track record with corporate and institutional clients.
    - Achieved stringent requirements in regard to number and size of retirement plans served.
    - A designation held by only 2% of Morgan Stanley financial advisors.

Location

1 Ppg Place
Ste 1300
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
US
Direct:
(412) 803-2300(412) 803-2300

Meet My Team

About Melissa Cunningham

Melissa is a Registered Associate that has been with Morgan Stanley since 2019. Melissa had the opportunity to start working with David in 2019, and has not looked back. She ensures a seamless client experience by facilitating a smooth account opening and transfer process and partners with David to address more complex client issues. While Melissa is often the first line of contact for our clients, she also coordinates our operational responsibilities and preparedness.

Melissa currently holds her FINRA Series 7, Series 63 and Series 66 licenses. She began her career in the financial services industry in 2005 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to working at Morgan Stanley, Melissa worked at regional banks in the Pittsburgh area.

Melissa was born and raised in the Fayette County area and currently lives in Connellsville, PA with her husband. In her free time, Melissa enjoys racing cars and attending Penn State football games.
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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.

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 David Groetsch today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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2Investors 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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3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Morgan 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.

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

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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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7Morgan 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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8Morgan 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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9Morgan 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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10When 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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11When 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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12Morgan 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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13Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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14Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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15When 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.

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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:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024), 3582895 (6/2024)