Guiding Investors on the Journey of Life

At the age of 10, I received a gift from my grandmother that began a lifelong passion for investing. The gift was a certificate for one share of stock in her hometown bank - the company for which my deceased grandfather had served as President.

When I later received a check for a small dividend, I was hooked. I determined to discover what my stock certificate was all about. I rose early each morning to retrieve the newspaper and check the price of “my” company.

My father taught me that the certificate wasn’t just a piece of paper, but represented partial ownership of a company. He also taught me about the sacrifices my grandparents had made and about stewardship - the responsibility that comes with that which we have been entrusted. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know.

I began consuming books and magazines about business and reading the philosophies of the giants of investing. It was clear that being an owner of stock entailed risk, but could bring substantial long-term rewards. I learned the importance of good management and what factors might cause a company’s stock price to rise or fall.

At Clemson University, I had great success as Financial Management student and graduated summa cum laude. But my passion for finance wasn’t just academic - it came with a growing desire to connect with people, learn their goals, and help guide them to make good decisions as investors.

In my 30 years of hands-on experience guiding high net worth individuals and families through complex challenges, I have found the benefits of wealth extend beyond mere finances. Wealth management provides opportunity to express your values, assist loved ones, and live out deeply held beliefs. But there are landmines and challenges that can derail your financial journey.

The traits and wisdom that I learned from my family helped me build a philosophy of helping others and guiding them along the journey of life.

Whether you are a corporate executive, business owner, retiree, or heir, you deserve an advisor to guide you through the complex challenges of the financial world and its impact on your life. If you are interested in a having a guide for those inevitable bends in the road, I would look forward to hearing from you.

If you are interested in a having a thoughtful, experienced guide for those inevitable bends in the road, I look forward to hearing from you. Use the contact button above to set up an introductory, 15-minute call to discuss your current situation and see how we might work together.

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2024). This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 3/31/22 – 3/31/23.
Services Include
Securities Agent: GA, NC, WV, TN, WY, VA, UT, TX, SC, OH, NY, MD, LA, IA, FL, CO, CA, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Education and Licensing

  • Bachelor of Science, Financial Management, Clemson University, 1989, Summa Cum Laude
  • Masters of Arts, Christian Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Certified Financial Planner™, Board of Standards, Washington, D.C.
  • Financial Planning Specialist, Morgan Stanley
  • Association of Professional Investment Consultants, Austin, TX
  • Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, American College of Financial Services, Bryn Mawr, PA
  • Portfolio Management Program
  • Series 7, General Securities License
  • Series 63, Uniform State Exam
  • Series 65, Investment Advisory Agent
  • Life, Accident, & Health Insurance & Variable Annuity Licenses
ASSOCIATIONS
  • AIM International Ministries, Former Board Member
  • Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, Past Trustee & Chairman
  • Charlotte Sports Foundation, Past Chair of Duke's Mayo (Belk) Bowl Selection Committee
  • Christian Focus Group at Morgan Stanley Leadership Team
  • Clemson University Advisory Board, Finance Department
  • Kingdom Advisors
  • Rotary Club of Charlotte, Former Board Member

Modern Wealth Tools

Morgan Stanley offers number of online and digital tools that are designed to enhance every aspect of your modern wealth management experience. If you would like to learn more about these tools, visit the links below each tool.
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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.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Morgan Stanley Online Login
    Click the link below to login to your Morgan Stanley Online account.
    MSO Login
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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.
    Learn More and Enroll in Total Wealth View
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    Online Security
    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.
    Our Security Resources
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    Goal Planning System (GPS)
    Our Goals Planning System is built on Morgan Stanley's intellectual capital and capabilities, to provide you with comprehensive investing and planning solutions for your individual goals. Contact us to begin your plan today.
    Learn More about GPS
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    MSO 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. These include mobile check deposit and Send Money with Zelle.
    Download the MSO Mobile App
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    eServices
    Send/receive wire transfers, review your monthly statements and safely store your important documents with our suite of eServices. With eDelivery, eAuthorization, eSign and our Digital Vault you can avoid the hassle of paper and monitor your accounts from your MSO account and the MSO mobile app.
    Learn More and Enroll
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault allows you to build a centralized library for all your documents using encryption.
    Learn More
Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Awards Disclosures
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
  • Forbes - Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Morgan Stanley - National Community Service Award
  • Morgan Stanley*, Selected for recognition in President's Council & Master's Council
  • NC Baptist Heritage Award Recipient
  • Paul Harris Fellow, The Rotary Club of Charlotte
  • Senior Portfolio Management Director
  • Quoted in various publications:
  • American Banker
  • Charlotte Observer
  • Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
  • Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Biography

Jay Westmoreland is more than a financial advisor; he is a guide through life's financial journey. With over three decades of experience at Morgan Stanley, he has honed his insight in navigating the complexities of markets and many of life's uncertainties.

Jay's career is about more than managing money; it's about empowering clients to lead fulfilling lives, make meaningful contributions, and pursue their passions with confidence, all while making a positive impact on others.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Jay draws from his academic background, board training, and extensive experience to provide his clients with tailored strategies and solutions. By being a stabilizing guide during challenging times, clients may navigate complexities with confidence.

Throughout his career, Jay has been recognized for excellence. His insights have been featured in notable publications like American Banker, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and he has been named Executive Director and Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley He received accolades from the Forbes inaugural list of America's Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2018 and again each subsequent year, solidifying his reputation as a respected voice in finance.

Jay's commitment to philanthropy is a significant aspect of his dedication to financial stewardship. With the designation of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® he helps clients in aligning their wealth management decisions with their values and beliefs. Additionally, he is equipped to assist Christian investors with a deeper exploration of the intersection of their faith and finances as a Certified Kingdom Advisor®.

His involvement in civic and community organizations reflects his passion for making a positive impact beyond financial matters. In 2017, Jay received Morgan Stanley's National Community Leadership Award, recognizing his significant involvement in sharing hope and improving the lives of disadvantaged children and youth in North Carolina and Guatemala.

More recently, Jay envisioned and co-founded River Hill Refuge, a foster home community located on his family's River Hill Angus farm in Shelby, NC. This initiative, born out of desire to share blessings with others, provides children from troubled backgrounds with a nurturing, faith-based home.

Outside of work, Jay enjoys college football, particularly cheering on his beloved Clemson Tigers. A summa cum laude graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in Financial Management, Jay serves on Clemson University's School of Finance Department Advisory Board. Additionally, he enjoys participating on the non-profit Charlotte Sports Foundation Advisory Board, promoting high-profile sporting events and is a member of the Duke's Mayo Bowl Selection Committee, which he has previously chaired.

Jay and his wife, Scarlett, live in Fort Mill, SC with their long-haired, miniature dachshund. They find fulfillment in serving in their church and being the proud parents of two adult children, Ashley, an educator, and Jason, a member of Jay's client service team.

Jay is Honored to Guide Investors on the Journey of Life. In order to fulfill time commitments with existing clients, new client relationships are limited to a minimum investment of $1 million.

Morgan Stanley has no affiliation with Kingdom Advisors and the CKA® designation is not overseen or endorsed by the Firm. Morgan Stanley does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status and welcomes clients and provides investment advisory services without regard to religious affiliation. For more information about the designation, please see: https://kingdomadvisors.com/association/designation/overview.

Client Service Team

    Carousel Associate Image
    Nicole M. Blumenthal, Portfolio Associate, Financial Planning Specialist
    Phone:
    (704) 331-2251(704) 331-2251
    Email:Nicole.M.Blumenthal@morganstanley.com
    Professional Details
    Nicole has served at Morgan Stanley (and predecessor firms) since 2003. She has twice been selected to serve on the National Service Advisory Council (NSA) due to her exemplary pursuit of client service.
    • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
    • Series 9 - General Securities Sales Supervisor - Options
    • Series 10 - General Securities Sales Supervisor - General
    • Series 66 - State Securities Law Exam

    Personal
    Nicole and her husband are the proud parents of two sons in college. Nicole is active in a Bible study and enjoys painting watercolors and playing the piano.
    Carousel Associate Image
    Jason Westmoreland, Financial Planning Specialist - Wealth Management Analyst
    Phone:
    (704) 571-3346(704) 571-3346
    Email:jason.westmoreland@morganstanley.com
    Professional Details
    Jason joined Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Management Associate in early 2024, after serving as Senior Associate Financial Advisor at Vanguard, where he gained valuable experience in the field and completed his industry registrations. He is a member of the Charlotte Young Professionals Group.
    • Series 7 - General Securities Representative
    • Series 66 - State Securities Law Exam
    • Life, Accident & Health Insurance & Variable Annuity Licenses


    Education Details
    B.S. in Financial Management with an emphasis in Financial Planning from Clemson University
    Thomas F. Chapman Scholar

    Personal
    Jason is a licensed pilot, runner, and proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ziva.

Location

6805 Carnegie Blvd
Ste 400
Charlotte, NC 28211
US
Direct:
(704) 331-2266(704) 331-2266
Toll-Free:
(800) 438-0397(800) 438-0397
Fax:
(704) 331-2240(704) 331-2240
Wealth Management
From My Desk

Inspiring Legacy - Charity & Children October 2024


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.

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.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Jay D. Westmoreland 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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2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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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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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 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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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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11When 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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12Morgan 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*.

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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:
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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)