My Story and Services

As an Arizona native with deep roots in the community, I bring over 30 years of experience to my role as a Portfolio Manager Director and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms, where I’ve proudly served clients since 1996. I hold a Master’s Degree in Financial Services from The American College and maintain the prestigious Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation.

My practice focuses on Wealth Planning, Professional Portfolio Management, and Retirement Planning, helping clients navigate life’s most significant milestones with clarity and confidence. I believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and a commitment to going the extra mile. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing clients achieve the goals that matter most to them—I truly love what I do.

Outside of work, I’m an avid swimmer and hiker who enjoys exploring the outdoors. I’m also a lifelong learner, currently studying the German language as part of my commitment to personal growth and curiosity. In addition, I’m an active supporter and volunteer for local charities and community fundraisers, giving back to the community that has given me so much.
Services Include
Securities Agent: OK, LA, IA, HI, WV, RI, NM, MI, CA, NV, MT, AL, CO, DC, ME, NC, ID, WI, WA, VA, SD, CT, TX, OR, NE, MN, IL, AZ, AK, OH, NY, NJ, FL, MO, UT, NH, MD, MA, PR, PA, IN, VT, DE, ND, MS, KY, KS, VI, TN, GA, AR, WY, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1268227
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

We are committed to the following beliefs about wealth management that serve as the foundation of our practice. Above all, we pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships with our clients and their families who share these same principles.

1. Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
2. Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
3. Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
4. Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
5. Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
6. Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

Education & Licensing

  • Masters of Science Degree in Financial Services The American College Bryn Mawr PA
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER College for Financial Planning, Denver CO
  • Senior Investment Management Consultant Morgan Stanley, Peoria AZ
  • Bachelor of Arts Western International University Phoenix AZ
  • Series 63 - Uniform State Exam
  • Series 65 - Investment Advisory Agent
  • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
  • Life, Health, Annuities, Property, Casualty Disability Insurance

Morgan Stanley Digital Tools, Market Analysis, & Tax Resources

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies that we have to offer our clients. You can also find up to date research and analysis from the Morgan Stanley research team to keep you updated and informed.

    Digital Tools:
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    Morgan Stanley Online

    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.

    Access Morgan Stanley Online >
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    Total Wealth View

    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.

    Access Total Wealth View >
    Market Analysis:
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    The GIC Weekly

    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.

    This Week
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    GIC "On The Markets"

    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.

    This Month
    Tax Resources:
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    Total Tax 365

    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.

    Learn More about Total Tax 365
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    2024 Tax Tables

    This helpful resource outlines the 2024 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.

    2024 Tax Tables

Planning your future

Our team will work with you to understand what your priorities are during these crucial years and implement a customized strategy for you. Whether it is planning for retirement, transitioning into retirement, or already managing your assets in retirement, our team is equipped with the resources and the knowledge to help you accomplish your personal and financial goal.

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    Understanding your Savings Vehicles

    When it comes to retirement savings, the most important thing is to get started—after all, time is one of your greatest assets. Although retirement may seem far for some, it is essential to get started on planning for future living expenses, potential education funds, or travel costs. Let us help you educate on ways to grow and preserve your wealth.

    Learn more about 401k Strategies
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    The Psychological Transition into Retirement

    Most retirement preparations focus on financial planning, but it is equally crucial to look at personal considerations and help you with easing the fear of the unknown. Given that many people overlook the psychological adjustments of retirement, we can help you understand why it's important to be emotionally (not just financially) ready for retirement.

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    Risks to Your Retirement

    Once you determine what kind of retirement you want, we will work together to take a closer look at the risks that might be standing between you and your retirement goals. No matter how well you save during the accumulation phase, it's critical to plan how you convert those assets to income. We can help you navigate the challenges that may arise.

    Login to Your MSO Account
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    Impact of Taxes

    The strategies you use when drawing down your retirement savings can have a significant impact on how much you'll pay in taxes and may help you keep more of the returns. Each retiree's situation is different but establishing a tax management strategy for your investments can help you retain more of your investment returns.

Location

16155 N 83rd Ave
Suite 100
Peoria, AZ 85382
US
Direct:
(623) 875-2424(623) 875-2424
Toll-Free:
(800) 347-5032(800) 347-5032
Fax:
(623) 875-0706(623) 875-0706

Meet My Team

About Jack Porco

Jack is the newest addition to the Sonoran Summit Group, bringing a unique skillset and wealth of professional experience. Originally from Louisville, KY, Jack attended the University of Kentucky. After completing undergrad, Jack moved to Nashville and began his career in healthcare technology at HCA Healthcare. After several years of leading major projects, Jack took a leap into management consulting, which he did until January of this year. Jack is thrilled to join Morgan Stanley and begin his career in the Financial Services industry. He is passionate about building relationships and serving clients.

About Ivey Lopez

I’m excited to start my new journey at Morgan Stanley with this team. I spent my last few years in the industry and fell in love with the financial world.

I originally started as an art student for interior design right out of high school. I took a break and went back to receive a BS in business and certificate in HR management.

I’m an Arizona native who enjoys all of the outdoors. I love adventuring around the state with my two girls. In my free time I’m usually hiking or taking day trips.

I’m also the secretary of a domestic violence nonprofit called SheThrives. A new hobby, I am learning about the art of tequila making.

About Dawn Thorpe

I began my Career with Morgan Stanley in 2004 and have been with the company for 21 years.

I started out working at two branches in CA in various operational roles and then relocated to Arizona and have now been with the Peoria AZ branch since 2017.

In my free time I am into photography and social media and the car enthusiast scene-clubs, shows and events.

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 Nikki Ranck

Nikki Ranck is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Arizona and New Mexico.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Nikki began her career in financial services in 2006 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Senior Client Service Associate at JP Morgan’s Private Bank. She also served as a Mortgage Banker and Branch Manager at JP Morgan Chase, and a Service Manager and Personal Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Nikki lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her family. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
NMLS#: 1075581
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan 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

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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact James Clark today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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

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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.

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3Investors 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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4Morgan 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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5An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

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6Morgan 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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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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10Municipal 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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11Morgan 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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12When 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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13When 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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14Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)