Michael W Butt
Managing Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Senior Portfolio Management Director,
Financial Planning Specialist
Direct:
(480) 368-6565(480) 368-6565
Toll-Free:
(800) 727-4888(800) 727-4888
My Mission Statement
To provide exceptional investment guidance and service built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and professionalism.
About Us
My number one goal is to help make sure my clients are protected. Today's investment environment is increasingly complex. New opportunities are everywhere, which is why experienced investment guidance is more important than ever.
If you are like most investors, you need an advisor who has the knowledge and the skills to help you sort through and take advantage of investment opportunities that are right for you. Everything I do is aimed at earning your complete trust, so you know for certain you have a person on your side who can provide advice and services to help you achieve your financial goals.
As your Financial Advisor, I take the time to understand your concerns, to advise you on the investment process and to help create a strategy customized to your specific needs. Just as important, I know the value of keeping a long-term perspective on performance and following an investment strategy that can help weather varied market conditions.
Fostering long-term client relationships based on trust and integrity is the benchmark of my business philosophy. I believe personal service is a chief contributor to growth and profitability. Ultimately, I want my clients to succeed in whatever they choose to endeavor from a financial perspective. If I can help you achieve your goals and help mitigate risks, I have done my job.
Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's Awarded March 2025. Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Awards Disclosures
Named to the 2024 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors ranking
Source: Forbes (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22-6/30/23.
The Joshua Tree Group has been named to Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams. It's an honor to be recognized among this group of outstanding professionals who consistently work to raise the standards in our industry.
[Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23–3/31/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/wealth-management/forbes-top-wealth-advisors-lists-2025
While I am proud of what I have accomplished to help my clients, my greatest achievement is raising my two grown daughters, Jordan and Cassidy, together with my wife, Alicia. As a family, we enjoy traveling, golfing, skiing and donating our time to non-profit charity organizations.
If you are like most investors, you need an advisor who has the knowledge and the skills to help you sort through and take advantage of investment opportunities that are right for you. Everything I do is aimed at earning your complete trust, so you know for certain you have a person on your side who can provide advice and services to help you achieve your financial goals.
As your Financial Advisor, I take the time to understand your concerns, to advise you on the investment process and to help create a strategy customized to your specific needs. Just as important, I know the value of keeping a long-term perspective on performance and following an investment strategy that can help weather varied market conditions.
Fostering long-term client relationships based on trust and integrity is the benchmark of my business philosophy. I believe personal service is a chief contributor to growth and profitability. Ultimately, I want my clients to succeed in whatever they choose to endeavor from a financial perspective. If I can help you achieve your goals and help mitigate risks, I have done my job.
Barron's Top 1200 Financial Advisors
Source: Barron's Awarded March 2025. Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Oct 2023-Sept 2024. Awards Disclosures
Named to the 2024 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Advisors ranking
Source: Forbes (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22-6/30/23.
The Joshua Tree Group has been named to Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams. It's an honor to be recognized among this group of outstanding professionals who consistently work to raise the standards in our industry.
[Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/23–3/31/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/wealth-management/forbes-top-wealth-advisors-lists-2025
While I am proud of what I have accomplished to help my clients, my greatest achievement is raising my two grown daughters, Jordan and Cassidy, together with my wife, Alicia. As a family, we enjoy traveling, golfing, skiing and donating our time to non-profit charity organizations.
Securities Agent: RI, FL, AR, TX, TN, SD, NM, NH, MI, KS, CA, VA, NE, NC, MO, MN, DC, AZ, MD, KY, CT, CO, MT, WV, NJ, AK, WY, SC, OR, OH, MA, HI, DE, AL, UT, PA, NY, MS, ME, IL, OK, NV, LA, IA, GA, ND, WI, WA, IN, ID; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265021
NMLS#: 1265021
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
In The Press
Michael Butt named to Barron's 'Top 1,200 Financial Advisors'
Michael Butt named to Barron's 'Top 1,200 Financial Advisors' 2020
Disclosure:
2018-2022 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2018-2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
2018-2022 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2018-2022). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.
Michael Butt named to Barron's 'Top 1,200 Financial Advisors' 2024
Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors
(Source: Barron's - Awarded Mar 2024. Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Sept 2022 - Sept 2023. Awards Disclosures)
(Source: Barron's - Awarded Mar 2024. Data compiled by Barron's based on time period from Sept 2022 - Sept 2023. Awards Disclosures)
Experience
Advisor Focus: Improve Client Retention with a Personal Touch and Hard Work
CRC 1943277
2004 - Present: Morgan Stanley
Executive Director
Financial Planning Specialist
Senior Portfolio Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1997 - 2004: Piper Jaffray
Senior Vice President - Wealth Management/Sales Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1991 - 1997: Paine Weber
Account Vice President & Sales Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1990 - 1991: Boettcher & Co.
Account Executive
Phoenix, AZ
CRC 1943277
2004 - Present: Morgan Stanley
Executive Director
Financial Planning Specialist
Senior Portfolio Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1997 - 2004: Piper Jaffray
Senior Vice President - Wealth Management/Sales Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1991 - 1997: Paine Weber
Account Vice President & Sales Manager
Scottsdale, AZ
1990 - 1991: Boettcher & Co.
Account Executive
Phoenix, AZ
Working With You
CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
I view my relationship with you as a long-term commitment. The initial interview and portfolio design, while important, are a small part of the much bigger picture. The real value I bring to clients is my insight and advice touching on all aspects of your financial affairs.
PLANNING IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT
I believe that the most effective way to help you reach your unique financial vision is to consider all of your financial needs and objectives together. As your advisor, I help you keep track of all aspects of your financial life. Through meetings and frequent phone calls, we'll talk about your progress toward your financial goals. And, when new situations require the modification of goals or strategies, I respond quickly and proactively to help ensure that your best interests are served.
I view my relationship with you as a long-term commitment. The initial interview and portfolio design, while important, are a small part of the much bigger picture. The real value I bring to clients is my insight and advice touching on all aspects of your financial affairs.
PLANNING IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT
I believe that the most effective way to help you reach your unique financial vision is to consider all of your financial needs and objectives together. As your advisor, I help you keep track of all aspects of your financial life. Through meetings and frequent phone calls, we'll talk about your progress toward your financial goals. And, when new situations require the modification of goals or strategies, I respond quickly and proactively to help ensure that your best interests are served.
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Learn All The FeaturesClient Service Team
Christopher Ragazzo - Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(480) 922-7918(480) 922-7918
Email:christopher.ragazzo@morganstanley.com
Business Experience:
10+ Year experience
2012 to 2015 - Credit Suisse Wealth Management
2015 to present - Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Arts - University of North Carolina Wilmington
Economics, 2010
Master of Economics - North Carolina State University, 2012
2014 - Series 7 and 66 licensed
2018 - Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states
10+ Year experience
2012 to 2015 - Credit Suisse Wealth Management
2015 to present - Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Arts - University of North Carolina Wilmington
Economics, 2010
Master of Economics - North Carolina State University, 2012
2014 - Series 7 and 66 licensed
2018 - Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states
Jeremy Horton - Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(480) 368-6554(480) 368-6554
Email:jeremy.horton@morganstanley.com
Business Experience:
2007 to present - Morgan Stanley
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Science - Arizona State University
WP Carey School of Business - Marketing
Magna Cum Laude, 2006
2008 - Series 7 licensed
2009 - Series 66 licensed
Registered in 50 states
2007 to present - Morgan Stanley
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Science - Arizona State University
WP Carey School of Business - Marketing
Magna Cum Laude, 2006
2008 - Series 7 licensed
2009 - Series 66 licensed
Registered in 50 states
Meghan A. Kelly - Registered Associate
Phone:
(480) 368-6547(480) 368-6547
Email:meghan.a.kelly@morganstanley.com
Business Experience: 2019- present Morgan Stanley
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Science- Arizona State University Finance, 2018
2019: Series 7 and 66 licensed
2018: Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states
Education and Licensing:
Bachelor of Science- Arizona State University Finance, 2018
2019: Series 7 and 66 licensed
2018: Securities Industry Essentials Examination
Registered in 50 states
Location
14850 N Scottsdale Rd
Suite 600
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
US
Direct:
(480) 368-6565(480) 368-6565
Toll-Free:
(800) 727-4888(800) 727-4888
Fax:
(480) 922-7878(480) 922-7878
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
This is a video content
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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
The Robots are Coming
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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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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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 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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Michael W Butt today.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
2Investors 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.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan 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.
7Morgan 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.
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
2Investors 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.
3Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
6Morgan 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.
7Morgan 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.
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)
