Welcome

I help to provide guidance in all areas of your financial life. I focus on financial management and education. My background helps to provide insight on the important issues. In my 20 years as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, I have acquired clients from all over the United States, and have made my practice primarily working with professionals. I offer advice and guidance on an array of financial topics, including intergenerational planning, buy and sell business planning, accumulating wealth, retirement planning, and estate planning strategies. 

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley*, I practiced law in the area of estate planning, preservation of wealth, and elder law, although I do not currently act in this capacity. I taught a course at Rice University School of Continuing Studies "Take a Pro-active Approach to Aging: Legal and Financial Issues". I am often asked to speak to groups on comprehensive financial investment planning strategies, as well financial topics. I help investors and institutions strategize their financial decisions. I am very appreciative when existing clients refer friends, family, and business associates for an exploratory meeting. I will do my best to meet your highest expectations. I look forward to working with you.

NMLS# 1262347
Services Include
Securities Agent: CT, NY, MD, CA, UT, OK, NJ, FL, NC, LA, CO, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1262347
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

KNOWING THE WHY AND HOW BEHIND THE PROCESS.

Being informed is extremely important, especially when it comes to your financial well-being. Below you can find factsheets on the basics of financial planning, investments, and more.
    Icon Image
    The Fundamentals of Investing
    It’s never too early-or too late-to start improving your financial literacy. A great first step is starting or reviewing your budget, savings goals and financial plan.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    The Power of Financial Planning
    Financial planning is more than just investing. Tailored to your unique circumstances, a financial plan evolves with life’s changes to help keep you on track. It creates a road map to help you achieve your short- and long-term goals and to make data-driven decisions that reflect your priorities.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Raising Money-Savvy Kids
    Are you preparing your kids to be informed now to achieve their future financial goals and plans? The below document will guide you how to do so
    Icon Image
    Fixed Rate Annuities Maturity Wall: Why the Impact is Manageable
    While some voiced some concern about the upcoming annuity “maturity wall”, we believe the industry is generally prepared for the impact. Historically, this surrender is offset in part by new sales, policyholders switching policies. Newer RILA sales should also offset some of this concern.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Competent Cash Management
    Cash management is just as important as understanding the portfolio that is being built for you.
    Icon Image
    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
    Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.
    Click here to learn more

My Goals-Based Process

My process takes a comprehensive view of your life. In my initial conversations, I talk about your family and personal aspirations. I learn about the hopes and dreams you have for your future and the legacy you’d like to leave.
    Icon Image
    1: Discovery & Goal Setting
    I begin with an in-depth conversation to understand what is important to you, your family and your legacy. I learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify any circumstances unique to your personal situation. I collect important financial information and identify your top priorities.
    Icon Image
    2: Analysis & Strategy Development
    Here, I conduct a detailed analysis of your financial situation using various financial planning and risk analysis tools. I then develop a detailed financial plan with recommendations to help you effectively build, preserve and transfer your wealth. This analysis serves as the foundation for your initial plan, as well as future wealth management decisions.
    Icon Image
    3: Financial Plan Presentation
    In this step, I present your plan in detail, which includes recommendations to make your life better. These may include changes to your asset allocation and investment strategy, as well as advice on particularly complex issues, such as estate planning and tax minimization strategies. Once we’ve discussed and refined your plan, I identify the specific investments to support the recommendations I presented.
    Icon Image
    4: Implementation
    Upon your approval, I’ll begin to implement the strategies outlined in your plan. Once your assets have been transferred to Morgan Stanley and are aligned with your investment strategy, I will walk you through the details of your new statement and introduce all the new tools and resources now available to you.
    Icon Image
    5: Ongoing Service
    Milestones like buying and selling a home, retirement, or starting or selling a business can all have a significant impact on your overall wealth. I will monitor progress towards each goal, adjusting your financial plan accordingly as changes in your life occur.
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee Weekly Insights
    This report from Wealth Management Chief Investment Officer Lisa Shalett highlights the GIC's latest thinking on the markets.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee Monthly Perspectives
    'On the Markets' features a monthly collection of the most timely research and strategy from Morgan Stanley & Co., Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and external partners.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    It's hard to see the complete picture with only half the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions on Morgan Stanley Online or by using the Morgan Stanley Mobile App, giving you a more complete financial picture.
    Click here to learn more
    Icon Image
    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
    Click here to learn more

Client Service Team

    Aristela Cravens - Senior Registered Associate
    Phone:
    (713) 658-2746(713) 658-2746
    Email:Aristela.Cravens@morganstanley.com

Location

717 Texas Avenue
Suite 3050
Houston, TX 77002
US
Direct:
(713) 907-7192(713) 907-7192
Fax:
(713) 658-2729(713) 658-2729
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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
Article Image

The Robots are Coming

Adam Jonas, Morgan Stanley?s Head of Global Autos and Shared Mobility Research, discusses the fast transition of artificial intelligence into the physical world in the form of humanoid robots.

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
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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

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�
Article Image

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Myrna Agris today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



3Morgan 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.

Back to top



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 and other legal matters.

Back to top



5Morgan 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.

Back to top



6Municipal 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.

Back to top



7Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

Back to top



8Investors 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.

Back to top



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)