Michelle Bennett
First Vice President, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(972) 450-6628(972) 450-6628
Toll-Free:
(800) 999-1942(800) 999-1942
My Mission Statement
To provide exceptional service, unbiased guidance, and innovative solutions to grow and protect wealth.
About Me
For me to be an effective financial advisor, my clients must feel comfortable sharing their financial information, discussing their family situation, and expressing their hopes and concerns. It is important for me to listen and learn who they are so I can understand what matters most to them. Perhaps that is why many of my earliest clients have become dear friends and today I advise their children, their grandchildren and for a few, their great-grandchildren.
I earned a BS in Economics from the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, and a BBA in Finance from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Today, I am an active SMU alumnus and enjoy attending campus lectures, cultural exhibits, and Mustang games with my husband, Stephen. We have a daughter, a son, and two cats. In my leisure time I like to travel, read, and garden.
I recently celebrated my 11th year at Morgan Stanley and my 30th year as a financial advisor. I'm also proud to announce that I've received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award for 2023 in recognition for providing exceptional service and overall client satisfaction.
Five Star Wealth Advisor Award
This award was issued in 2023. The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from 10/10/2022 through 05/05/2023
Services Include
- Financial PlanningFootnote1
- Retirement PlanningFootnote2
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote3
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote4
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote5
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote6
- Sustainable InvestingFootnote7
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote8
- Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote9
- Trust AccountsFootnote10
Securities Agent: TX, TN, NM, MD, VA, MN, CT, SC, OR, NY, NJ, MI, PA, NV, DE, WA, MS, KY, KS, HI, AZ, IL, IA, AR, OK, GA, IN, NE, WY, WI, NC, MO, ME, DC, MT, MA, CO, AK, RI, OH, LA, FL, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1297862
CA Insurance License #: 0161528
AR Insurance License #: 1673948
NMLS#: 1297862
CA Insurance License #: 0161528
AR Insurance License #: 1673948
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
My Approach
I work with clients to implement strategies through a proprietary process that includes a six step process:
Discovery
Understanding what the client needs through deep conversation and relationship building.
Roadmap
Outlining the client’s priorities as it applies to all their lifegoals, including those that fall outside of investment management.
Research
Understanding how the resources of Morgan Stanley — a leading global firm — as well as outside research can help clients toward their goals.
Planning
Developing and executing a sound financial strategy based on clients’ needs, current asset allocation, risk tolerance and future goals - including education, retirement, and other contributing factors.
Managing
Constantly monitoring and managing clients’ discretionary accounts in accordance with changing market conditions as well as their changing needs.
Checking In
Keeping clients up to date through regular reviews and applying changes as necessary to accommodate their needs and shifts in priority. This often involves looking into the future and planning now for how to involve the next generation.
Our Client Resources
Morgan Stanley Online
Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
Morgan Stanley Online and Mobile App
Digital Vault
Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
Getting Started with Digital Vault
eDelivery
Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
eDelivery Guide
2024 Tax Tables
This helpful resource outlines the 2024 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information. With tax season seemingly always right around the corner, it's best to be as informed as possible.
2024 Tax TablesA Personally Tailored Plan
The Morgan Stanley Wealth Management process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life – your investments and your cash management needs – making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.
The sophisticated suite of tools and the extensive list of resources that Morgan Stanley has to offer, allows us to translate your goals into reality.
Whatever your financial goal – whether to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on use to help you with a strategy that is:
The sophisticated suite of tools and the extensive list of resources that Morgan Stanley has to offer, allows us to translate your goals into reality.
Whatever your financial goal – whether to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on use to help you with a strategy that is:
Personal
Highly individualized and committed to helping you achieve financial success.
Flexible
Responsive to changes in your life and in your priorities over time.
Comprehensive
Covering a broad array of investment products and services, with preferred benefits tied to your valued status with us.
Financial Planning Analysis
To begin your complementary financial planning analysis, please look at the two featured planning platforms below and fill out either questionnaire.
Goals Planning System (GPS)
Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
GPS Client Questionnaire
Lifeview Intelligent Planning
LifeView provides progress-to-goals reporting and can also illustrate complex planning strategies such as methods of stock option exercise, Roth conversions and 401k early distributions.
Lifeview Client QuestionnaireYour Goals & Concerns
One of my goals is to help my clients navigate the different stages of life: from early-to-mid career, late career and in retirement. I am passionate about guiding you through building your wealth, planning for your future, and creating a thoughtful wealth legacy for your family. Here you will find a wide range of content and materials covering a variety of life events and milestones that you might face.
Protecting Your Retirement Savings
It is important to take steps to minimize your financial exposure to uncovered medical costs, potentially including long-term care expenses.
Consider the Rising Costs of Healthcare
Estate Planning
I will guide you through your estate planning strategy: coordinating with your estate and tax professionals and helping you to make informed and confident decisions in this critical process.
Meeting with an Estate Planning Attorney
Caring for Aging Parents
I can assist with preparing for future care and protecting what your parents have dedicated their lives to build. There will come a time when your parents need your help. I have helped my clients identify the signs and the required steps for supporting their aging family members.
Learn More
Owning a Business
Many of my clients have complex business arrangements, from executive-level employment situations to various levels of investment in a multitude of business ventures—from startups to established enterprises. As your Financial Advisor, I can help you navigate the complexities of business ownership, investment, and associated activities such as selling, divesting, or planning for succession.
Exiting Your Business
Marriage
There’s little more exciting than choosing to align your life with the person you love. Of course, there are conversations you’ll want to have with your partner before tying the knot. To avoid disagreements and finance-related pitfalls down the road, one of the most important ones is about money – how you’ll make it, how you’ll save it, how you’ll spend it and how you’ll invest it.
6 Questions to Ask Your Partner
Having a Child
Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone—for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and other extended family members. Within the context of your overall wealth strategy, I can help you plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child introduces into your lives. To start, there are a few moves you can make before you start trying for a family that can help ease the financial weight of having a baby.
Planning Today to Help You Thrive Tomorrow
Divorce
Divorcing a spouse can be a difficult ordeal, with repercussions to your emotional and financial well-being. Although divorce is seldom easy, you can prepare for it, which will help you feel more in control and better equipped to make informed, confident decisions about your financial future.
Planning a New BeginningTax Considerations
People are often surprised to learn just how much of their long-term investment returns go to taxes, and how much of a difference that can make in terms of whether or not they will meet their financial goals.
Learn How to Keep More of What You EarnLocation
5001 Spring Valley Rd
Ste 900W
Dallas, TX 75244
US
Direct:
(972) 450-6628(972) 450-6628
Toll-Free:
(800) 999-1942(800) 999-1942
Fax:
(469) 722-6912(469) 722-6912
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
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
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
Thinking About Your Legacy? Why You May Need a Trust
Article Image
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
Article Image
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Michelle Bennett today.
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.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When 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.
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.
4Morgan 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.
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 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.
7The 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.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Alternative 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.
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.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When 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.
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.
4Morgan 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.
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 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.
7The 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.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Alternative 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.
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.
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)
