Bio

Michael Burns, a Senior Vice President Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in the Morristown, NJ office has over 30 years’ experience in the capital markets and with fixed income providing investment consulting and portfolio management to high net worth families and institutions. His primary goal as a financial advisor is to help families preserve and grow their wealth. He has extensive experience with fixed income having started his career at a municipal bond firm in 1986. Michael continues to incorporate municipal bonds, corporate debt and agency securities into managing his clients’ accounts. He currently manages over $500 million in assets as of February, 2024.  

Michael begins his Financial Planning process by speaking with his clients individually and creating a customized plan that is tailored to them and their families based on their specific priorities and long-term goals. He determines risk tolerance, how many years until retirement, and their desires - whether it is a second home, travel or legacy plans. He takes the time to learn about each client and constructs a specific personalized plan and then implements that plan while remaining in continual contact. Michael prides himself on the personal service he offers and his dedication to his clients.

Michael received a B.A. in Business Administration from Western New England College in Springfield, MA. He presently resides in NJ with his three children. Michael enjoys fishing, hiking and camping in his free time.

The BBM Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley was named to the Forbes 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking. Visit our Team Website by clicking below to view the list.


Forbes 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source:Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. For criteria & methodology, go to Forbes.com.
Services Include
Securities Agent: OR, NJ, WV, SC, RI, NY, ID, AK, PR, OK, DE, VA, MS, MO, MD, AL, TX, NH, WA, OH, NV, MA, CT, WY, PA, NM, NE, KY, IN, IL, FL, DC, NC, ME, LA, GA, CO, AZ, SD, CA, VT, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1297677
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

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To be truly effective, your plan must reflect the totality of your personal and financial life. My process and service will ensure that your investment objectives are consistent with pressuring financial concerns and your long-term aspirations.

These steps were developed to achieve that goal:
Discovery Meeting
This in-depth conversation is designed to identify what is truly important to you, so I may create a customized plan fully aligned with your goals.
Create Wealth Management and Investment Plan
From this ongoing dialogue, I will analyze your current situation and develop specific strategies as part of your detailed wealth management and investment plan.
Plan Implementation
At this interactive presentation, I will answer specific questions regarding the implementation of your plan and set up any desired services, such as online access, electronic delivery and automatic bill pay.
Regular Process Meetings
Ongoing phone calls or meetings focus on reviewing your progress and determining any adjustment that may be necessary, based on changes in the market and your personal situation.
Depth of Client Service
As a financial advisor, I take genuine interest in my clients well-being. I move beyond being simply a service provider to being a holistic advisor. I pride my-self on building loyalty and trust with my clients. Helping them navigate the ever changing financial markets so they can worry less and enjoy more.

My Clients

I work with high net worth families who seek to avoid taking risks with their finances. They look to me for helping generate income from wealth they've already accumulated.

Some clients are physicians who are working long and unconventional hours growing their practice and do not want to worry about year-to-year fluctuations in their income.

Other clients are business owners who set growth targets for their companies each year, but rely on investment income to supplement cash flow and make up for any short fall.
All Of My Clients Share Similar Characteristics
• They are fully engaged in this process without micromanaging.
• They understand the importance of focusing on two things, what matters to them and what we (my clients and I) can control.
• They don’t focus on short-term things like products, pricing & performance and instead concentrate on their long-term objectives.
• They are responsive and proactively communicate important changes in their lives that may affect their financial plan.
• They utilize my service to act as a sounding board, providing a second opinion for their family and friends.
I am not a good fit for everyone. Some characteristics of clients I am not best suited for include:
• Those who want to micromanage the investment process in pursuit of outperforming some short-term market benchmark.
• Those who are secretive about their assets outside of my care and thus not fully engaged in our process.
• Those who are unresponsive and unwilling to at least review their portfolios on a regular basis.
• Those who want to regularly revise their plan based on daily changing headlines.

I believe it is better to be all things to some people rather than attempt to be all things to all people.

That’s a major part of the philosophy that guides my practice.

Digital Tools

Our goal is simple: “To be the firm where the most talented, trusted advisors in the industry leverage cutting-edge technology and deliver customized wealth management solutions to their clients and their families to enable them to achieve their life goals.” The Firm strives to ensure it serves clients on market-leading technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, smart, fast and flexible.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that I want to make sure you're taking advantage of. They include:

    - eAuthorizations, an enhanced way to authorize transactions with one click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    - eDelivery, which reduces paper documents sent by mail and can protect your personal information from getting into the hands of identity thieves
    - Linking your accounts outside of Morgan Stanley, which can help you see your larger financial picture and allow us to have more informed wealth planning discussions
    - Managing your everyday finances ? such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
    Sign Up For MSO
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    E-Delivery
    Morgan Stanley Online has a variety of features that can enhance your digital experience. One of those tools, eDelivery allows you to securely save, print, send or receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Enroll in E-Delivery
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    Asset Aggregation
    We've launched the Total Wealth View tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.

    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
    Add External Accounts
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    Digital Vault
    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. The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you and your clients to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Access Digital Vault

529 Plans: A powerful tool to save for education purposes

A 529 account can help you pave the way for a loved one on the path to success, while both potentially reducing the income taxes on your investments and the taxable value of your estate for federal estate tax purposes. The combination of income tax-deferred growth and withdrawal potential, estate tax benefits, attractive continuous-control features, and versatility to address circumstances as they arise make 529 plans an education investment vehicle of choice.

I can help answer your questions about 529 plans and provide guidance on developing an approach to help you achieve your goals. Click on the contact me button above to schedule a meeting with me.
What You Get From Us:
  • Thought leadership and portfolio construction
  • Integration into a goals-based total wealth plan
  • Sophisticated advice from a Financial Advisor
Benefits Of A 529 Plan:
  • Tax Advantages - Once you fund a 529 account, any growth of that money is generally income tax-deferred. And it can normally be distributed income tax-free if it’s used to pay for qualified education expenses, including tuition and supplies.
  • Versatility & Control - Help pay for private K-12 education, graduate school, semesters abroad, apprenticeship programs and student loans. Stay in full ownership of your account even as you change beneficiaries or withdraw funds.
  • Flexibility - 529 plans are notable for their flexibility—with no income, age or time limits, no minimum distributions, no state residency requirements, no limits on who can benefit or contribute, and high contribution limits.

Location

340 Mount Kemble Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
US
Direct:
(973) 425-3865(973) 425-3865
Toll-Free:
(800) 755-4253(800) 755-4253
Fax:
(973) 425-2366(973) 425-2366

Meet My Team

About Giuseppe Sellitto

Giuseppe Sellitto began his career at Morgan Stanley’s predecessor company, Smith Barney, in Operations as a Service Associate in 2006. He was later promoted as one of the Complex Service Manager and worked in the DC metro area.

After moving back to New Jersey in 2013, he joined FA Michael Burns as a Senior Registered Client Service Associate. Currently a Wealth Management Associate, his primary responsibilities include providing high-net worth clients with exceptional service and delivering complete operational support to his team. His excellent organizational, communication skills, and attention to detail, enable Giuseppe to help deliver the vast resources of Morgan Stanley to his clients.

Giuseppe graduated with a degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickenson University. He holds series 7, 63, 65, 3, 9, and 10 licenses, He has also obtained his CRPC™ and CRPS® certificates.

Outside of work Giuseppe enjoys playing recreational soccer and spending time with his family. He currently resides in Rockaway, New Jersey where he lives with his spouse and 2 children.
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.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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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 Michael Burns today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Alternative 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.

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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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3Morgan 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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4Morgan 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

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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6Morgan 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.

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7Morgan 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.

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8Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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9When 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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10Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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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.

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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)