My Story

With over 30 years of professional experience, I bring diverse skills and perspective to wealth management. By combining my knowledge of finance with my desire to help families live more meaningfully, I have realized my professional and personal goals. Understanding my clients’ needs and objectives is essential to the planning process. I perform comprehensive client evaluations designed to determine my clients’ personal and financial objectives. I seek to understand my clients broadly and deeply enough to find the opportunities that are consistent not only with their financial objectives, but also their values. In conversations with my clients, I help them determine what’s really important, and then develop an actionable, flexible financial plan that is a road map for the future.

A significant part of my practice is devoted to working with divorcing individuals, their attorneys, and collaborative professionals to help navigate the complex emotional and financial issues associated with divorce. From budgeting to post-divorce investment management, I strive to help my clients become more knowledgeable, confident, and empowered about their financial future. My practice is built on three pillars: honesty, integrity, and perspective. This approach enables me to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with my clients and their families.

EXPERIENCE:

2007 - Present: Morgan Stanley
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Winter Park, FL

1994 - 2007: Hill Adams Hall & Schieffelin
Attorney - Partner
Winter Park, FL

1989 - 1991: First Union National Bank
Consumer Banker
Orlando, FL

EDUCATION:

J.D., 1994 Columbus School of Law Catholic University of America Washington, DC
B.S., Economics 1989 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
Series 7 - General Securities Representative
Series 66 - Combined Investment Advisory Agent & Uniform State Exam
Life, Health, Disability, Variable Annuities & Long Term Care Insurance Licensed
Services Include
Securities Agent: AL, CA, WA, NC, MN, CT, TN, IN, ID, DC, TX, RI, MI, MA, LA, AZ, WV, DE, VA, OH, ME, IL, HI, GA, VI, SC, MO, MD, KY, WI, PA, NH, CO, NY, NJ, MT, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1288319
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Divorce Financial Planning

Tab Image
We nurture and empower our clients as they transition to a new chapter in life. To help get you started, the following are common questions.

Q: What financial information will my attorney need?

Planning your financial life after divorce begins with an analysis of your pre-divorce financial situation. This information will include income, debt, investments, and retirement plans. Additionally, you should have an understanding of how much it costs annually to maintain your lifestyle.

Q: My spouse has several retirement plans. How are these handled?

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) will specify how you and your former spouse will receive an interest in the retirement plans. The language in a QDRO is governed by certain guidelines so your attorney likely will refer you to someone who specializes in drafting QDROs.

Q: What other issues should I be aware of?

Make sure that you have the proper beneficiaries in place, that your accounts are titled properly, and that your estate planning is up to date. Also, research health insurance coverage because you and your children may have options under your ex-spouse’s plan. Finally, you will want to be sure that the assets that you are entitled to are transferred to your ownership and control efficiently.

Q: My divorce has been a confusing and emotional experience. How can you help me?

With our guidance, we help you simplify these complex issues. We work as part of your professional team to help ensure that you are knowledgeable and educated on all of your financial planning options. From budgeting and cash flow, to income analysis and ongoing investment management - we are committed to help you reach your goal of financial and personal independence.

Working With You

We use a goals-based process where success is measured not by a number, but by the progress you make toward reaching your personal and financial goals. This approach enables us to customize solutions that help guide you towards personal and financial independence.
    Icon Image
    Step 1: Understanding You
    We want to know what's important to you. Our relationship begins with an in-depth conversation to understand you, your goals, and concerns. 
    Icon Image
    Step 2: Analyzing Your Needs
    Next, we review your current situation as well as legacy needs in order to address your unique circumstances. As you experience different life stages, we can identify your budgeting and cash flow needs. We also help to identify existing tax and estate planning issues and will assist you to coordinate these with your CPA and estate planning attorney.
    Icon Image
    Step 3: Customizing Solutions for Your Goals
    In this step, we prepare a comprehensive financial plan that addresses your individual needs, goals, and objectives. This also includes an analysis of social security benefits and recommendations for the most efficient way to coordinate those benefits.
    Icon Image
    Step 4: Implementing Your Plan
    With our guidance, you will have access to a wide array of strategies and investment programs tailored for your specific goals and objectives.
    Icon Image
    Step 5: Monitoring Results
    We use the financial plan as a roadmap to help you navigate markets and life events. We meet regularly to review whether you are on- track, and we may make recommendations and adjustments due to a change in circumstances.

Media and Resources

Please find below a collection of articles and resources you may find helpful.
    Icon Image
    2024 Midyear Investment Outlook: Soft Landing, Hard Choices
    The global economy should slow and become more divergent in the second half of 2024, thanks to persistent inflation and tight monetary policy by central banks.
    Read More
    Icon Image
    Money and Divorce: 6 Financial Mistakes to Avoid
    Navigating the division of assets in a divorce can be a long and difficult process. Learn how to avoid mistakes and plan for your future.
    Read More
    Icon Image
    The Next American Productivity Renaissance
    A powerful and transformative multi-year capital investment cycle is emerging, which could usher in an era of higher economic growth and new market leadership. What does this mean for investors?
    Listen Here
    Icon Image
    The GIC Weekly
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    The GIC Weekly Research Report
    Icon Image
    Have Markets Finally Adapted to Higher Rates?
    The Fed has long warned of sticky inflation and a need to keep interest rates aloft. Now markets seem to be listening. Here’s what that could mean for your portfolio.
    Read More
    Icon Image
    Personal Cybersecurity Checklist
    Whether it’s strengthening your passwords or treating emails from unknown senders with more caution, you can take a number of steps to reduce the threat of identity theft, online scams, malware, fraud and more.
    Read More
    Icon Image
    Overcoming Your 5 Biggest Retirement Challenges
    While saving for a retirement is important, so is your plan of action once you enter retirement.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
    Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save early can make a difference.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    GIC On the Markets
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy and more.
    Read the Latest Report
    Icon Image
    5 Adventurous Summer Road Trip Routes
    Summer’s nearly here, and what better way to celebrate the season of freedom and fun than with an adventurous road trip?
    Read More
    Icon Image
    The SECURE 2.0 Act
    Congress recently passed the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, which was signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022. SECURE 2.0 is a significant piece of retirement legislation that is intended to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement plans and for individuals to save for retirement.
    Read More

Modern Wealth Tools

    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments are always just a few clicks away when you enroll in Morgan Stanley Online.
    Learn More About MSO
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    Consolidate your full financial picture with Total Wealth View. Take a step towards more informed wealth planning with convenient connectivity.
    Learn More About Total Wealth View
    Icon Image
    Goals Based Planning
    Morgan Stanley’s advanced wealth management technology is a great way to build a comprehensive wealth plan. Find out how our tools can help you reach your financial goals.
    Learn More About Goals Based Planning
    Icon Image
    Premier Cash Management
    Take advantage of a modern alternative to banking. Sign up for a Morgan Stanley CashPlus account for a seamless digital experience, and a full suite of cash management solutions.
    Learn More About Cashplus

Location

250 S Park Avenue
Suite 500
Winter Park, FL 32789
US
Direct:
(407) 740-4991(407) 740-4991
Toll-Free:
(800) 829-5105(800) 829-5105
Fax:
(407) 740-4983(407) 740-4983

Meet My Team

About Shelly Walton

Shelly has been in the financial services industry for the past 20 years gathering experience in banking, insurance, and investments. She earned her degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and has worked for Merrill Lynch, Allstate and Wells Fargo. She holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities license.

In her nine-year tenure at Morgan Stanley, Shelly has enjoyed helping other Support Professionals get accustomed to Morgan Stanley systems and processes. She has made herself available as a resource for her peers and new Financial Advisor Associates that do not have administrative support. She has also assisted in the training and onboarding of new Support Professionals in both the Atlanta Perimeter Complex and Winter Park Complex branches. From this passion, she has served as one of four Coaches for the Central North Florida Complex for the past 3 years and as Co-Chair for the Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Shelly currently resides in Debary, FL with her husband, Dwight and their two fur babies, Boris and Bella.

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 Alexandra Diez

Alexandra Diez 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, she collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, she will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Alexandra 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.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Dickinson College and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Alexandra is originally from Rockville Centre, New York and currently resides in Queens, New York.
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.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
Article Image

A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Matthew Bartolomei today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



4When 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



5When 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



6Alternative 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



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

Back to top



8Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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



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)