Michael T Bruce, CFP®
Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(847) 382-3732(847) 382-3732
Toll-Free:
(800) 221-2561(800) 221-2561
My Mission Statement
To help families thrive for generations
My Story
Time and time again I have seen it - the financial decisions of a parent, grandparent and even great grandparents can have a ripple effect on families that lasts for generations.
I believe advice matters. A favorite proverb of mine says “Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed”. My purpose is to know my clients’ life story and how they want their legacy to live on in future generations. so I can bring together the right team of advisers to help their plans succeed.
Because of good advice, my grandparents’ stories ended well. They were resilient and hard-working people who had large families and successful businesses in the small town of Mexico, Missouri. Their courage, generosity, hospitality and service to those in need have inspired me to do my best to honor their legacy.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional, I help my clients prepare for the expected and the unexpected events in life so their plans succeed. As a “big picture thinker”, I aim to blend timely advice with timeless wisdom in my practice.
I follow the investment philosophies of the late great Sir John Templeton and the legendary stock market analyst Laszlo Birinyi. They both were successful because they were willing to question conventional wisdom and found better ways of doing things. They were also highly regarded for their understanding of the impact of investor psychology on the markets.
My wife Judy and I have made Barrington, IL our home for over 25 years. We have two grown children and a golden doodle. Our son is a fourth generation Mizzou graduate and engineer working in the Washington, D.C. area. Our daughter is an honors student at U. of Tennessee with aspirations in the health care and sports field... My wife Judy is busy as a local real estate agent helping people move to where they want to be.
In my spare time I enjoy the simple things in life – sharing a good meal with family and friends, “reading” inspirational books, listening to a wide variety of music, planning road trip vacations and following St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
As part of my story, I have learned to adapt to a gradual loss of sight over the last 40 years due to a rare inherited condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa.. Little did I know at the time it was a gift in disguise. It has helped me in many ways to become a better advisor. How? It has forced me to learn new ways to listen, visualize, strategize and collaborate with others on how to help my clients build and pass on a legacy that can have a lasting impact for generations..
As we give thought to what kind of legacy we want to leave behind, now is the time to consider a fresh approach to managing your wealth. For a free consultation, simply send me an email @ Michael.t.bruce@morganstanley.com.
I believe advice matters. A favorite proverb of mine says “Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed”. My purpose is to know my clients’ life story and how they want their legacy to live on in future generations. so I can bring together the right team of advisers to help their plans succeed.
Because of good advice, my grandparents’ stories ended well. They were resilient and hard-working people who had large families and successful businesses in the small town of Mexico, Missouri. Their courage, generosity, hospitality and service to those in need have inspired me to do my best to honor their legacy.
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional, I help my clients prepare for the expected and the unexpected events in life so their plans succeed. As a “big picture thinker”, I aim to blend timely advice with timeless wisdom in my practice.
I follow the investment philosophies of the late great Sir John Templeton and the legendary stock market analyst Laszlo Birinyi. They both were successful because they were willing to question conventional wisdom and found better ways of doing things. They were also highly regarded for their understanding of the impact of investor psychology on the markets.
My wife Judy and I have made Barrington, IL our home for over 25 years. We have two grown children and a golden doodle. Our son is a fourth generation Mizzou graduate and engineer working in the Washington, D.C. area. Our daughter is an honors student at U. of Tennessee with aspirations in the health care and sports field... My wife Judy is busy as a local real estate agent helping people move to where they want to be.
In my spare time I enjoy the simple things in life – sharing a good meal with family and friends, “reading” inspirational books, listening to a wide variety of music, planning road trip vacations and following St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
As part of my story, I have learned to adapt to a gradual loss of sight over the last 40 years due to a rare inherited condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa.. Little did I know at the time it was a gift in disguise. It has helped me in many ways to become a better advisor. How? It has forced me to learn new ways to listen, visualize, strategize and collaborate with others on how to help my clients build and pass on a legacy that can have a lasting impact for generations..
As we give thought to what kind of legacy we want to leave behind, now is the time to consider a fresh approach to managing your wealth. For a free consultation, simply send me an email @ Michael.t.bruce@morganstanley.com.
Securities Agent: TX, MD, AZ, TN, NC, IN, SC, MN, CA, UT, OH, MI, MA, NY, NV, MO, GA, WI, VA, AR, NJ, IL, FL, CO, WA, MS, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1426078
NMLS#: 1426078
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
My Beliefs
Advice matters – especially when planning for the unexpected and the inevitable events in life.
I believe a trusted guide can make the difference for you as you travel into uncharted territory. In much the same way, I believe a trusted financial advisor who understands what you want and need can make a difference for you as you. The ripple effect can go on for generations.
I believe it is best to start with a map – your personal financial plan.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say a map is worth a thousand pictures.”
Dr. Daniel Amen, “The Brain Warrior Way”
I believe in a team approach – your personal advisory team.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”
King Solomon, Proverbs 15:22
I believe preparation is the key – your personal plan for success.
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.”
Vince Lombardi, legendary football coach
I believe a stewardship mindset is a better way – your relationship of trust.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Luke 12:48b NIV
I believe in the connection between health and wealth – your life and your legacy
“The first wealth is health.”
Italian Proverb
I believe there is no time like the present – your time is now
“If you want to get ahead, get started.”
Mark Twain
Advice matters – especially when planning for the unexpected and the inevitable events in life.
I believe a trusted guide can make the difference for you as you travel into uncharted territory. In much the same way, I believe a trusted financial advisor who understands what you want and need can make a difference for you as you. The ripple effect can go on for generations.
I believe it is best to start with a map – your personal financial plan.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say a map is worth a thousand pictures.”
Dr. Daniel Amen, “The Brain Warrior Way”
I believe in a team approach – your personal advisory team.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”
King Solomon, Proverbs 15:22
I believe preparation is the key – your personal plan for success.
“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.”
Vince Lombardi, legendary football coach
I believe a stewardship mindset is a better way – your relationship of trust.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Luke 12:48b NIV
I believe in the connection between health and wealth – your life and your legacy
“The first wealth is health.”
Italian Proverb
I believe there is no time like the present – your time is now
“If you want to get ahead, get started.”
Mark Twain
Client Service Team
Denise Erickson - Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(847) 382-6601(847) 382-6601
Email:denise.a.erickson@morganstanley.com
Denise Erickson is a Portfolio Associate with over 20+ years here at Morgan Stanley. Her focus is to provide first-class service, operational and administrative support to the clients. Denise provides prompt, knowledgeable assistance with questions about their account statement, transferring money, issuing a check, or any needs that arise on a daily basis.
Denise has worked consistently in the financial industry during her 35 year marriage and raising 3 children. During her free time she enjoys family, friends and reading.
Denise has worked consistently in the financial industry during her 35 year marriage and raising 3 children. During her free time she enjoys family, friends and reading.
Martha A Goodman - Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(847) 382-3888(847) 382-3888
Email:martha.goodman@morganstanley.com
Location
760 W Main St
Suite 200
Barrington, IL 60010
US
Direct:
(847) 382-3732(847) 382-3732
Toll-Free:
(800) 221-2561(800) 221-2561
Fax:
(847) 304-1986(847) 304-1986
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
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
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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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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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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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Michael T Bruce today.
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.
1Morgan 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.
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 and other legal matters.
3When 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.
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.
5The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
6Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
7Morgan 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
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
1Morgan 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.
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 and other legal matters.
3When 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.
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.
5The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
6Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
7Morgan 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
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)