Dedicated To Creating Savvy Investors

I was fortunate to grow up in a family that taught and talked about sound financial decision-making. My grandfather even wrote a book about it. It would have been hard not to soak some of this up and I guess I'm also fortunate that I was willing to learn. From a relatively early age, I had a desire to help people and a career in wealth management was always a dream. I followed early career opportunities into corporate finance before I finally made that dream a reality. Coming to Morgan Stanley, I became part of a truly wonderful group of people as part of the Cibola Group at Morgan Stanley and have grown my practice within this group. (You can learn more about the Cibola Group as a whole by clicking the blue link below)

My job is to improve my clients' financial pillar in each of three aspects: Goals, Investments, and Plans. If the opportunity arises, I want to help you get to the next level! Here's a little bit more detail on what I do (If you want to learn more - just give me a call!):
  • Goals: I help clients formulate and prioritize their goals in life. Seeing a client achieve a goal is the ultimate high in my profession.
  • Investments: Let's get your investments to line up with your goals. I also help clients become better investors in general by helping them become more knowledgeable about their portfolio.
  • Plans: Budgeting, day-to-day financial decisions, how much to put where - theses are the types of questions I help clients answer.
Services Include
Securities Agent: KS, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, RI, MA, NJ, NH, MD, LA, KY, DE, DC, AL, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, WY, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2630537
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Customized, Authentic Solutions You Can Understand

My practice is built around the core philosophy that a person must block out the noise and focus on the big picture. I refer to the approach as the Ark Method because I believe you get credit for building Arks, not for predicting rain! I take that same approach with my clients.

Important for having confidence in your investments is having an understanding of your investments. I want my clients to be able to see on their statement exactly what they own and we have ongoing discussions about the particular merits of each individual investment.
Investment Management
Each individual client’s portfolio is customized to their unique needs and tastes. I believe that personality and behavior are a large part of personal finance and I design our portfolios to match the person. My approach utilizes individual stocks and bonds in a format that employs a focus on concentrated positions. In large part, this is driven by the belief that understanding your portfolio makes you a better investor. In other words, if you know and understand the companies you are invested in, you are more likely to make better investment decisions. As Mr. Buffett has said, “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

The majority of my method is based on a long-term strategic buying approach, which is complemented with tactical trading. By following this investment process, I strive to take advantage of both long-term trends as well as common market swings - Investing in out of favor sectors, and realizing gains in areas that have been extended. This is designed for us to use market volatility to our advantage and benefit. I systematically review accounts and make rebalancing adjustments as needed. Investment decisions come with many variables to consider. My customized practice allows us to consider the merits of each individual situation rather than making decisions on a one-size-fits-all basis.
Financial Planning
Much as you would not prepare for the seasonal changes without a plan, I believe that you should not run your financial life without a clear idea of your strategy for achieving your goals. I develop financial plans for my clients that focus on short, medium and long term wants and needs. The next step is creating a road map for achieving these goals. Life changes every day and as such, these are living and breathing plans that adapt as circumstances change. I want you to reach your goals and am committed to helping you do so on a regular basis.
Ongoing Maintenance
Markets will go up and down, and we cannot allow these fluctuations to distract us from focusing on what we can control. I communicate with my clients regularly via phone and email, as well as holding an annual Strategy and Tactical meeting where we discuss progress and keep clients on track towards meeting their individual goals. This includes reviewing all aspects of a client’s financial life and coordinating with other important professionals in their life such as CPAs and Attorneys.

Retirement Plans & Business Investment Management

Running your business is and should continue to be your focus. I help you do that by taking the burden off your shoulders but leaving the control in your hands. Whether it’s managing a portfolio of investments for the business or creating and servicing a company-wide retirement plan, I bring you a suite of services and guide you through the setup and ongoing maintenance processes. Utilizing a host of internal and external partners, I strive to provide the very best in service and an all-encompassing list of solutions.
Business Retirement Benefits:
There is a wide array of plans you can make use of for the benefit of you and your employees. Is a 401(k) right for your business? I help simplify the process of selecting the right plan for your business, using real data to show the pros and cons of each option. With a comprehensive list of partners, I will guide you in finding the ones that fit your needs best. When it comes to implementation, my job is to meet with every employee to explain the plan and its benefits and get them enrolled. I also offer ongoing financial planning services for participants in the plan.
Asset Management:
For businesses and organizations that invest in the markets, I offer both advisory and transactional services. You’ll have access to Morgan Stanley's expertise, market-leading research, and tax-planning services. We have years of experience that we’ll bring to bear for your organization. Our access to markets is second to none and we strive to provide reliable service and responsiveness. Let me help your business reach its goals.
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Joe was born and raised in Eden Prairie, MN, where he developed a passion for personal financial management under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. He went on to attend Iowa State University for his bachelor’s degree in Finance & Management. Then moving into a career in corporate finance, Joe spent 6 years in Minneapolis with Ecolab, Inc. before moving to Omaha, NE to work for ConAgra.

Bringing his 10 years of corporate finance experience with him, Joe started his practice at Morgan Stanley and joined the Cibola Group in 2016. He has helped broaden the team’s portfolio management and financial planning capabilities. Joe works hard to develop an intimate understanding of his client’s needs and goals; priding himself on the ability to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective.

Joe lives in Omaha along with his wife, Amanda - an Omaha area native, their daughter Audrey, and son Jacob. Beyond spending time with family, Joe enjoys recreational hockey, cycling, and playing the drums. He is passionate about supporting and developing the Omaha community and spends a great deal of time with several organizations to that end, including the Omaha Conservatory of Music, Angel Guardians Inc., Omaha Venture Group, as well as various chamber and networking organizations.

Location

13625 California St
Ste 400
Omaha, NE 68154
US
Direct:
(402) 399-6149(402) 399-6149
Toll-Free:
(800) 228-3309(800) 228-3309
Fax:
(402) 399-6336(402) 399-6336
225 South 6th Street
Suite 5100
Minneapolis, MN 55402
US
Direct:
(612) 217-5357(612) 217-5357

Meet My Team

About Ellie Sweet

With more than 22 years of brokerage experience, Ellie is a valuable member of the Cibola Group. As a Portfolio Associate, she supports the team on administrative matters and is a one-stop shop for client questions and concerns. Working closely with clients on their day-to-day business and investing needs, Ellie is an integral part of our ongoing communication with our clients. Ellie has a true passion for helping others and provides our customers superior care.

Ellie enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, who keep her very busy with carpooling, sports, etc.  A few of her passions are watching college football (go Huskers), traveling and reading.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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.

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.

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.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
Article Image

The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Joe Finelli today.
1When 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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2Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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3Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.

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4Municipal 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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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6Morgan 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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7Morgan 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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8When 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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9When 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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10Morgan 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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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)