James Kenison
Senior Vice President,
Financial Advisor
(858) 597-7701(858) 597-7701
My Mission Statement
My goal is to help high-net-worth-clients address the unique complexities of managing, preserving and growing their wealth through customized strategies to ensure they can maintain the lifestyle they enjoy.
My Story and Services
A 25-plus-year veteran of financial services, Jay attended the University of Connecticut where he graduated cum laude with a major in finance and minor in business. He holds the series 7, 24, 63, and 65 security licenses, all part of his quest to deeply serve investors, business owners, blended families, and families with special needs. Prior to his career in financial services, Jay spent nearly 7 years in the Marine Corp. These experiences helped shape Jay’s perspective and disciplined process which he applies to his investment management philosophies today.
Jay’s goal is to help clients address the complexities of managing, preserving, and growing their wealth through customized strategies to help ensure they can maintain the lifestyle they enjoy. He relies on the insights of seasoned investment professionals, Morgan Stanley’s vast global resources, and an open-architecture investment platform. Through an objective and consultative approach, Jay will help you safeguard what you have earned and pursue your most important life goals.
Jay grew up on a small farm in Connecticut where he learned to fish, ski, and bike. He first came to California as part of a career in the Marine Corps in 1985, where he was meritoriously promoted 3 times prior to leaving the Marine Corp in 1991 after a long tour in Dessert Storm. Jay and his family live in Del Mar, California, where they spend time with extended family, friends, and their new puppy, Remy. Jay continues to enjoy most outdoor activities, biking, skiing, and weekends at the beach. Jay also spends his time cooking, where he has yet to burn down the house.
Jay’s goal is to help clients address the complexities of managing, preserving, and growing their wealth through customized strategies to help ensure they can maintain the lifestyle they enjoy. He relies on the insights of seasoned investment professionals, Morgan Stanley’s vast global resources, and an open-architecture investment platform. Through an objective and consultative approach, Jay will help you safeguard what you have earned and pursue your most important life goals.
Jay grew up on a small farm in Connecticut where he learned to fish, ski, and bike. He first came to California as part of a career in the Marine Corps in 1985, where he was meritoriously promoted 3 times prior to leaving the Marine Corp in 1991 after a long tour in Dessert Storm. Jay and his family live in Del Mar, California, where they spend time with extended family, friends, and their new puppy, Remy. Jay continues to enjoy most outdoor activities, biking, skiing, and weekends at the beach. Jay also spends his time cooking, where he has yet to burn down the house.
Securities Agent: PA, ID, AZ, NV, DE, VA, HI, CA, NY, MN, FL, CO, OR, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2526817
NMLS#: 2526817
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
As your dedicated wealth management team, our role is to tailor a personalized financial strategy which fits your needs. In our experience working with clients, we have developed a step-by-step approach to service.
Discovery
We take the time to fully understand you and your family. Whether you are planning for retirement, purchasing a new home, or living out your golden years, we consider all of your challenges, goals, and aspirations when building your financial picture.
Forming Your Strategy
Using your life goals and its why as our compass, we create a risk-balanced strategy which maps a clear path to achieving your success.
Implementing Your Plan
We apply extensive research and analysis, and also utilize the full resources we offer, to ensure swift decisive action in all market scenarios.
Measuring Your Success
We check in with you to deliver metrics around your portfolio and ultimately measure trajectory towards your goals. Our ultimate mission is your success and well being
Ongoing
We review your initial statements to ensure full understanding of your changing financial picture. Then, we help set up tools to provide convenient access to your accounts. We apply rigorous due diligence process to evaluate investment performance. We develop a call or meeting schedule to review and trace progress towards your goals. We discuss changes in your life, adjusting your plan and portfolio accordingly.
Monitor
Market declines, and skipped planned savings are part of the journey. Having your plan monitored by Jay and his team ensures they provide timely advice.
My Capabilities
As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. We leverage our experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs.
Financial Planning
Your goals, assets, liabilities and other important information are gathered and analyzed. We then use our perspective and experience with other unique clients like you to make recommendations on spending, giving and living.
Portfolio Management
While there is no secret formula to choosing and managing investments, a methodological, long-term approach, allows us to grasp a comprehensive view of your financial situations to make recommendations that are the best fit for you. We manage your retirement accounts and other investments based on your appropriate level with risk and your current tax circumstances, tailoring your financial strategy to your unique situation, needs, and goals.
Retirement Stress Tests
One of the biggest risk for a retiree is sequence of return risk. It is not overall volatility, inflation, or taxes. To ensure a client can withstand a drastic decline, he simulates a significant decline in the first two years of retirement.
Alternative Investments
As a Director of Alternative Investments, Jay has a deep understanding of ways to diversify portfolios beyond stocks and bonds. He has taken a keen interest in this area in light of the historic low interest rates and the potential for bonds and stocks to not offer the diversification they once did when interest rates were higher.
Portfolio Return and Risk Analysis
Volatility is a part of investing, but knowing how much risk your exposed to can lead to good investor behavior. Using sophisticated, forward look tools, Jay provides straightforward reports to his clients to ensure they understand the potential risks in their portfolio and return potential.
Financial Planning
Our wealth management process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life - your investments and your cash management needs - making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.
At Morgan Stanley, we understand that the goals you set today will evolve over time. Your plan will evolve with them - and with the changing circumstances of your life.
Leveraging a sophisticated suite of analytic tools, as well as the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley, we can help you take charge of your financial future an achieve your goals. Below, we have provided some links that will introduce you to a few of the tools that we use, please click to learn more about them. We hope that you will return often to learn more about topics impacting your wealth.
At Morgan Stanley, we understand that the goals you set today will evolve over time. Your plan will evolve with them - and with the changing circumstances of your life.
Leveraging a sophisticated suite of analytic tools, as well as the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley, we can help you take charge of your financial future an achieve your goals. Below, we have provided some links that will introduce you to a few of the tools that we use, please click to learn more about them. We hope that you will return often to learn more about topics impacting your wealth.
Goals Planning System
Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
Goals Planning System
Aladdin - Intelligent Risk Management
There’s a chance your portfolio may be at risk, but how you manage that risk is what matters.
Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides both an overview and a detailed view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
Aladdin - Intelligent Risk ManagementPortfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides both an overview and a detailed view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
Strategy - Intelligent Withdrawals
Building wealth is a means to an end. Taxes can eat up a significant portion of your assets upon withdrawal. This is why it's vital to look at your entire portfolio and coordinate liquidation to help reduce the impact of taxes and potentially improve investment results.
The decisions your make today can help you save for years to come. Use the resources found in the link below to help get started.
View Tax-aware Strategies HereThe decisions your make today can help you save for years to come. Use the resources found in the link below to help get started.
Spending and Budgeting Tool
One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley’s Spending and Budgeting tool. These tools help advisors monitor client cash flows across both internal and external accounts. It also tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help clients achieve their goals by adjusting their spending behavior when necessary.
Spending and Budgeting ToolClient Resources
Morgan Stanley is at the forefront of technology in the industry. As a part of my services, these resources are readily available for clients.
On The Markets Research Reports
Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
On The Markets Research Reports
Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
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.
Morgan Stanley Online
Online Security Center
At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
Online Security Center
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.
Total Wealth View
eDelivery
eDelivery provides you with the ability to view statements and other Firm documents electronically in lieu of paper. Clients who are registered in Morgan Stanley Online may enroll in eDelivery.
eDelivery
Digital Vault
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Digital Vault
MS Reserved
Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services
MS ReservedLocation
4350 La Jolla Village Dr
Ste 1000
San Diego, CA 92122
US
Direct:
(858) 597-7701(858) 597-7701
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
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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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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact James Kenison today.
1Alternative 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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
6Morgan 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.
7When 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.
8Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan 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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.
6Morgan 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.
7When 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.
8Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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)
