Gina M. Scalf
Senior Client Service Associate
Phone:
(248) 723-1882(248) 723-1882
Patrick Martin, CFP®
Executive Director, Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor,
Financial Advisor – Wealth Management,
Portfolio Manager
Direct:
(248) 723-1871(248) 723-1871
My Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
My Story and Services
As your Financial Advisor, I can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together, I can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You will have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Securities Agent: MO, HI, MI, CT, VA, GA, CO, WY, SC, OH, MT, MA, TX, OR, MN, MD, IL, NC, NY, AL, WA, TN, FL, CA, AZ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Regardless of what stage your life is in - moving ahead in your career, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between - as your Financial Advisors, I can help you achieve your financial goals.
Using a suite of tools that includes goal-specific analysis, I can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.
I can create your personal roadmap to help achieve and protect your goals — a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources and provides a baseline for future discussions.
Using a suite of tools that includes goal-specific analysis, I can work with you to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of your financial life, including your investments and cash management needs.
I can create your personal roadmap to help achieve and protect your goals — a framework that makes the connection between your life goals and your financial resources and provides a baseline for future discussions.
2023 Tax Tables
This helpful resource outlines the 2023 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.
Access the 2023 federal tax tables
Manage Debt
I thoroughly review your mortgage, car loans, credit cards, and any other debts that you may have in order to help determine where you can save on interest and create a timeline for your debt payments by prioritizing which ones should be paid off first.
Insurance
I take an extremely close look at your financial profile to decipher what type(s) of insurance most fit your needs, and determine if your current insurance policies are best suited for you and your goals.
Retirement
Leading up to and through retirement, I help you identify the most appropriate ways to obtain the income you need and help ensure that you are on track to achieve for financial goals.
Estate Planning Strategies
Regardless of your current financial circumstances, it is crucial to have a backup plan for your money. I regularly review your finances with you and coordinate with your estate attorney to help ensure that your wishes are met in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.
Managing Investments
I take care of your retirement accounts and other investments based on your comfort level with risk and your current tax circumstances, tailoring your financial strategy to your unique situation, needs, and goals.
The end of a marriage is a tumultuous time. However, for women, divorce and widowhood can raise a unique set of challenges. Women take on many roles and often navigate complex lives. A solid financial foundation can help women manage their financial future and simplify their financial life. The articles below can be used as a resource to help you through this often difficult transition.
MONTHLY SPOTLIGHT: The Evolution of Women and Wealth
How can women achieve better outcomes for their portfolios, their families, their businesses and themselves? What does it really mean to empower women investors? Our Head of Private Wealth Management, Elizabeth Dennis, discusses these questions further, sharing experience and perspective on women and wealth.
Learn more
The Morgan Stanley Interview with Jenny Johnson
Franklin Templeton CEO, Jenny Johnson, explains why “bitcoin is the greatest distraction from the greatest disruption.”
Watch the interview
What Kind of Retiree Do You Want To Be?
Travel, volunteering, or exploring new hobbies? Whatever your pursuits may be in retirement, it’s essential to plan ahead for your spending needs. Here are some strategies to help keep you on track.
Learn morePlanning your future
I will work with you to understand what your priorities are during these crucial years and implement a customized strategy for you. Whether it is planning for retirement, transitioning into retirement, or already managing your assets in retirement, our team is equipped with the resources and the knowledge to help you accomplish your personal and financial goal.
Understanding your Savings Vehicles
When it comes to retirement savings, the most important thing is to get started—after all, time is one of your greatest assets. Although retirement may seem far for some, it is essential to get started on planning for future living expenses, potential education funds, or travel costs. Let us help you educate on ways to grow and preserve your wealth.
Learn more about 401k Strategies
The Psychological Transition into Retirement
Most retirement preparations focus on financial planning, but it is equally crucial to look at personal considerations and help you with easing the fear of the unknown. Given that many people overlook the psychological adjustments of retirement, I can help you understand why it’s important to be emotionally (not just financially) ready for retirement.
Risks to Your Retirement
Once you determine what kind of retirement you want, we will work together to take a closer look at the risks that might be standing between you and your retirement goals. No matter how well you save during the accumulation phase, it’s critical to plan how you convert those assets to income. I can help you navigate the challenges that may arise.
Log in to Your Account
Impact of Taxes
The strategies you use when drawing down your retirement savings can have a significant impact on how much you’ll pay in taxes and may help you keep more of the returns. Each retiree’s situation is different but establishing a tax management strategy for your investments can help you retain more of your investment returns.
Tax-Smart StrategiesSound investing principles vs. human nature
Have you heard the expression “buy low, sell high”? It applies to just about any investment, and savvy investors always look for opportunities where something seems to be selling for less than it’s worth. So then why do investors sell off their investments when the market drops? Isn’t that the perfect time to BUY, when prices are depressed (i.e., “buy low”)? Doesn’t it make more sense to either hold on to an investment during a market correction, or even buy stocks during a bull market?
It makes logical sense, and yet even sophisticated investors rush to dump their stocks when the market goes down (i.e. “sell high”). Why?
Because they are acting on emotion rather than logic. They fear that the market will continue to drop and don’t want to lose any more – even though they know that long-term, they should ignore the standard ups and downs of the market and stay the course.
In fact, while people are supposed to act in their own self-interest and make logical decisions, human beings are much more inclined to act emotionally when it comes to money – that’s the core principle behind a school of thought called Behavioral Investing.
I have studied the phenomenon of Behavioral Investing and applied it to my wealth management practice. One of the most important things I do for my clients is to provide a logical, systematic response to changing conditions – I provide a guiding hand during the regular market volatility that is almost certain to occur during any long-range investment cycle.
Emotions are part of being human, and we all respond to them. However, I work with my clients to be sure that they don’t make investment decisions, or any other financial choice, based on emotions rather than logic.
It makes logical sense, and yet even sophisticated investors rush to dump their stocks when the market goes down (i.e. “sell high”). Why?
Because they are acting on emotion rather than logic. They fear that the market will continue to drop and don’t want to lose any more – even though they know that long-term, they should ignore the standard ups and downs of the market and stay the course.
In fact, while people are supposed to act in their own self-interest and make logical decisions, human beings are much more inclined to act emotionally when it comes to money – that’s the core principle behind a school of thought called Behavioral Investing.
I have studied the phenomenon of Behavioral Investing and applied it to my wealth management practice. One of the most important things I do for my clients is to provide a logical, systematic response to changing conditions – I provide a guiding hand during the regular market volatility that is almost certain to occur during any long-range investment cycle.
Emotions are part of being human, and we all respond to them. However, I work with my clients to be sure that they don’t make investment decisions, or any other financial choice, based on emotions rather than logic.
Location
40701 Woodward Ave.
Ste 200
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
US
Direct:
(248) 723-1871(248) 723-1871
40701 Woodward Ave
200
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
US
Direct:
(248) 723-1871(248) 723-1871
Meet My Team
About Gina M. Scalf
Gina started her career in the financial Services industry at AG Edwards in 1990. Since that time she has been a critical part of Patrick Martin’s team at UBS Paine Webber, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo.
In 2021 she moved with Patrick and the team to Morgan Stanley in Bloomfield Hills. Although new to the firm, she is already considered an expert at processes at the firm and been called upon help new people understand the sometimes very complicated systems at Morgan Stanley. Her dedication to our clients her advisors and the Morgan Stanley team is unwavering.
When she is not helping clients and team members, she enjoys her family cottage with her husband and 3 children in northern Michigan. She also enjoys spending time at national events watching her sons race motor-cross and road racing.
In 2021 she moved with Patrick and the team to Morgan Stanley in Bloomfield Hills. Although new to the firm, she is already considered an expert at processes at the firm and been called upon help new people understand the sometimes very complicated systems at Morgan Stanley. Her dedication to our clients her advisors and the Morgan Stanley team is unwavering.
When she is not helping clients and team members, she enjoys her family cottage with her husband and 3 children in northern Michigan. She also enjoys spending time at national events watching her sons race motor-cross and road racing.
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 Patrick Martin 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.
1When 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.
2Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
3Investors 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.
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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
7Morgan 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.
8Participating in a new issue/syndicate is subject to availability. IPOs are highly speculative and may not be appropriate for all investors because they lack a stock-trading history and usually involve smaller and newer companies that tend to have limited operating histories, less-experienced management teams, and fewer products or customers. Also, the offering price of an IPO reflects a negotiated estimate as to the value of the company, which may bear little relationship to the trading price of the securities, and it is not uncommon for the closing price of the shares shortly after the IPO to be well above or below the offering price.
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
1When 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.
2Morgan 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.
Morgan 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.
3Investors 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.
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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
7Morgan 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.
8Participating in a new issue/syndicate is subject to availability. IPOs are highly speculative and may not be appropriate for all investors because they lack a stock-trading history and usually involve smaller and newer companies that tend to have limited operating histories, less-experienced management teams, and fewer products or customers. Also, the offering price of an IPO reflects a negotiated estimate as to the value of the company, which may bear little relationship to the trading price of the securities, and it is not uncommon for the closing price of the shares shortly after the IPO to be well above or below the offering price.
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)
