Rhett Merchant
Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(570) 320-4314(570) 320-4314
Toll-Free:
(800) 542-8005(800) 542-8005
My Mission Statement
Helping clients like you achieve all of your retirement and investing goals
About Rhett Merchant
Rhett has decades of experience working with clients. Since 2013 he has been a Financial Advisor and Vice President with Morgan Stanley. Prior to this position, Rhett has worked in various roles at firms such as Edward D. Jones, Merrill Lynch, and Wachovia. He started his career as a Financial Advisor in 1991 after having conversations and meetings with his Grandmother's financial advisor. This financial advisor saw the potential in him and had him hired at his firm to develop his own practice.
As a financial advisor, Rhett enjoys providing his clients with sounds financial advice, knowledge to break down complex issues, the best tools, and investments to identify and achieve their financial objectives. As a Father of a special needs child, he is fully aware of the importance of a financial plan. Through proper planning, wealth can be built and utilize for future generations.
Rhett is a graduate of Miami University earning a B.S in Marketing. He holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses in addition to FINRA and insurance licenses. He has been living in the same community for over 30 years with his wife, Mia, raising their three children. In his spare time, Rhett has been active in the Danville Area Little League as a Coach, Board Member, and Officer for the last 14 years.
As a financial advisor, Rhett enjoys providing his clients with sounds financial advice, knowledge to break down complex issues, the best tools, and investments to identify and achieve their financial objectives. As a Father of a special needs child, he is fully aware of the importance of a financial plan. Through proper planning, wealth can be built and utilize for future generations.
Rhett is a graduate of Miami University earning a B.S in Marketing. He holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses in addition to FINRA and insurance licenses. He has been living in the same community for over 30 years with his wife, Mia, raising their three children. In his spare time, Rhett has been active in the Danville Area Little League as a Coach, Board Member, and Officer for the last 14 years.
Securities Agent: AZ, IN, AK, VA, SC, PA, OH, NY, NJ, NC, MN, IL, IA, FL, DE, CO, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
A Strategy to Reach Your Goals
No matter what you want to achieve, my focus starts and ends with you. My aim is to understand your financial goals and work with you to create a plan designed to help you achieve them. I understand that your investment objectives and financial goals will evolve with the circumstances in your life, and your plan will change with it
Creating Your Plan
My approach is to understand your unique needs and goals so our team can create a tailored plan. We are committed to providing guidance and support to help you achieve financial success
Adaptable
The markets and your goals will change so we adjust your plan to stay on track
Comprehensive
Our suite of investment products and services are designed to help meet a magnitude of your financial needs
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
Clieck Here To Learn More
Spending and Budgeting Tool
In collaboration with us, you gain access to Morgan Stanley's robust Spending and Budgeting tool, designed to provide you with insights into your cash flows across various internal and external accounts. It tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help you achieve your goals by adjusting your spending behavior when necessary
Click Here To Learn More
Portfolio Risk Platform
This risk management platform offers an extensive range of risk assessment and reporting capabilities across various asset classes and security types in your portfolio. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed
Click Here To Learn MorePlanning For Your Future
I understand that so many of life’s major decisions are determined by forces outside of an individual’s control - defining and enjoying a successful retirement does not have to be one of them. As you begin your retirement journey, I would be honored to be your guide through this rewarding and challenging period.
Understanding You
I will schedule a meeting so we can understand more of who you are and what are you goals. I will help define your idea of retirement, establishing goals, assessing your current resources, and analyzing saving vehicles options.
The Psychological Transition
There's more to retirement than just financial planning. I'm here to ensure you're emotionally and mentally ready to settle down. I understand it can be difficult to step away from your career and begin a new phase of your life with an unknown future.
Taxes and Risk
Once I've established your goals for retirement, I will assess the risk that can put a roadblock between you and your future. Many individuals worry about the amount of taxes they will have to pay once they stop working. A good tax management plan can potentially decrease the impact while helping you retain your returns.
Transitioning With You Through Each Phase
Retirement can be split into three phases: Early, Mid and Late. I will help you plan and adjust through each phase based on your needs at the moment. My goal is to ensure you enjoy the perks of retirements and bring you confidence with handling your wealth. I will actively monitor your financial plan and make any adjustments to help keep you on track, help you establish a routine and create tax efficient distribution strategies.
Tools and Resources for You
We are committed to providing you with important information about managing your wealth effectively in the current market environment. We have listed some digital tools and resources below to help you enhance each aspect of your financial life.
Online Security Center
Protecting your online security is our top priority at Morgan Stanley. We proactively defend our systems and monitor the threat landscape to help anticipate issues before they arise and respond appropriately when they do. Learn about our extensive security measures, resources, and idea in this constantly evolving landscape.
Learn More About The Online Security System
Morgan Stanley Online
Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
Enroll in Morgan Stanley Online
Total Wealth View
Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View! By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
See Your Complete Financial Picture
Reserved Living & Giving
Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards Morgan Stanley's most valued clients. Members can enjoy special discounts and timely insights to support them at home and beyond.
You Can Lear More Here
Digital Vault
The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online allows you to build a centralized document library where all documents are stored using encryption.
Learn About Digital Vault Here
The Global Investment Committee Weekly Report
The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
Read The Latest ReportClient Service Team
Zaven Dadian - Planning Virtual Engagement Associate
Zaven Dadian is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various alternatives and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Zaven provides insight across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Zaven is originally from Birmingham, Michigan and currently resides in New York City.
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Zaven is originally from Birmingham, Michigan and currently resides in New York City.
Tracy Hudson - Wealth Management Associate
Phone:
(570) 320-4341(570) 320-4341
Email:tracy.hudson@morganstanley.com
Tracy started working at Morgan Stanley in 2003 and has over 25 years in the financial services field. She started her financial career in 1998 as an assistant to the traders on the trading desk of Turner Investment Partners. After getting married, she moved to Central PA and worked as a Service Professional at Merrill Lynch. Tracy enjoys interacting with clients daily, being there for them on their best days, i.e. weddings, births and on their worst days, i.e. deaths, divorce. She takes pride in helping them and finding answers to their questions.
Tracy went to Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA, and obtained her B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. Since graduating college, she has obtained her Series 7, 66, and 9. She is looking to obtain more certifications to better support market professionals.
25 years ago, Tracy married her husband, Eric. They have raised 2 beautiful grown daughters, Jessica and Alexis. They currently reside in Watsontown, PA. For the past 15 years, she has been actively involved with her daughters’ school activities including multiple booster organizations. She has held multiple officer positions on the cheerleading and girls’ basketball booster clubs at the local high school. When she is not volunteering, Tracy enjoys spending time with family, friends, and doing outdoor activities including camping, kayaking, biking, and gardening.
Tracy went to Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA, and obtained her B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. Since graduating college, she has obtained her Series 7, 66, and 9. She is looking to obtain more certifications to better support market professionals.
25 years ago, Tracy married her husband, Eric. They have raised 2 beautiful grown daughters, Jessica and Alexis. They currently reside in Watsontown, PA. For the past 15 years, she has been actively involved with her daughters’ school activities including multiple booster organizations. She has held multiple officer positions on the cheerleading and girls’ basketball booster clubs at the local high school. When she is not volunteering, Tracy enjoys spending time with family, friends, and doing outdoor activities including camping, kayaking, biking, and gardening.
Location
175 Pine St
Ste 100
Williamsport, PA 17701
US
Direct:
(570) 320-4314(570) 320-4314
Toll-Free:
(800) 542-8005(800) 542-8005
Fax:
(570) 320-4343(570) 320-4343
Wealth Management
From My Desk
Tax-Smart Strategies for Your Retirement
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
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Rhett Merchant today.
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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Investors 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.
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 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.
4Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
5Morgan 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.
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.
2Investors 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.
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 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.
4Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
5Morgan 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.
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)
