Our Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we will listen to your desires and goals, getting a comprehensive picture of how you invest and what it is you want to achieve. We’ve forged strong relationships built on trust with all of our clients and have taken them through decades of ups and downs in the market.

Our sole intention is to use the vast array of resources the firm has to offer, our extensive knowledge and experience, and our network of seasoned investment professionals to grow and preserve your wealth, stemming from a tailored plan. You will have access to a premier trading and execution platform and a thorough and complete spectrum of investment choices. Do not worry about complex concepts and terms, we will simplify them so you can focus on your day-to-day. We will make sure you understand our strategies to get you to your goals and put them in layman’s terms so we can execute on your behalf and you can be assured your wealth is in good hands.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

The Lakeside Approach

Charting a clear, confident course to financial success begins with understanding your values, priorities and aspirations. Working together, we define what is most important to you and develop the strategies to help get you there.
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    1: Establish & Understand Your Goals
    One size does not fit all investors. The commitment we make to every client is to take the time to know who you are as an investor and understand your unique goals.
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    2: Develop A Plan
    We collaborate with you to perform an in depth evaluation of your current situation. Using your goals we create a thoughtful strategy which maps out a clear path for success.
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    3: Design Your Unique Portfolio
    Once we have a solid understanding of where you stand financially and a clear understanding of your desired goals. We will make recommendations using proprietary tools and insights from Morgan Stanley to personalize a plan designed to help meet your goals and expectations.
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    4: Monitor & Communicate
    We will monitor our performance relative to your goals. We analyze your performance tracking data seeking to ensure your financial expectations are being met and adjusted accordingly. We are committed to premium service. We focus on a relationship that will bring value to you and your family. Because your goals evolve over time we maintain ongoing communication to ensure your plan remains on schedule to pursue your goals.

Morgan Stanley's Digital Offerings

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital tools have been carefully designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. To make the onboarding process as simple as possible we have gathered some of our most essential resources. You can find more information and steps to getting started below.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    Total Wealth View
    With this service, you can view all your assets and liabilities together – Completing your financial picture with Total Wealth View gives our clients the benefit of more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn More Here
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    The Morgan Stanley Mobile App gives you the same capabilities as Morgan Stanley Online – all from the convenience of your own phone. It also offers features to simplify your everyday finances.
    Learn More Here
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
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    Financial Planning
    Morgan Stanley Financial Planning can show you a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances. We can help you create a wealth plan that’s adaptable to the different stages of your life using our award winning tools- Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView.
    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management

Investor Resources

Financial education leads to better insights into investment strategy and ultimately, better long term decisions. As a result, we are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth more effectively in all market conditions. We have assembled a collection of resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’ve provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
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    Global Investment Committee on the Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out this month's edition here.
    Access this Months Publication Here
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    Global Investment Office
    The Morgan Stanley Global Investment Office provides you with world-class thought leadership timely market commentary, and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
    Morgan Stanley Portfolio Insights
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    Retirement Planning
    It’s important to determine how much money you may need to save for a comfortable retirement. Here are six simple steps to help you determine whether you are on track to meet your retirement needs.
    Learn More Here
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    Reserved Living & Giving
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. Members can enjoy special discounts and timely insights to support them at home and beyond.
    Learn More about Reserved Living & Giving
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    Online Security Center
    Learn about our extensive security measures and take advantage of our vast array of resources and ideas that are geared towards helping you stay protected on the World Wide Web.
    Learn More about the Online Security Center

Location

300 Market Street NE
Suite 101
Decatur, AL 35601
US
Toll-Free:
(800) 253-0822(800) 253-0822
7530 Parker Road
Suite 100
Fairhope, AL 56532
US
Direct:
(251) 990-2943(251) 990-2943

Meet Lakeside Group

About R. Lee Clark, Jr.

Lee Clark

Brach Manager
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor

Lee Clark is a Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist, and Senior Vice President of the Lakeside Group at Morgan Stanley. He has 23 years of experience in finance and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2000.

With over two decades of industry experience, Lee has perfected the approach and level of service he is able to provide for his clients. Lee is a firm believer in the idea that success is driven through a goals based approach. His process begins by completing an in-depth and detailed analysis of his clients’ needs, dreams, and fears in order to better understand how he can efficiently assist them in reaching their desired financial goals. Lee’s process puts an emphasis on managing his clients’ balance sheets in order to help them begin asking the right questions about their long term goals, such as at what age should I retire? When should I access Social Security benefits? What’s the best way to pass on my wealth to the next generation? Through this thought provoking discovery process Lee is able to produce an all-encompassing plan designed to help address each client’s unique needs.

Lee’s path to becoming a financial advisor was forged from his passion for assisting others to pursue their financial goals and aspirations, and in turn, watch as his clients work towards the desired outcomes they planned for together. Lee’s first exposure to finance was back in his undergraduate years when one of his professors introduced the concepts of compounding and basic stock market theory to him. After this brief introduction, Lee was hooked; he was amazed at what could potentially be achieved through structured goal setting and proper asset allocation. After receiving his MBA from the University of North Alabama, Lee took a sales job where he began working with a Financial Advisor to invest any extra income he made. During his time as a client, Lee spent a large amount of time in conversation with his advisor in order to absorb as much investing knowledge as he could. Noticing the natural talent and passion Lee had for finance, his advisor recommended that he look into beginning an advisor career himself. Shortly thereafter, Lee met with recruiters from Merrill Lynch in 1998 and began working there just one week later.

Despite Lee’s many professional commitments, he still manages to be an active member within his local community. He splits his time between volunteering at his local church and participating in various fundraising initiatives. Outside of Lee’s professional duties, he is an avid golfer who enjoys getting out on the course whenever possible.

Lee received his Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama. He holds the Series 7, 9, 10, and 66 FINRA licenses, as well as the Financial Planning Specialist and Portfolio Management Director professional designations.
Securities Agent: WV, WI, WA, VI, VA, UT, TN, SD, SC, RI, PR, PA, OR, OH, NY, NV, NJ, NH, NE, NC, MT, MS, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, KS, IN, IL, ID, ND, IA, HI, GA, NM, FL, DE, DC, OK, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, TX, WY, VT; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1253064

About Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson

Senior Vice President
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor

Jon Anderson is a Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President of the Lakeside Group. He has been with Morgan Stanley since 2001.

Jon began his investment career in 1998 with Merrill Lynch. Bringing over two decades of industry experience to the table, Jon’s philosophy is that every client has unique circumstances and deserves a customized investment strategy that is goals oriented, yet nimble enough to adapt for unforeseen events. His approach is centered on tailored financial planning for each individual. With planning at the core of Jon’s process, he is able to develop a strategic asset allocation designed to help minimize risk and achieve the goals set forth in his clients’ plan.

Jon’s tailored investment process is coupled with a strong client service model based on experience, dedicated service, and relationship building. His desire is to establish an in-depth relationship with his clients in order to understand all aspects of their expectations, goals, and risk tolerance. As a former USMC officer, Jon has gained a true understanding of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and service to others. Using the lessons learned from his prior military service, Jon applies the same structured work ethic as a Financial Advisor through an emphasis on service to his clients.

Outside of the office, Jon is equally committed to his community as he is his clients. For over 20 years he has held leadership positions in the Hartselle Kiwanis Club, an organization geared towards empowering communities through making lasting differences in the lives of children. Jon also volunteers his time with his local church and is an active supporter of his surrounding school districts. Despite Jon’s numerous professional and civic duties, he still manages to be a committed husband and father. Jon is married to his wife, Deanna, and together they have two children-- Maggie and Hilton. In his free time Jon enjoys backpacking, running, and driving his tractor.

Jon received a Bachelor’s degree from Samford University and his Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama. He currently holds the Series 7 and 66 FINRA licenses.


Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: OK, NV, KY, CT, AR, WI, SC, MT, MI, NE, ND, LA, PA, OH, NM, CO, WY, TX, OR, CA, NY, MA, IA, GA, DE, AZ, UT, MS, MD, ID, FL, AL, TN, NC, MO, IN, IL, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2455818

About Ralph Anderson

Ralph Anderson has over 30 years experience in financial services at Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms where he continues to proudly help guide clients through all market conditions. He prides himself on taking the time to understand each client's lifetime goals and their financial objectives.

Prior to starting his career in the financial services industry, Ralph attended the University of West Florida where he earned a BA in Accounting. In addition, he earned his CFP designation from the College for Financial Planning. As a CFP, Ralph prioritizes developing a unique financial plan for each client and actively managing their affairs according to that plan.

Outside of work, Ralph enjoys spending time with his family. He has been happily married for 36 years and has three children and a dog. He also helped form a Christian Business Men’s Connection group in Fairhope, Alabama in 2019. CBMC connects business and professional men to God and each other through Christian peer groups and one-on-one mentoring, so they become more like the men God designed them to be. Ralph is a member of the Advisory Board for the Student-run Jaguar Investment Fund at the University of South Alabama.
Securities Agent: ND, MD, AR, SC, IN, CO, TX, TN, MS, IL, OR, MO, MA, ID, VA, LA, FL, CA, MT, PA, NE, MI, AL, UT, NC, GA, WI, NV, NM, KY, WY, NY; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265199

About Kristen Hall

Kristen Hall is a Registered Client Service Associate working with Ralph Anderson in Fairhope, AL. Kristen graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Business Administration, major in Marketing from The University of South Alabama. Kristen has worked at Morgan Stanley for over 7 years. She has worked in the finance industry for over 10 years.

About DaChrista Dean

As a Senior Client Service Associate and Assistant to the Branch Manager with more than 2 decades of financial industry experience, DaChrista focuses on providing excellent customer service and building strong client relationships. DaChrista works with Lee Clark Jr. and Jon Anderson in Decatur, AL. She has been a member of the Morgan Stanley family since 2011.

DaChrista graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Virginia College in Birmingham, AL.

Outside of the office, DaChrista enjoys life with her husband Kevin and their two dogs. Spending time with family, church family and friends are important to them. They love to travel and grow vegetables in their garden.

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 Debbie Booth

Debbie Booth is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.

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.

Debbie began her career in financial services in 1987 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2010 as a Senior Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she held many roles including Wealth Management Banker, Banking Center Manager, and Retail Mortgage Manager at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.

Debbie and her family reside in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She is an active member of the community by volunteering her time with March of Dimes, Women’s Build with Habitat for Humanity and Manna Food Bank. When not in the office, she enjoys watching football, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
NMLS#: 801310

About Dylan Christou

Dylan Christou is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Dylan provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

He earned his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Dylan is originally from Queens, New York and currently resides in Queens, New York.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

The GIC Weekly


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.

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 Lakeside Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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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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2When 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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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.

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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)