My Story

John B. Nicholas brings extensive business experience and strong financial credentials to his work as a wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley. He spent over 20 years as a marketing and new business development executive within diverse industries, including nearly nine years at Johnson & Johnson. That background enables John to help develop customized investment strategies and advise high-net worth clients with his first-hand understanding of the wealth management challenges facing business professionals.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) and holder of the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation, John strives to provide comprehensive financial planning to our clients. In this capacity, his passion is helping clients plan for financial independence and retirement.

John holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. He graduated from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science.

In his spare time, John enjoys biking, yoga, meditation and travel. John is a licensed private pilot, drummer and a Reiki practitioner. He currently lives in Summit, NJ with his wife, Susan, and their cat, D.B.
Services Include
NMLS#: 1265001
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

My Valued Clients

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    Professionals & Their Families
    As a former marketing and business development executive of 20 years, John is in a position to understand the wealth management challenges facing business professionals and their families. He helps takes the worry out of retirement planning for his clients so they can retire the way they envision.

    John seeks to help you with your financial future. He can build a customized financial plan through an in-depth, dynamic process to provide you with a path to retirement. He then monitors the plan on an ongoing basis and adjusts it according to any life events that arise.
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    Long-Term Care
    John goes well beyond building and managing a long- term care plan for you. He walks you through every step of the process and understands the emotional aspects of long-term care for yourself or a loved one. He focuses on protecting your financial future while ensuring your long-term care needs are met.

    As a holder of the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation, John has deep knowledge and experience with clients that have long-term care needs and is fully versed in the options to meet those needs.
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    Individuals in Financial Transition
    John strives to successfully lead clients smoothly though transitions that come with major life changes. He is a loyal advocate who does some of his best work during periods of change.

    John understands that transitions can be stressful, and focuses on helping you navigate through them. Whether you are selling a business, changing careers, approaching retirement or about to go through a divorce, he will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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    Small Business Owners
    John works with highly accomplished individuals who have established, or built upon, small businesses and sole proprietorships. He creates holistic wealth management strategies based on the goals they have for their businesses, their families and themselves.

    John offers the best of both worlds: a dedicated advisor highly skilled in comprehensive wealth management backed by the resources of a best-in-class global financial leader, Morgan Stanley.

FAQ's

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    Long-Term Care
    Q: Why should I consider planning for Long-Term Care?

    A: Nearly 70% of individuals 65 or older will need long-term care during their lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (as of 4/4/19).

    Q: Can John walk me through the process of planning for long-term care?

    A: As a holder of the Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation, John has a deep knowledge of long-term care planning strategies that can help you plan for long-term care expenses.
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    Small Business Owners
    Q: Does John have experience working with individuals who have upcoming liquidity events?

    A: John works with many clients that have significant liquidity events, including an upcoming sale of a business. He will evaluate your financial situation and help to devise a plan to determine the best course of action for you and your family.

    Q: How do I know if I can live the lifestyle I want after my business is sold?

    A: The focus of John’s financial planning strategy is determining what kind of lifestyle you can have based on scenario analysis. He works to ensure you and your family can have the life you want once your business is sold.
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    Retirement Planning
    Q: How do I know if I can have the retirement I envision?

    A: One of the keys to a successful retirement is knowing how much you can spend and the type of lifestyle you can have. John focuses on developing retirement plans for his clients to give them a clear understanding of the longevity of their wealth and the flexibility they have for spending and gifting.

    Q: What is involved in the retirement planning process?

    A: All you will need to do is provide John with the relevant information to give him a complete understanding of your personal and financial goals. John then creates a detailed financial plan that will help ensure that you have the retirement you envision.
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    Charitable Giving & Philanthropy
    Q: Can John develop a financial plan for me that incorporates my philanthropic endeavors?

    A: John works with many clients that have significant charitable efforts and non-profit donations. He personally appreciates the value of charitable giving and involvement, and helps his clients achieve their philanthropic objectives while maintaining their financial plan.

    Q: Should I consider donor advised funds to achieve my charitable goals?

    A: Donor advised funds are an easy and efficient way to achieve your charitable goals and potentially optimize tax planning. Donor advised funds allow you to control the amount and timing of grants and provide immediate tax benefits, according to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. John has deep knowledge and experience with donor advised funds and can guide you through the entire process.

Our Digital Offerings

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    Morgan Stanley Online & Mobile App
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App have a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of, including:

    - eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on MSO and the Morgan Stanley App
    - Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds
    Morgan Stanley Online
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    LifeView Financial Planning
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that we can use to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.

    LifeView also provides progress-to-goals reporting and can also illustrate complex planning strategies such as methods of stock option exercise, Roth conversions and 401k early distributions under IRS Rule 72(t).
    Sample LifeView Plan
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    Digital Vault
    Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.

    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
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    Total Wealth View
    We've launched a tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.

    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
    Total Wealth View

Client Service Team

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    Joann Trikouros - Senior Registered Client Services Associate
    Phone:
    (973) 660-4717(973) 660-4717
    Email:joann.trikouros@morganstanley.com

Location

300 Campus Dr
4th Fl
Florham Park, NJ 07932
US
Direct:
(973) 236-3638(973) 236-3638
Toll-Free:
(800) 526-9075(800) 526-9075
Fax:
(973) 236-3601(973) 236-3601
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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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.

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
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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 John B Nicholas 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.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Investors 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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3Alternative 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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4Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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

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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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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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)