My Story

As a Financial Advisor, Jim implements wealth management strategies that helps clients to preserve and grow their wealth. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jim is devoted to helping clients achieve their financial goals and is committed to building lasting and meaningful relationships.

Additionally, he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Portfolio Management Director and an Alternatives Investment Director. Jim focuses on providing customized solutions and guidance in the areas of Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, Financial Planning, tying together all aspects of clients’ financial and personal life goals.

Jim graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, he began his career in the financial services industry in 1995 at Merrill Lynch where he later also held the title of Financial Advisor.

Jim grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois and currently resides in Orland Park, Illinois, with his wife, five children and his dog Charlie. Outside of work, Jim enjoys boating, working out, and spending time with family and friends. Jim also wrestled at Rutgers and coached youth wrestling for about 10 years.
Services Include
Securities Agent: DE, WI, VA, NC, KS, IN, NJ, MO, KY, OH, MD, GA, CO, CA, NV, MI, TX, IL, ID, IA, AZ, AR, WA, SC, NY, WV, SD, PA, MT, MN, NM, NE, WY, UT, TN, FL, CT, MA; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268236
CA Insurance License #: 0G52641
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working with you

At Morgan Stanley, we believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client's situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. We follow a disciplined process that allows us to work with you to craft a solution that helps meet your individual needs. This process aligns our efforts with your interests, providing a road map focused on what is most important to you.
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    1: Introductory Meeting
    Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
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    2: Discovery Meeting
    We continue our dialogue to fully understand your personal, professional, and family situation so we can clarify your priorities and timelines.
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    3: Analysis & Plan Development
    Here, we utilize industry-leading financial planning tools to develop a personalized financial plan with specific recommendations to help you grow, preserve and transfer your wealth.
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    4: Plan Presentation
    In this step, we present your plan, which includes an asset allocation strategy that aligns your investments with your goals, your timeframes, and your risk level.
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    5: Implementation
    We begin to implement the strategies outlined in the plan. Once assets have been transferred to Morgan Stanley and are aligned with your investment strategy, we walk you through your new statement and introduce all of the resources now available to you.
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    6: Monitoring & Performance Tracking
    We speak with you regularly to provide updates on your accounts. We also monitor progress towards each of your goals, adjusting your plan accordingly as changes in your life occur.
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    Experience
    1998 - Present: Morgan Stanley*
    Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
    Certified Financial Planner™
    Guided Portfolio Manager
    Orland Park, IL

    1996 - 1998: Merrill Lynch
    Financial Advisor
    Oakbrook, IL

    1995 - 1996: Merrill Lynch
    International Operations
    Jersey City, NJ
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    Education
    Bachelor of Arts 1994, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
    Certified Financial Planner_x0019_
    Series 7, 9, 10, 63, 65 & 31 Licensed
    Insurance Licensed
    Life, Health & Variable Annuities
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    Associations
    Illinois Rutgers University Alumni Association

Insights & Resources

Morgan Stanley provides clients with resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The links below offer insight into the modern market and economic landscape.
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    Reserved Living & Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. Members can enjoy special discounts and timely insights to support them at home and beyond.
    View Offers from Reserved Living & Giving
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Check Out The Latest Episode
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    Global Investment Committee Weekly Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the Latest Report
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    Global Investment Committee Monthly Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report
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    2023 Tax Tables
    If you are interested in seeing the updated tax tables and other details for 2023, see all additional information here.
    View the 2023 Tax Tables Here

Digital Resources

We offer a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your wealth more effectively in today’s busy world. We strive to ensure we serve our clients with market-leading technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, smart, fast and flexible.
    Morgan Stanley Online (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    The Morgan Stanley Mobile App gives you the same capabilities as Morgan Stanley Online – all from the convenience of your own phone. It also offers features to simplify your everyday finances.
    Click here to learn more
    Digital Vault - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
    eDelivery - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
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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.
    Click here to learn more
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    Goals Planning System (GPS)
    GPS is our financial planning software. It helps define what you want out of life, so we can create a financial framework to bring these goals to fruition.
    Click here to learn more

Location

15341 S. 94th Ave
Ste 200
Orland Park, IL 60462
US
Direct:
(708) 226-5420(708) 226-5420
Toll-Free:
(800) 323-1340(800) 323-1340
Fax:
(708) 226-5444(708) 226-5444

Meet My Team

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.

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

1Investors 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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2Alternative 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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3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Morgan 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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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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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 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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9Morgan 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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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)