Matthew Thompson

In 1997, I got my first introduction to the stock market through an internship position with Smith Barney in their Pasadena, California office. A short while later, I was offered a full-time position as Client Service Associate and my career in Financial Services was born.

While still working for Smith Barney in 1999, I took on the role of liaison between Smith Barney and the California Medical Association. I worked with a group of select Financial Advisors who were the endorsed retirement plan providers for the association’s physicians.

After traveling the state for a year, I decided to further my career, and in May of 2000 I became a Financial Advisor at Smith Barney in the Sherman Oaks, California office. It was then that I got interested in Non Profits Organizations as both a volunteer building houses in South Central Los Angeles for Habitat for Humanity and as an advisor working on endowments for several organizations in the Los Angeles area.

I relocated to New York in August of 2004 to start a team with a former partner of mine. While the partnership didn’t work out, the motive behind it shaped the vision of the practice today; a group working together to enhance the interplay and synergies within and between corporations, individuals, and philanthropic organizations based on the group’s intellectual capital. This was also when I was first introduced to the American Red Cross on Long Island through a client who was on the board. I have spent the past 14 years serving as a volunteer, board member, and board chair and I currently serve as the co-chairman of the board.

In April of 2008, I joined Morgan Stanley and continued to build the three pillars of the practice; Corporate Services, Investor Services, and Philanthropic Services. As the interplay between the three pillars expanded over the years, I developed a robust practice to include Private Corporations, Non-Profit Organizations, and Individual Families. My philanthropic involvement has expended as well, as I now serve on the Board of Directors for the Bayside Business Association, the Board of Directors for Career Day Inc., the Board of Directors for the Nonprofit Collective Foundation, Inc. - Economic Assistance, the Board of Directors for the Pelham Children/Youth Travel Soccer Club, and the Advisory Board for Transitional Services of New York, Inc., as well as work with other charities on an as needed basis.
Services Include
  • Corporate Pension Plans
  • Corporate Retirement PlansFootnote1
  • Portfolio Management
  • Business Succession PlanningFootnote2
  • Philanthropic ManagementFootnote3
  • Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
Securities Agent: OH, MA, WI, SC, OR, DE, AZ, UT, TN, NJ, MO, AR, SD, RI, NC, NY, IL, CT, ME, PA, WA, GA, TX, FL, CA, VT, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282775
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Philanthropic Services

I support nonprofit clients by offering a suite of services to help them operate like for profit corporations. Below are some services we offer please feel free to reach out for additional services above and beyond what's outlined below
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    Right-Sizing Long-Term Reserves
    Helping nonprofit volunteers and executives understand the relationship between operating reserves and long-term reserves and to help them fund each bucket more effectively to not only protect their organization from risk, but maximize the growth of potential of existing assets
    Learn More Here
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    Philanthropy Management
    Philanthropy Management supports individual, family, corporate and private foundation, and nonprofit clients by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients’ charitable missions.
    Philanthropic Management Overview
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    Donor Advised Funds
    Contributions to a DAF are invested in line with Donor preferences and have the potential to grow tax-free, thus enabling the Donor to recommend grants to a variety of charities over several years. The final decisions on grant recommendations are made by the MS GIFT Board of Directors.
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    Stock Donation Accounts
    If you're considering a charitable donation, giving stock may be one of the most effective methods. Gifting appreciated stock reduces taxes while supporting organizations you care about
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    Endowment Management
    Surrounding you with extensive resources that check all the critical boxes for helping grow and protect your endowment. We subscribe to a philosophy that reaches beyond the investments and is designed to help our endowment clients ultimately redefine success, manage risk and focus on the real result – their ability to meet their goals.
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    Featured Article
    Global Volunteer Month
    Read Featured Article Here

Corporate Services

Below is a summary of some of the services that we've been recently engaged in that provide workplace financial solutions for organizations and their employees
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    At Work Solutions
    Create a culture of excellence through a culture of ownership. At Work delivers workplace Equity, Wellness, and Retirement solutions ultimately empowering employees to build financial confidence and wealth.
    Morgan Stanley at Work
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    Corporate Retirement Solutions
    We offer tools, advice, and support you need to manage your retirement program with ease and confidence from every angle.
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    Financial Empowerment
    When employees thrive, companies thrive. I am proud to offer a customizable solution for organizations to empower their employees by making their finances a source of wellness – and not a source of stress.
    Take the Pulse of Your Financial Wellness Program
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    Equity Edge Online
    Equity Edge Online offers cutting-edge technology that adapts as your company evolves. Our platform supports many equity vehicles with full accounting, recordkeeping, administrative report, and comprehensive security features ensuring data protection.
    Equity Edge Online
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    Private Market Solutions
    Our suite of equity products are designed for the unique needs of innovative private companies. From start-up to mature companies, we provide solutions and innovative technology to help manage your cap table, generate 409A valuations, run tender offers, and more.
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    Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
    In today's competitive business environment, it's crucial for companies to be able to attract, retain, and reward key employees. Many firms turn to non qualified deferred compensation plans (NQDC) which allow highly compensated key employees to accumulate wealth and save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Individual Investor Services

As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. I leverage my experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. I look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to achieve your particular priorities and goals.
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    Wealth Management
    Wealth management brings all the dimensions of your life together. We listen carefully to understand the connections across your personal life, your family, your career and your legacy goals to develop a comprehensive strategy that is uniquely yours.
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    Retirement Planning
    One of our key areas of focus is helping you prepare for and thrive in retirement. From IRAs to RMDs, we manage the complexities of your comprehensive retirement plan assets, helping you easily transition to the next phase of your life with security and confidence.
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    Professional Portfolio Management
    Managing an investment portfolio should be a consultative, disciplined process that balances your attitudes about investing with careful analysis of the financial markets. Working together, we create a customized strategy that applies long-held investment principles to help your assets appreciate appropriately or generate cash-flow or income as you require.
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    Alternative Investments
    Morgan Stanley’s global network affords us the ability to offer clients a wide array of alternative investments to consider. Our recommendations are based on your own goals and your tolerance for investment risk.
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    Cash Management Services
    Creating adequate cash flow and securing liquidity are the day-to-day aspects of implementing a financial strategy. We help you meet your personal cash management and borrowing needs, while thinking strategically about how specific approaches may affect current and long-term costs and taxes.
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    Estate Planning & Philanthropic Strategies
    Delivering an estate to the next generation or favorite charity requires more attention than families often realize. We coordinate with your estate and tax professionals to align your legacy goals with the appropriate asset titling and beneficiary designation requirements, incorporating best practices to help enhance results

My Community Involvement

I am driven by my goal to help clients fulfill their own personal financial vision. At the same time, I have a vision of who I want to be and what I hope to accomplish for my clients and my community.
The American Red Cross on Long Island
I have spent the past 14 years serving as a volunteer, board member, and board chair and I currently serve as the co-chairman of the board.
The Long Island chapter of The American Red Cross serves more than 2.8 million people in Nassau and Suffolk counties. We respond to emergencies and disasters across the region—home fires, floods, building collapses—and more, providing shelter, food, clothing and emotional support at no cost to those in need.
Bayside Business Association
I serve on the Board of Directors for the Bayside Business Association (BBA), which is an association that has provided businesses with a single united voice. The BBA was the most instrumental force in forming what is now the Bayside Village Business Improvement District. The BBA has also been involved with several beautification projects that have benefited the businesses as well as the community. Our projects have included street cleaning, tree planting, and graffiti removal. It is one of the BBA's missions to provide the community with a family-oriented, pedestrian-friendly shopping experience.
Transitional Services for New York, Inc.
I am on the Advisory Board for Transitional Services for New York, Inc., a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City. We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence.
Career Day, Inc.
I also serve on the Board of Directors for Career Day, Inc. Career Day Inc. organizes a program that aims to change the lives of young adults by introducing high school students to the paths others have taken to reach their career goals. By working in partnership with a variety of professionals and school staff, Career Day Inc.’s program creates an atmosphere of acceptance and opportunity for all students at every academic level.
Pelham Travel Soccer Club
As a former collegiate soccer player and high school soccer coach, it was only a matter of time before I came involved in my kids’ club. Pelham Travel Soccer’s goal is to develop skillful and ultimately competitive youth team by providing youths the opportunity to excel at soccer and to build positive character and promote principles of fair play by providing an enjoyable fair and high quality soccer program. As a newer board member, joining in 2022, I focus on the player and coaching development within the program. We have partnered with the New York Red Bulls to provide professional trainers that aim to emphasize player development for better players in the future over immediate “winning tactics” and maintaining a healthy parent involvement .
The Non-Profit Cooperative
In January of 2022, we launched and I was elected Chairman of The Nonprofit Cooperative with a goal of providing valuable resources and trainings to nonprofits through the United States and around the world. The mission of the organization is to provide free access to valuable resources, information and training that saves their organizations time and money so that they can stay focused on their mission. A key element of what we do is prescreens and vet our Cooperative Members, who are business that service nonprofits and can be hired for their services, to ensure our nonprofits are getting the highest quality solutions essential to their operations.

Location

58 South Service Rd
Ste 400
Melville, NY 11747
US
Direct:
(631) 755-8921(631) 755-8921
Toll-Free:
(800) 472-0320(800) 472-0320
Fax:
(516) 773-7283(516) 773-7283

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 Kathleen Kowlessar

Kathleen Kowlessar is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New York.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.

Kathleen began her career in financial services in 2013, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Store Manager at the TD Bank.

Kathleen is a graduate of the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, where she received a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. She lives in Garden City, New York with her family. Outside of the office, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and trying new foods.
NMLS#: 1037493

About Andrew Bertalli

Andrew Bertalli is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Eastern Long Island, NY. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2000 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, Andrew served high-net-worth clients for over 17 years. Andrew also has worked at Charles Schwab, USAA, and TIAA.

Andrew Bertalli graduated from Saint Francis College and has a Bachelor of Science in Business. Andrew holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Andrew lives on Long Island with his wife and children. Outside of work, Andrew likes to keep fit and spend time with his family. Andrew holds a private pilot license and served in the US Navy.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Wealth Management
From My Desk

Oh, Say, What You Can See


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
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

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

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 Matthew Thompson today.
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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.

1When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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2Morgan Stanley 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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3Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)