Geoffrey Elliott, CFP®, CPWA®
Financial Advisor,
Portfolio Manager
Direct:
(704) 442-4813(704) 442-4813
My Mission Statement
An approachable wealth management style that combines the experience of a boutique office with the world-class resources of a large investment management firm.
About Geoff
Geoff joined the financial services industry in 2015. He holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, accident, long term care, and property and casualty insurance licenses. Geoff earned a BS from the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. He became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner in January of 2021. In 2023-2024 he completed education requirements through the Yale School of Management before testing to become a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional.
Geoff’s clients include executives, business owners, wealthy families, and emerging affluent investors. Geoff knows the importance of excellent service and understanding each individual clients’ needs and goals. Geoff focuses on holistic retirement and estate planning and portfolio management to obtain optimal growth and preservation.
Geoff and his wife, Ashley, are both South-Charlotte natives. They actively support the Diocese of Charlotte, the American Lupus Foundation, and their alma mater. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, cycling, hiking, and playing golf.
Geoff’s clients include executives, business owners, wealthy families, and emerging affluent investors. Geoff knows the importance of excellent service and understanding each individual clients’ needs and goals. Geoff focuses on holistic retirement and estate planning and portfolio management to obtain optimal growth and preservation.
Geoff and his wife, Ashley, are both South-Charlotte natives. They actively support the Diocese of Charlotte, the American Lupus Foundation, and their alma mater. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, cycling, hiking, and playing golf.
Services Include
- Executive Financial ServicesFootnote1
- Stock Plan ServicesFootnote2
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote3
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote4
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Trust ServicesFootnote5
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote6
- Fixed IncomeFootnote7
- Municipal BondsFootnote8
- Long-term Care InsuranceFootnote9
- Cash Management and Lending ProductsFootnote10
Securities Agent: OK, FL, DE, NC, MD, IA, MO, MI, DC, NH, KS, WY, MS, ME, GA, TN, SD, NY, NV, NM, MA, AZ, WI, WA, VT, TX, PA, OH, LA, IN, ND, MT, IL, VA, UT, SC, RI, OR, MN, CT, CA, NJ, KY, CO, AL, WV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2322805
NMLS#: 2322805
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Services We Provide
FINANCIAL PLANNING: Goals Analysis, Retirement Income, Debt Analysis, Special Circumstances
INVESTMENT PLANNING: Security Recommendations, Economics, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing
WEALTH PLANNING: Wills & Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Family Governance, Charitable Planning
EXECUTIVE PLANNING: Incentive Compensation, Stock Options, Concentrated Positions, Stock Monetization
BUSINESS OWNER PLANNING: Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning
INVESTMENT PLANNING: Security Recommendations, Economics, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing
WEALTH PLANNING: Wills & Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Family Governance, Charitable Planning
EXECUTIVE PLANNING: Incentive Compensation, Stock Options, Concentrated Positions, Stock Monetization
BUSINESS OWNER PLANNING: Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning
Our Tailored Process
1. Discovery Process - We listen, learn, and identify what is important to you and your legacy
2. Develop Strategies - We determine risk and gather data to analyze current investments and create a financial plan
3. Onboarding Meeting - We present and discuss the plan
4. Deployment of Solutions - Focus on asset movement and assign responsibilities
5. Orientation Meeting - Meet and understand the team and "who to contact"
6. Wealth Team Integration - Develop and understand your network, liquidity needs, and secondary plans
7. Strategy/Tactical Meetings - Monitor, discuss, and adjust future transitions
2. Develop Strategies - We determine risk and gather data to analyze current investments and create a financial plan
3. Onboarding Meeting - We present and discuss the plan
4. Deployment of Solutions - Focus on asset movement and assign responsibilities
5. Orientation Meeting - Meet and understand the team and "who to contact"
6. Wealth Team Integration - Develop and understand your network, liquidity needs, and secondary plans
7. Strategy/Tactical Meetings - Monitor, discuss, and adjust future transitions
Tax-Efficient Strategies
4 Key Tax Questions for Investors to Consider
4 Key Tax Questions for Investors to Consider
Factoring the impact of taxes into your investment decisions can help you keep more of your hard-earned money, both now and in the future.
Learn More HereFactoring the impact of taxes into your investment decisions can help you keep more of your hard-earned money, both now and in the future.
Tax-Smart Strategies for Retirement
Looking for ideas on how to be more tax efficient when planning for your retirement?
Tax-Efficient Portfolios
Morgan Stanley Portfolio Solutions/Parametric Tax Efficient Portfolios are designated for high-net-worth investors seeking a tax-managed, diversified portfolio. Portfolios are monitored, evaluated, and rebalanced to maintain diversification and react to changing market conditions. Some key benefits include tax efficiencies, clarity by combining multiple asset classes in one account, and confidence with asset allocation advice deriving from the Global Investment Committee, so your portfolio is aligned with the firm's best thinking.
Actively Pursuing Tax Alpha
Opportunities for tax strategies ebb and flow with the fluctuations of the market and not with our fiscal calendars. Incorporating tax-sensitive investing into the daily trading activity of an account can capitalize on market fluctuations and potentially yield better after-tax results.
How to Access Your Tax Forms
How to Access Your Tax Forms
1. Log into your account via Morgan Stanley Online
2. Click the Accounts tab
3. Select the Documents tab
4. Go to the Statement drop-down tab
5. Select Tax Documents and download them
Click Here to Log In to Morgan Stanley Online1. Log into your account via Morgan Stanley Online
2. Click the Accounts tab
3. Select the Documents tab
4. Go to the Statement drop-down tab
5. Select Tax Documents and download them
OUR CLIENTS UNDERSTAND THAT DECISIONS THEY MAKE AROUND COMPANY STOCK AND OPTIONS ARE SOME OF THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL THEY'LL FACE IN THEIR FINANCIAL LIFE.
You may be asking yourself:
• How well do I understand my equity compensation and the strategies that exist to maximize its value?
• Am I being as smart as my managers and coworkers with my equity compensation? Should I be making different choices based on my specific situation?
• How do I turn my company equity into something I can enjoy?
• Can I afford to leave my company, and how should I plan for that?
• What is the Alternative Minimum Tax?
• How well do I understand my equity compensation and the strategies that exist to maximize its value?
• Am I being as smart as my managers and coworkers with my equity compensation? Should I be making different choices based on my specific situation?
• How do I turn my company equity into something I can enjoy?
• Can I afford to leave my company, and how should I plan for that?
• What is the Alternative Minimum Tax?
How we can help
Understanding how your stock or option plan works is only the first step. We work with you to articulate specific goals such as diversification, tax management, charitable gifting, or simply having enough cash to live on while you wait for an exit. Projecting a variety of multi-year scenarios, we help you make the best decisions you can to maximize this valuable asset.
Why Us?
We are part of a small group of Morgan Stanley advisors trained and experienced in these complex issues and have tools and resources that stand out among your choices in selecting a financial advisor.
Sounds Investing Principles vs. Human Nature
Have you heard the expression "buy low, sell high?" It applies to just about any investment, and savvy investors always look for opportunities where something seems to be selling for less than it's worth. So then why do investors sell off their investments when the market drops? Isn't that the perfect time to BUY, when prices are depressed (i.e., "buy low")? Doesn't it make more sense to either hold on to an investment during a market correction, or even buy stocks during a bull market?
It makes logical sense, and yet even sophisticated investors rush to dump their stocks when the market goes down (i.e. "sell high"). Why?
Because they are acting on emotion rather than logic. They fear that the market will continue to drop and don't want to lose any more - even though they know that long-term, they should ignore the standard ups and downs of the market and stay the course.
In fact, while people are supposed to act in their own self-interest and make logical decisions, human beings are much more inclined to act emotionally when it comes to money - that's the core principle behind a school of thought called Behavioral Investing.
I have studied the phenomenon of Behavioral Investing and applied it to my wealth management practice. One of the most important things I do for my clients is to provide a logical, systematic response to changing conditions - I provide a guiding hand during the regular market volatility that is almost certain to occur during any long-range investment cycle.
Emotions are part of being human, and we all respond to them. However, I work with my clients to be sure that they don't make investment decisions, or any other financial choice, based on emotions rather than logic.
It makes logical sense, and yet even sophisticated investors rush to dump their stocks when the market goes down (i.e. "sell high"). Why?
Because they are acting on emotion rather than logic. They fear that the market will continue to drop and don't want to lose any more - even though they know that long-term, they should ignore the standard ups and downs of the market and stay the course.
In fact, while people are supposed to act in their own self-interest and make logical decisions, human beings are much more inclined to act emotionally when it comes to money - that's the core principle behind a school of thought called Behavioral Investing.
I have studied the phenomenon of Behavioral Investing and applied it to my wealth management practice. One of the most important things I do for my clients is to provide a logical, systematic response to changing conditions - I provide a guiding hand during the regular market volatility that is almost certain to occur during any long-range investment cycle.
Emotions are part of being human, and we all respond to them. However, I work with my clients to be sure that they don't make investment decisions, or any other financial choice, based on emotions rather than logic.
Location
6805 Carnegie Blvd
Ste 400
Charlotte, NC 28211
US
Direct:
(704) 442-4813(704) 442-4813
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
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
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?
Article Image
Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
Article Image
Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
Article Image
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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Geoffrey Elliott today.
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 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.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Alternative 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.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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.
7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
8Municipal 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
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
1Morgan 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.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Alternative 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.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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.
7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
8Municipal 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.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
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)
