My Story and Services

We are an experienced team of financial professionals who serve as advisors to affluent investors and their families, helping them build and manage a personalized wealth management plan. No matter which stage in life our clients may be, they are likely to have two major goals: confidence that they’ll have the resources they need during their retirement years, and financial freedom for their families, both now and later.

With more than 30 years of collective experience, we understand that our clients’ achievements often come with new concerns about helping preserve lifestyle, minimize tax burdens, and properly preparing heirs. Our comprehensive approach to planning addresses many aspects of their financial affairs: investments, insurance, lending, estate planning strategies, legacy planning, - as well as coordinating the work of other professionals, such as accountants, attorneys, and portfolio managers. Our team’s training, knowledge and experience teamed with Morgan Stanley’s vast resources allow us to address the changing requirements of many stages of your financial life.
Services Include
Securities Agent: CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, AK, CO, WY, VI, OK, ME, LA, KY, KS, ID, IA, HI, AL, AR, AZ; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Biography

John Blakley is Financial Advisor and Branch Manager. He has over 25 years of industry experience, and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2011.

John began his career as a Financial Advisor Trainee at Merrill Lynch in 1995. Six years later, he joined UBS Paine Webber’s Branch Manager Trainee Program. During his 10 year tenure at UBS, John worked as both a producing and non-producing Branch Manager.

John was raised in Niles, Ohio, near Cleveland. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Lenoir-Rhyne University where he received a scholarship to play football.

John has been married to his wife Lori for 38 years. They have two adult daughters, two grandsons and a granddaughter.

He is a Member of Knights of Columbus Holy Family Catholic Church. John enjoys the outdoors. He is an avid fly fisherman and likes to garden.

Resources

Morgan Stanley's personalized wealth management process is designed to create a roadmap for your financial future. Leveraging our vast resources - including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated service - we can work with you to create a personalized wealth strategy. Then, over time, we can adapt it to changing circumstances, helping you to achieve - and protect - your goals.
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    Goals Planning System
    Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
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    LifeView - Intelligent Planning
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that Financial Advisors can use with clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
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    Tax Strategies
    Taxes are a crucial part of the planning conversation and can potentially represent a large outflow from a client’s portfolio each year. Morgan Stanley offers Tax Protection solutions and other strategies that can help a prepare a client to manage tax liabilities and help preserve their wealth.
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    Legacy & Estate Planning
    Legacy planning isn’t just for older people. You can consider how to provide for people and causes you care about while balancing your own goals at any age. Life happens quickly. Make it a priority to coordinate your financial and estate plans.
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Areas of Focus

Our objective is to help our clients answer the question “Can I Make It?” We take great pride in our planning process which can bring together clients' goals and values, their needs and concerns, and help anticipate some of life’s unforeseen blind spots. Our clients look to us first for guidance on financial matters because we know what is going on in their lives and they know we care. Our areas of focus include...
    Financial Planning
    Goals Analysis, Retirement Income Planning, Debt Analysis, Special Circumstances
    Investment Planning
    Security Recommendations, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing
    Wealth Transfer Planning
    Wills and Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Charitable Giving, Bequests
    Executive Planning
    Incentive Compensation, Concentrated Stock Positions, Stock Options
    Business Owner Planning
    Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning

Digital Tools

Digital technology is centered on how people communicate, consume, transact and travel.
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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.
    Log in or Sign Up Today!
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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.
    Link and Add External Accounts
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    E-Delivery
    Morgan Stanley Online has a variety of features that can enhance your digital experience and provide a deeper level of security. One of those tools, eDelivery, allows you to securely save, print, send or receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Enroll in E-Delivery
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    Portfolio Risk Platform - Powered by Aladdin
    Portfolio Risk Platform - Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types.
    Click to Learn More

Location

300 N Greene St
Ste 1700
Greensboro, NC 27401
US
Direct:
(336) 271-4303(336) 271-4303
Toll-Free:
(800) 456-0456(800) 456-0456

Meet My Team

About Alexandra Turpin

Alex is a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2016. Alex works with both retail and institutional investors, and focuses on financial planning, risk-managed investment strategies, retirement income planning and educating clients on annuity and insurance products in the context of estate planning strategies. She has been helping clients effectively manage their wealth in all aspects and planning for financial blind spots.

Alex holds her Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Communications from UNC Chapel Hill, and went on to earn an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School with a concentration in Finance and Management Consulting. While studying for her MBA, she was the corporate sponsorship Vice President for Healthcare Employers and the Carolina Women in Business Association at Kenan-Flagler. Prior to attending Business School, Alex worked for a leading medical device and pharmaceutical consulting firm.

Alex is passionate about saving and improving the lives of homeless or neglected animals and volunteers with the Forsyth Humane Society. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her two dogs - Sydney and Remmi, ride her Irish Sporthorse Raven, and cheer on the UNC Tar Heels basketball team.
Securities Agent: FL, WI, WA, SC, IN, OR, MI, MD, ID, CT, CO, TX, OK, NV, NE, IL, NM, MO, DE, MA, GA, AZ, AK, MT, CA, AL, NY, NC, DC, VA, UT, PA, OH, KY, HI, VT, TN, NJ, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Becky Gentry

Becky Gentry joined Morgan Stanley in January of 2018 after 21 years at Wells Fargo Advisors as a Senior Registered Client Associate. She is most passionate about caring for and nurturing our clients by assisting them in addressing and resolving their needs, especially during times of stress or loss. Becky’s current responsibilities on the team include day-to-day operational support, digital engagement and account documentation procedures, execution of investment trades, and assisting with preparation for client meetings.

Becky attended Alvernia University, where she received a B.S. in Accounting and MBA in business administration. She and her husband, Ed, live in Thomasville, NC with our four rescue beagles. Her hobbies include running, hiking, and volunteering for Whole Lotta Love Doggy Transport.

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 Kristina Shifflett

Kristina Shifflett is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in North Carolina and Virginia.

Private Bankers partner with 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.

Kristina began her career in financial services in 1995, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2005 as a Client Service Associate. Prior to joining the firm, she was an Operations Manager at Wachovia Securities.

Kristina lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her dog Rosco. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her children, puzzles, baking, gardening, and crafting.
NMLS#: 1709833
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth (“UHNW”) Sales Specialists, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Relationship Managers, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan 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

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.

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.

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 John Blakley today.
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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2Alternative 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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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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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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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6When 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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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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9Morgan 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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10When 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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11Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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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*.

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), 3582895 (6/2024)