Welcome

I help clients take a fresh look at their financial lives. My team works with you to build a comprehensive, integrated, goals-based plan that will guide all your financial decisions – including investments, wealth planning, cash management and lending solutions, risk management, wealth transfer, and many other things. In short, anything involving money.

This holistic approach means I work closely with each client, leveraging the vast resources of Morgan Stanley, a global leader that offers expertise in every area of wealth management. I serve as your wealth advisor and manager, providing thoughtful advice and custom solutions.

As a result, my clients get the specialized services they need, combined with personal service and advice offered by a dedicated financial boutique.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with family and friends. My wife, Beth, and I live in North Augusta, SC and have two sons. Bryant graduated from Clemson in 2024 and now works for Morgan Stanley in Alpharetta, Brady is a junior at High Point University and intends on becoming a Physical Therapist.
Services Include
Securities Agent: SC, AR, FL, NC, AL, NY, NM, LA, TX, NJ, WI, OR, OH, MI, IL, VA, MO, MD, GA, CA, PA, TN, HI, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1634243
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

A Customized Approach

A Dynamic Process to Determine Your Needs and Identify Solutions and Recommendations
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    Step 1. Discovery
    Our process begins with you. What are your goals? What's important to you? What keeps you up at night?
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    Step 2. Comprehensive Wealth Management Strategy
    Every dollar is important, whether it's earned, saved, invested or spent. We review every financial variable, from your personal balance sheet to your estate plan, while working with your tax and legal advisors.
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    Step 3. Asset Allocation
    We work with you to create a customized asset allocation model, based around your unique goals and preferences. It will drive our recommendations for your portfolio.
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    Step 4. Tactical Adjustment
    Markets are constantly evolving, so it pays to be flexible. Where appropriate, we will make specific short-term adjustments to your long-term strategy.
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    Step 5. Investment Selection
    Our platform includes both proprietary and third-party options across all asset classes and strategies. All have been vetted by Morgan Stanley's Global Investment Manager Analysis team.
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    Step 6. Ongoing Assessment
    We provide ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to help ensure that your strategy adapts to your changing needs and market conditions.

My Disciplined Process

When we work together, you benefit from personalized advice, objective guidance and dedication to your success as an investor. My goals-based approach addresses key areas of your financial life beyond traditional investments and may incorporate strategic solutions for helping build and preserve your wealth. Through each step, I provide objective advice and investment insights to construct a plan that works for you and your family and has the flexibility to adjust as changes in your life occur over time.
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    Set Your Objectives
    Our process begins with a detailed conversation that identifies what is truly important to you. During this meeting, we’ll ask a series of questions to provide an in-depth understanding of your personal, professional and financial situation, while educating us about your long-term investment goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. If you own a business, we may also discuss your current cash management needs and plans for growth.
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    Develop Your Strategy
    From this ongoing dialogue, we’ll analyze your current situation and begin to develop specific strategies to help achieve your goals. This analysis will address income and retirement planning, investment management, strategic borrowing, wealth transfer and business succession planning. Your customized plan will also include an asset allocation strategy designed to help achieve your financial goals in light of your risk tolerance and investment time horizon.
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    Implement Your Strategy
    Once you’ve approved your plan, we begin to execute each strategy, working closely with you to help ensure each of the various elements of your plan effectively integrate with one another. Wherever appropriate, we will suggest seeking in-depth advice from professionals on particularly complex issues we’ve identified, such as estate planning and tax minimization strategies. Whatever approach we implement, we will help keep your strategy on track.
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    Review Your Performance
    You will receive a quarterly review that outlines your portfolio’s performance, helping track your progress. What’s more, when your personal situation or market conditions change significantly, we will suggest appropriate adjustments to help your portfolio remain aligned with your goals.
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    Ongoing Service and Care
    Committed to world-class service, we focus on developing enduring relationships that provide special value to you and your family. We are committed to delivering concierge service that emphasizes personalized attention and ongoing communication throughout the year.

Customized Solutions

I leverage my experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your specific needs and goals. I look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so I can map out a strategy to help achieve your priorities and ambitions.
    Investment Advisory - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Investment Advisory
    Manage your investments within a holistic advisory relationship and take advantage of integrated tax, risk management and estate planning benefits across your entire wealth strategy—backed by leading insights and one of the financial industry's most comprehensive, multi-award-winning advisory platforms.
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    Financial Planning
    Morgan Stanley Financial Planning can show you a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances. We can help you create a wealth plan that’s adaptable to the different stages of your life using our award winning tools- Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView.
    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management
    529 Education Savings Plans - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    529 Education Savings Plans
    529 plans offer a flexible, tax-advantaged way to invest for education expenses while helping to improve estate planning. Gain fiduciary oversight of your education funding strategy within the context of your broader portfolio through the exclusive Morgan Stanley National Advisory 529 Plan.
    529 Plan Options at Morgan Stanley
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    Retirement Planning
    Planning for retirement has never been easy, but in recent years, it’s become increasingly difficult. We’re here to help you create a well-rounded planning approach for retirement. We’ll help you identify your personal goals, track your progress toward achieving them and work together to create a customized plan.
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    Estate Planning Strategies
    Delivering an estate to the next generation or favorite charity requires more attention than families often realize. We coordinate with your estate and tax professionals to align your legacy goals with the appropriate asset titling and beneficiary designation requirements, incorporating best practices to help enhance results.
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    401(k) Rollovers
    If you have a 401(k) from a previous job, we make it easy to consolidate your assets into one account so you can monitor your progress and investment results all in one place. This helps simplify your financial life, keeps you organized and helps make your money work harder for you.

Modern Wealth Investment 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 are available.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances all in one place.
    Learn more about Morgan Stanley Online
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning and a comprehensive overview of your assets vs liabilities.
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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 tool used by several of the world's largest institutional asset managers, using this tool provides comprehensive risk analytics and a sophisticated view of the risk/return dichotomy across your financial portfolios.
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    Reserved Living & Giving
    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 Reserved Living & Giving

Client Service Team

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    Renee Schrader - Portfolio Associate
    Phone:
    (706) 823-8156(706) 823-8156
    Email:Renee.Schrader@MorganStanley.com
    Renee Schrader is a Portfolio Associate. She has been with Morgan Stanley for six years. She is a vital team member ensuring clients receive timely and tailored service. Her extensive background in Human Resources has enabled her to build lasting relationships with our clients and their families. Renee graduated from Upper Iowa University with her Bachelor of Science in Human Service and a business minor. She is both Series 7 and 66 licensed.

    Renee enjoys spending her free time being on a boat with her friends and family, going to concerts, and traveling.

Location

One 10th St
Suite 600
Augusta, GA 30901
US
Direct:
(706) 823-8115(706) 823-8115
Toll-Free:
(800) 241-2401(800) 241-2401
Fax:
(706) 722-2410(706) 722-2410

Hear from Our Clients

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication. No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented. Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

3846129 9/24

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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
To Manage Risks, You Have to See Them First
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To Manage Risks, You Have to See Them First

What if you had a resource that could show you where your exposures lie and how they might impact returns?

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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 James A Thomas 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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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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3Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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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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5Morgan 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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6Municipal 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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7Morgan 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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8When 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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9Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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

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11Morgan 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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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.

Testimonial(s) solicited by Morgan Stanley and provided by current client(s) at the time of publication.  No compensation of any kind was provided in exchange for the client testimonial(s) presented.  Client testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)