Welcome

Thank you for visiting our website. If you are a current client… Welcome. And if you are a future client, we hope you find our website informative and useful.

At the Ferber-Benson Group, we believe the changing world is complex and unpredictable. Even the most sophisticated find it difficult to both craft and adhere to an investment discipline. It is now more important than ever to expect greater simplicity, transparency and quality service from a trusted advisory relationship.

Our team works diligently to deliver creative and thoughtful strategies based on your unique needs, all in an effort to help ensure that you have trust in our experience, integrity, and the professional quality of our work.

We believe trust is earned, not given. Our team takes great pride in building a long-term relationship – one that is dedicated to you… after all it’s your future.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources has carefully been designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
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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.
    Click here for the most recent "On the Markets" report
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth Tool. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more about Total Wealth Tool
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    Morgan Stanley CashPlus
    Access your cash anytime and anywhere with a Morgan Stanley CashPlus Account, the next generation of cash management at Morgan Stanley. CashPlus allows you to easily manage your cash on the go with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn more about CashPlus
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault allows you to easily manage and share your important documents. All files are scanned for viruses and malware, and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
    Learn more about Digital Vault
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    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Morgan Stanley's Portfolio Risk Platform is powered by BlackRock's Aladdin risk engine, a state-of-the-art, innovative risk engine used by several of the world’s largest institutional asset managers, providing you with comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios. This helpful tool can assist you in making educated investment decisions with increased confidence.
    Learn more about the Portfolio Risk Platform
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    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards clients with over one million dollars in assets and liabilities invested at the firm. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
    Learn more about MS Reserved

Equity Compensation Resources

For most of our clients, wealth building begins at work. Helping you make the most of your compensation and the benefits you receive through your employer may help you reach your financial goals more quickly. As we help you make these decisions, we think it's important to consider and discuss the following:
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    Founder and Early Employee Playbook
    Founders and early employees are faced with unique decisions and challenges. We will help you navigate this process, guiding you through each step.
    Learn more about our process
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    Diversifying Company Equity Holdings
    Equity compensation can be a valuable part of your compensation, but as you accumulate company stock over time, including in your 401(k), it may become a disproportionate share of your total portfolio and net worth. If the value of that stock declines—for any reason—your net worth could take a major hit. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider diversifying.
    Learn more
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    Understanding RSUs and PSUs
    Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a promise to deliver shares of company stock to the holders upon vesting. Performance Stock Units (PSUs) are similar to RSUs, but their vesting schedule may be based solely or in addition to on predetermined measures of performance. The employee is not required to pay for the shares when shares are awarded or when they vest. Understanding your RSUs and PSUs are critical when implementing a plan.
    Learn more
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    Tax Considerations with Equity Compensation
    To make the most of your equity compensation, you will need to know the tax impact of your equity awards. The type of equity compensation and the length of time you hold the actual shares underlying the award will determine the tax treatment of your equity compensation. Having a strategy to minimize these taxes will allow you to keep more of the equity compensation you’ve earned.
    Learn more

Location

1333 N California Blvd
Suite 133
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
US
Direct:
(925) 930-3858(925) 930-3858

Meet Ferber-Benson Group

About Rick Ferber

My professional background offers a unique combination of wealth management and executive corporate roles. For over 20 years I have helped provide creative, thoughtful and goal-based financial strategies to high-net-worth families throughout California and multiple U.S. states.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in 1985. Right out of college I developed my reputation as a senior marketing executive developing brand and advertising platforms for clients including PETsMART, Home Depot, The Pep Boys, and others.

I grew up in Southern California and currently live in Danville. I have 2 grown children, Ally and Andrew, and my Covid-acquired Mini Labradoodle Finn… my new child! When I’m not at work I can be reached at the gym where every day is a constant struggle. On off days you'll find me at a concert or at home enjoying a great Cabernet.
Securities Agent: KY, AK, OK, NC, FL, UT, IL, DE, CA, MO, OR, OH, MI, LA, HI, SC, NV, NJ, CO, TX, ID, GA, WY, IN, VA, NY, MA, WA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1272709

About Alec Benson

My experience as a financial professional began in 2018 after moving to San Francisco to pursue my career at Moody’s Investors Service. With three years of experience in the credit risk and global fixed income markets, I joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. As a Financial Advisor I am able to pursue my passion of helping people achieve their financial goals, while applying my prior experience in the capital markets and investment risk management.

After earning my degree in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2017 - and a year of sun and surf in Santa Barbara, I am enjoying putting down roots in the Bay Area.

When I’m not working, I like to spend my time outdoors – I am an avid skier and backpacker, and enjoy getting time out on the water sailing, surfing, and scuba diving. I love to travel am always looking for my next adventure… have any great ideas?

Alec Benson, Pacesetter's Club Member, 2024

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Pacesetter’s Club members must meet a number of criteria including performance, conduct and compliance standards, revenue, length of experience and assets under supervision. Pacesetter’s Club membership is no guarantee of future performance.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC
Securities Agent: MI, CA, AK, NV, NH, IN, IL, ID, GA, MA, FL, OK, TX, KY, LA, WY, NJ, AZ, WA, NY, MO, DE, SC, PA, OR, NC, HI, CO, VA, UT, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2388323
Wealth Management
From Our Team

About Us


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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Ferber-Benson Group 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.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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4When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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5When 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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6Morgan 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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7Investors 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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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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10Morgan 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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11Alternative 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.

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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)