Michael Coldwell, CRPC®
My Mission Statement
My Story and Services
My approach begins with listening. By understanding what matters most to you, your family and your future, I use Morgan Stanley’s established planning process to help develop personalized strategies designed to support your goals. I view financial planning as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time event. As life changes, I work with clients and their families to revisit goals, risk tolerance and strategies and help determine whether adjustments may be appropriate based on their evolving needs.
For more than 25 years, I have served as a Financial Advisor, focusing on families and individuals transitioning into retirement. Having guided clients through periods of significant market uncertainty—including the financial crises of 2001 and 2007 and the disruption caused by the global pandemic—I understand the importance of a well-structured financial strategy, disciplined planning and steady guidance.
Originally from Midland, Michigan, I am the eldest of 14 children. I graduated from Dow High School in 1983, served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, earned my bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and hold the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation.
Family and community are also central to my life. My wife and I have two children at home, one grown child and a young granddaughter. In 2006, we moved back to Cary, Illinois, where my wife grew up, and we remain deeply connected to the community. My son played football for the 2021 state champion Cary-Grove High School team and is now a senior at Iowa State University. My daughter is a sophomore at Cary-Grove High School, where she played center for the school’s inaugural varsity flag football team; she also plays soccer for Cary Soccer and participates in equestrian sports.
I am proud to serve my community as a member of the Rotary Club of Cary-Grove and as an Ambassador for the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. In my work, family and community involvement, my goal remains the same: to serve others with care, commitment and purpose.
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ALL ASPECTS?
Retirement planning is about more than reaching a milestone, it is about creating a thoughtful strategy for the life you want to lead. From income planning and investment management to Social Security, health care considerations, tax-aware strategies, and legacy goals, I help you evaluate the many factors that can shape your retirement journey. Learn more below!
Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility rises. Check out the link below to read the Six-Step Retirement Checkup!
Whatever your unique vision for retirement, proactive planning is the first step in bringing it to life. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make decisions that support your financial journey.
Smart tax planning can help you save more for retirement and keep more of what you've already saved. Consider these tax-efficient retirement planning strategies.
Once you determine the type of retirement you're looking to plan for, we will work together to take a close look at the potential risks that can arise along the way to your goals. No matter how well you save during your accumulation phase, it's crucial to plan how to convert those assets to income. I can help you navigate through those challenges to come out on the other side.
MODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS
The wide range of digital tools provided by Morgan Stanley have been carefully compiled to aid in enhancing each component of your financial portfolio. Learn more about a few of the many resources we offer our clients for contemporary wealth management.
Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) digital capabilities and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App provide clients with access to their account information, enriched reporting tools, several cash management solutions and robust market research. In just a few taps, clients can have access to their accounts. MSO has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of.
Gain a complete financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your outside account information, you can have a holistic financial plan aimed at achieving your short- and long-term goals.
The CashPlus Brokerage Account is a modern alternative to banking which also offers complimentary Identity and Credit protection from Experian ®, helping to safeguard your identity and financial future.
Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, disability or death, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors. If you want to learn more, click the link below.
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Our comprehensive suite of resources is designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few that are meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
Every month, Morgan Stanley's top research analysts publish their "On the Markets" report, providing detailed market commentary on such topics as global equities, fixed income and monetary policy.
With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
Click the link below to view Morgan Stanley's latest updates on the markets, economies, global trends, and more!
Hear from our industry innovators across Morgan Stanley Wealth Management leadership and fund manager partners as they discuss the trends and opportunities shaping the alternative investments landscape.
Safeguarding your assets and information is one of our highest priorities, but you also have a critical role to play. Check out our collection of practical takeaways and best practices from our cybersecurity professionals, then explore a few of the ways we help protect you.
FINANCIAL PLANNING RESOURCES
Your goals may change as your life evolves. My planning process is built to adapt alongside them, helping you navigate new priorities, opportunities and challenges over time. With a holistic approach, we consider the many dimensions of your financial and personal life to help ensure your strategy remains aligned with both your current needs and long-term objectives. Take a look at some of the resources the firm and I have to offer!
Changes in the market or shifts in your personal situation may require adjustments to your financial plan. Here's a checklist to help you get started.
Our Goals Planning System (GPS) is an innovative platform built on Morgan Stanley's intellectual capital and capabilities that helps to provide my clients with comprehensive investing and planning solutions for their individual goals.
Most of us have numerous goals, but no goal is more important than securing a comfortable retirement. It is important to look at time horizon, risk tolerance, and current savings to structure a sound retirement plan.
Estate planning is often viewed as something reserved for the wealthy or older individuals. In reality, it is an important way to help ensure your assets are transferred smoothly to the people and causes you care about. By putting the right documents in place early and discussing your wishes, with those closest to you, you can help provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for both you and your family.
Location
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
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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.
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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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