Welcome

Thank you for coming to my website. I have designed it for you. Whether you are building a retirement strategy, planning for college, buying a home or just want to learn more about money.

Please come often and learn different strategies.

If you don't see something that you have questions about, please feel free to submit your contact information using the link above.
Associations
  • Cold Spring Harbor Lions Club Vice-President
  • Financial Planning Association
Services Include
Securities Agent: CO, IL, LA, OK, NY, NV, MD, CA, AZ, TX, TN, PA, VA, GA, FL, CT, SC, ME, DE, NC, MI, NJ, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1415185
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

The number and diversity of investment choices available today are simply staggering. The days of just buying and holding stocks, bonds, or mutual funds are very much in the past.

Investment practices today call for a high level of understanding and knowledge of dozens of asset classes. Broad diversification is the name of the game to help protect against the market volatility that currently characterizes the market.

I recommend and follow a 4-step investment process with my clients:
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    1. Create portfolios based on asset & sector classes believed to be in a long term uptrend by Morgan Stanley's Global Investment Committee
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    2. Help select and monitor investment strategies for utilization in best-in-class portfolios.
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    3. Utilize multiple quantitative analysis tools seeking to optimize buy-and-sell decisions.
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    4. Conduct ongoing review and communication.

Market and Research

I strive to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that my clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
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    GIC Weekly Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance, and fixed income.
    Read The Latest Report
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    On The Markets Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy, and more.
    Read The Latest Report
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    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Listen To The Latest Episode
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    Wealth Management Insights Audiocasts
    Tune in to timely market commentary from Wealth Management strategists.
    Listen To The Latest Episode

The First Steps to a Thoughtful Discussion

From buying a home to rolling over your 401(k) to leaving a lasting legacy, we are here to answer your financial questions and implement the best strategies for your specific goals and circumstances. Here are just some of the questions we help our clients answer every day:
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    Financial Planning
    Life is constantly changing; so how can I prepare for a more secure future knowing that certain events - live a divorce or a death in the family - can alter my trajectory in achieving my goals?
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    Retirement Planning
    Have I saved enough for retirement so I can maintain my current lifestyle without worrying that I will run out of money? What is the best way to reinvest my 401(k) when I get ready to leave my company and retire?
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    Asset Organization
    I have assets spread across multiple organizations and platforms. How do I get organized and simplify my financial life?
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    Managing Risk
    Life's risks can reveal themselves in many ways - from loss of life to loss of health. How do I protect myself and my family from life's unknowns?
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    Professional Portfolio Management
    I have so many goals that I want to achieve, but is there a certain investment strategy to balance them all out?
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    Charitable Giving
    Are my charitable donations having the impact that I want them to have? Can I do more?
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    Growing Older
    Given extended life-expectancy, how do I make certain I can afford the health services I may need?
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    Tax-Efficient Planning
    The decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Am I prepared?

Location

58 South Service Rd
Ste 400
Melville, NY 11747
US
Direct:
(631) 755-8828(631) 755-8828
Toll-Free:
(800) 477-7522(800) 477-7522
Fax:
(631) 755-8999(631) 755-8999

Meet My Team

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 Kathleen Kowlessar

Kathleen Kowlessar is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New York.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.

Kathleen began her career in financial services in 2013, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Store Manager at the TD Bank.

Kathleen is a graduate of the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, where she received a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. She lives in Garden City, New York with her family. Outside of the office, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and trying new foods.
NMLS#: 1037493

About Andrew Bertalli

Andrew Bertalli is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Eastern Long Island, NY. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2000 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, Andrew served high-net-worth clients for over 17 years. Andrew also has worked at Charles Schwab, USAA, and TIAA.

Andrew Bertalli graduated from Saint Francis College and has a Bachelor of Science in Business. Andrew holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Andrew lives on Long Island with his wife and children. Outside of work, Andrew likes to keep fit and spend time with his family. Andrew holds a private pilot license and served in the US Navy.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Wealth Management
From My Desk

What to Do If You Are Off Track on Your Goals


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.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Jeremy O'Brien today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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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2Morgan 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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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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4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Morgan 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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7Investors 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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8Morgan 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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9An 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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10Morgan 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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11Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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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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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)