
Jay D. Westmoreland, CFP®

My Mission Statement
I'm honored to be named to the Forbes list of America's Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for the 7th consecutive year in 2024.
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 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.
Guiding Investors on the Journey of Life
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.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- 529 PlansFootnote1
- AnnuitiesFootnote2
- Asset Management
- Certificates of DepositFootnote3
- Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote4
- Education Planning
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote5
- Financial PlanningFootnote6
- Insurance ServicesFootnote7
- Life InsuranceFootnote8
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote9
- Municipal BondsFootnote10
- Philanthropic Services
- Retirement PlanningFootnote11
- Wealth ManagementFootnote12
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
- 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
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
- 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.
Location
Inspiring Legacy - Charity & Children October 2024
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
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.
2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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.
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.
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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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.
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Awards Disclosures