Our Vision

We understand that in order to potentially realize and achieve financial stability as well as your life goals and ambitions for your family’s future, it will require a meticulous, vigilant and consistent approach to planning, structuring, and managing your assets. We believe this undertaking requires dedicated financial guidance and is not something you should venture in alone. Our recommendation is that you engage the assistance of someone who will understand your financial needs today, and in your future. The Foote, Welch Group at Morgan Stanley consists of advisors whose collaborations deliver a client experience that provides guidance about financial markets and its behaviors. The foundation of our approach is based on a “best practices” principle that involves thorough knowledge, extensive research, analysis and experience. At our core, is an unwavering commitment to service—one that demonstrates some of the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in many areas of financial planning, while projecting genuine care about our client. Through this focus on the client, we are able to foster long-lasting relationships with our family of clients and provide the individualized guidance and support they require to help achieve their goals. We employ this coordinated consultative approach in serving businesses, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and entertainers throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan area and around the country.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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    Racial Equity at the Intersection
    At Morgan Stanley, advancing racial equity is about intentional, holistic change at the intersection of what we do, who we are and how we engage our communities. Our work on racial equity focuses on our commitments as a business, as a responsible member of global and local communities, and as an inclusive workplace that values diversity.
    Click here to learn more
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    Multicultural Innovation Lab
    Our mission is to create a more inclusive investment landscape for underrepresented founders. We provide a unique opportunity for disruptive startups to access capital, accelerate their business and increase their visibility.
    Click here to learn more
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    Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs
    20 Women Founders Who Have Raised More Than $1M
    Click here to learn more
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    Giving Back
    We are committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work through long-lasting partnerships, and community-based delivery.
    Click here to learn more
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    Invested at Work Podcast
    Meaningful DEI Is a Long-Term Investment
    Click here to listen

Research & Digital Tools

Morgan Stanley seeks 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 and are updated on a regular basis.
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    Tips for Managing your Budget
    Budgeting and Saving for your Long Term Goals can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you manage your money in order to reach your financial goals.
    Learn more about how to Budget here
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    SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022
    The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 ("SECURE 2.0") was signed into law on December 29, 2022, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This legislation builds upon the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the "SECURE Act") enacted in 2019, which was wide ranging legislation impacting retirement savings.
    Key Provisions of the Act
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    Each week, Morgan Stanley CIO Mike Wilson, or a member of his team, offers perspective on the forces shaping the markets and how to separate the signal from the noise.
    Listen to this week's update
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    Morgan Stanley Insights
    Learn from our industry leaders about how to manage your wealth and help meet your personal financial goals.
    Explore Featured Ideas
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your account information at your fingertips. Easily see your investment and cash accounts so you can stay informed and keep track of your financial goals.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    Spending and Budgeting Tools
    Managing multiple financial accounts across different firms can be complicated. With Morgan Stanley's financial management tools, you can link your accounts and analyze your cash flow all in one place.
    Learn About Our Budgeting Tool
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    Online Security Center
    Our digital tools are built with the security of client assets and data as a top priority. All login sessions to Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App have end-to-end high-grade encryption.
    Learn About Our Online Security

Plan Sponsor Resources

At the Foote Welch Group at Morgan Stanley, we make administering your retirement plan easier, so you can focus more time on running your business. We work closely with plan sponsors to cultivate strong relationships and create innovative retirement plan solutions. Our team helps clients gain confidence and efficiency in their plan management with a strong team, comprehensive services, and support.
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    Chartered Retirement Planning Counselors
    The CRPC® is a graduate-level designation program for experienced financial advisors who wish to offer more comprehensive retirement advice to individual clients.
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    Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist
    Individuals who hold the CRPS® designation have completed a course of study encompassing design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans.
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    Qualified Plan Financial Consultant
    The National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) oversees all course work and exam requirements for the QPFC. The Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) credential demonstrates knowledge, experience and commitment to working with retirement plans.
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    Financial Wellness
    The Financial Wellness program empowers company employees at every stage of their career to achieve their financial goals through a strong foundation of education, advice and wealth management solutions designed to make addressing finances a source of wellness, not a source of stress.
    Learn More
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    Selecting the Appropriate Investment Fiduciary Solution for Your Plan
    There’s more to picking a fiduciary provider than comparing fees and services. From the quality of insights driving investment decisions to the ability to customize a solution to help you meet your specific needs, Morgan Stanley at Work can help you maximize the value of your retirement plan for your business and employees.
    Read The Guide Here
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    Quick Reference: Acting as a Fiduciary Under ERISA and Other Plan Considerations
    Get familiar with your role as a plan sponsor, administrator, and/or fiduciary and choices you can make to manage those
    responsibilities while protecting yourself and your business.
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    A Quick Guide to Plan Fiduciary Responsibilities
    The decision to offer a workplace retirement plan also comes with fiduciary
    responsibility. At first glance, fiduciary responsibilities may appear intimidating,
    but they don’t have to be. Understanding what a fiduciary is – and what you’re
    responsible for as a fiduciary – is step one
    Managing Your Fiduciary Obligations
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    List of Key Documents for Qualified Retirement Plan Fiduciaries
    Morgan Stanley prepared the following checklist to help you compile and keep your Fiduciary Audit File up-to-date and to assist with periodic reviews of your plan.
    View The Checklist Here

Location

5565 Glenridge Conn
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30342
US
Direct:
(404) 459-3808(404) 459-3808
Toll-Free:
(800) 825-7171(800) 825-7171

Meet Foote Welch Group

About Sean Foote

Following a very successful career at Merrill Lynch, Sean joined Morgan Stanley in 2014.  He has over ten years’ experience in the accounting and finance fields and works in Wealth Management Tools to assist in establishing client objectives, planning for retirement and tracking progress. He guides clients in all areas of wealth management, including, but not limited to: retirement and education planning, portfolio construction, liability management, and insurance needs.

Sean knows that realizing your ambitions and goals require a detailed approach to financial and life preparations. These important plans are not just ventures that you should try to undertake alone. You need someone who understands what matters most to you today, and in the future. Drawing from a network of professionals, Sean helps clients find effective, innovative ways to connect all the pieces of their financial life so that they can acquire economic reserves on their terms. In the meantime, he reviews the individual client’s total layout of his/her financial life, then creates a customized solution designed to help meet their overall risk tolerance and asset allocation.

Sean holds an MBA from Mercer University and also has an entrepreneurial background with experience in international property management.  He is an accomplished independent music producer for several Gold and Platinum artists and musicians. He also develops and manages portfolios for entertainers, professional athletes, corporate executives and business owners. He is actively involved in the community where he mentors young boys in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization of Atlanta and is a board member of the North Gwinnett Cooperative which provides food, clothing, financial assistance and spiritual support to those in need in Gwinnett County. Born in Antigua, WI, he grew up in Queens, NY. Sean enjoys traveling locally and abroad.
Securities Agent: TX, WA, WI, NJ, GA, PA, UT, TN, OR, NM, CA, SC, CO, ME, AL, IL, IA, FL, DC, NC, MD, PR, OH, NY, MA, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 544814

About Stephen M Welch

Stephen's primary mission is to pave the way for individuals and businesses to thrive in their financial futures. As a Retirement Plan Advisor at Morgan Stanley, he utilizes the intricate world of retirement planning, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

At Morgan Stanley, Stephen doesn't just uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and innovation; he brings them to life for his clients. By harnessing the firm's vast resources and state-of-the-art technology, he delivers insights and solutions that are tailored to each individual client.

In his capacity as a Corporate Retirement Director, Stephen provides businesses with strategic insights to enhance their retirement plans. He can help ensure these plans are not only robust and compliant but also tailored to attract and retain the industry's best talent. His designation as a Financial Planning Specialist further amplifies his value. Stephen adopts a 360-degree view of each client's financial journey, integrating elements from investments to estate planning strategies. This can help clients experience financial growth and stability at every life stage, not just in retirement.

Together with Sean Foote, Stephen isn't just an advisor; he seeks to be a trusted ally in your journey towards a prosperous retirement. The Foote Welch Group's dedication to your financial success means you can look forward to your golden years with confidence. Whether you're an individual envisioning a fulfilling retirement or a business aiming to optimize its financial strategies, Stephen's holistic approach can help make sure that every financial decision is a step towards a brighter future. Entrusting your financial journey with Stephen means working with an advisor who prioritizes your success above all.
Securities Agent: GA, ME, NJ, WI, VA, TX, MD, AL, CO, UT, WA, NY, NM, CA, PA, OR, TN, SC, OH, MA, FL, PR, DC, NC, IL, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 545126

About Voselyn Williams-Barnes

Voselyn is a Client Associate with the Foote/Welch Group in Atlanta, Georgia. For the team, she provides client service through various forms of operational and administrative support, which include resolving client inquiries and processing client requests. Voselyn is passionate about building and maintaining relationships with clients and helping them to achieve their goals through their wealth management journey.

As a client liaison, Voselyn takes pride in her excellent interpersonal skills, which have been instrumental in fostering strong and lasting relationships with clients. Her commitment to understanding and addressing your unique needs has been a cornerstone to the team's success.

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 Maranda Barbour

NMLS# 1182370

Maranda Barbour is a Loan Portfolio Manager serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Southeast Region.

Maranda began her career in financial services in 1999, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2010. Prior to being promoted to her current position, she served as an Associate Private Banker in Atlanta, Georgia. Before she joined the firm, Maranda was a Premier Client Manager for Bank of America.

Maranda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Winthrop University. She and her family live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Outside of the office, Maranda dedicates her time to youth mentoring programs and numerous community organizations, including Girl Scouts of America and the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also enjoys walking, traveling, and hiking.
NMLS#: 1182370
Wealth Management
From Our Team

Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

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

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

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

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

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

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

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

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

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 Foote Welch 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.

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2Morgan 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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3When 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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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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5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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

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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)