Welcome

Financial Planning with Marc D. Cram

I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ who works with individuals on their finances. I help people invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, 529 college savings plans, etc. in addition to helping them with retirement planning, estate planning and investment strategies.As your Financial Advisor, I can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together I can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Securities Agent: MI, WV, AK, TX, NY, NV, ME, DC, CT, FL, VA, OH, MN, AL, SC, NH, TN, MD, KS, IL, DE, WA, PA, NC, NJ, GA, CO, MA, LA, CA, VT, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1290509
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Awards

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Winner: Five Star Wealth Manager

Marc Cram named in Forbes 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 "Best-In-State Wealth Advisors"

Disclosures:

2012-2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2012-2024) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period. "

2018-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

    Experience

    I believe that identifying financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client’s situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. I follow a disciplined process that enables us to work with you to craft a solution that helps to meet your individual financial needs:




    Develop a thorough understanding of your financial goals and objectives

    Review and analyze your current financial situation

    Identify and tailor solutions that can help you meet your individual needs

    Implement your customized strategy, including personalized services and benefits

    Review your strategy, meeting periodically to discuss your goals and needs



    Whatever your financial goal—whether to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on us to help you with a strategy that is:


    Personal: Highly individualized and committed to helping you achieve financial success
    Flexible: Responsive to changes in your life and in your priorities over time
    Comprehensive: Covering a broad array of investment products and services, with preferred benefits tied to your valued status with us


    My Experience
    2004 - Present: Morgan Stanley*
    Senior Vice President: Wealth Management
    Senior Portfolio Management Director
    Financial Advisor
    Richmond, VA

    1994 - 2004: Davenport & Company
    Head of Financial Planning Department
    Richmond, VA


    Professional Accomplishments

    Five Star "Wealth Manager" Award Winner
                        2012-2017

    Accreditations

    CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
    Chartered Life Underwriter®
    Chartered Financial Consultant®

    Education

    University of Richmond, 1988-1992 
    E. Claiborne Robins School of Business 
    BS - Finance & Marketing
    Richmond, VA

    Deerfield Academy, 1988

    Working With You

    As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues.  We address different aspects of family wealth and come up with a solution for each of your unique needs. No matter the stage we have the tools & resources to help you navigate through your most pressing questions.

    We follow a structured yet flexible approach. We start with finding out your needs and goals and then we assess your existing portfolio to see how your goals and investments line up. After we define a strategy combining your both your financial and impact goals. Once agreed on we implement the strategy and will monitor the impact and results. We check back in with you periodically and will revise our strategy if necessary.

    Client Service Team

      Carousel Associate Image
      Wendy L. Coggsdale, CRPC, Vice President - Business Development Associate
      Phone:
      (804) 780-3341(804) 780-3341
      Email:wendy.coggsdale@morganstanley.com
      Carousel Associate Image
      Amber Cleck
      Phone:
      (804) 780-3315(804) 780-3315
      Email:amber.cleck@morganstanley.com

    Location

    901 East Byrd St
    Suite 2000
    Richmond, VA 23219
    US
    Direct:
    (804) 780-3303(804) 780-3303
    Toll-Free:
    (800) 833-5522(800) 833-5522
    Fax:
    (804) 225-8145(804) 225-8145

    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
    Article Image

    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
    Article Image

    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
    Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
    Article Image

    Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

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

    Business Planning

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

    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.
    Ready to start a conversation? Contact Marc D Cram 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 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.

    Back to top



    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.

    Back to top



    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.

    Back to top



    4Investors 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.

    Back to top



    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

    Back to top



    6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Back to top



    7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Back to top



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

    Back to top



    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.

    Back to top



    10Morgan 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.

    Back to top



    11Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

    Back to top



    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)