My Story and Services

My path to the world of high finance was an improbable one: my first career was as a concert pianist, earning Performance degrees at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Entering the financial services industry in the mid-1980s, my analytical bent honed as a musician adapted well to gaining proficiency in the financial markets and solving for the needs and aspirations of my investor clients. That work has become my life’s calling, with many client relationships now extending to the second and third generations of families I serve.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NC, CA, NE, MN, AR, NY, ME, WI, TX, MD, DE, PA, IN, FL, VA, MO, IA, KS, GA, CO, AZ, OH, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2148340
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Latest Research

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    The Robots Are Coming (NEW)
    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.
    Learn More Here
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    Annual Update of GIC Capital Market Assumptions
    Every year the Global Investment Committee releases an Annual Update on Capital Market Assumptions used to forecast global asset class returns and volatility over the strategic (seven-year) and secular (20-year) horizons. This report includes the rebalanced GIC strategic asset allocation models, which are optimized annually using a goals-based framework and targeted risk parameters.
    Learn More Here
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    Q325 Market Essentials: Financial Markets Demystified
    The latest Market Essentials is here. This quarterly resource is intended to break down market movements and trends in a digestible way. The content in this webcast is tailored to the everyday investor who wants to stay informed about what is driving markets without getting bogged down in financial jargon.
    Watch Here
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    AlphaCurrents
    Alternative Energy Building Blocks
    Learn More Here
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    Investing in Longevity Technologies
    Revolutionary ways to prevent and treat disease can add decades to people’s lives. Here’s what investors should know about the opportunities in the longevity theme.
    Learn More Here
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    An Introduction to Fixed Income
    This inaugural primer provides an introduction to fixed income and especially bonds – their investment properties, role in portfolio construction, and risks associated with major fixed income sectors. We intend to explore these asset classes and key market drivers in a series of primers beginning with this one, a “fixed income 101” overview.
    Learn More Here

Client Resources

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    3 Ways to Manage Your Cash More Strategically (NEW)
    Cash can be viewed as an asset class with varying solutions available to balance your short-term needs alongside your long-term financial goals.
    Learn More
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    2025 Tax Tables (NEW)
    As tax filing deadlines approach, you can prepare for this year’s taxes and next year’s planning with the updated 2025 tax tables.
    Access 2025 Tax Tables
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    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.

    The Morgan Stanley Mobile App is currently available for iPhone® and iPad® from the App StoreSM and AndroidTM on Google PlayTM. Standard messaging and data rates from your provider may apply.
    Learn More About MSO
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows for easy sharing and convenient access to life’s most important documents from wills and deeds to financial statements and tax fillings. Easily manage your encrypted financial records all in one place.

    Not all documents can be accepted into Digital Vault.
    Learn More About Digital Vault
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    CashPlus: A Modern Alternative to Banking
    With a CashPlus brokerage account, you can manage your cash and get more value, more protection, and a seamless digital experience.

    The CashPlus Account is a brokerage account offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Conditions and restrictions apply.

    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

    Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
    Learn More About CashPlus
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    View All Of Your Accounts In One Place...
    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.
    Total Wealth View

IRA Strategies

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    Understanding Traditional & Roth IRAs (NEW)
    If you’re interested in potentially minimizing taxes in the future, a Roth IRA may help. While your current income levels may prevent you from making direct annual Roth IRA contributions, a Roth IRA conversion may nonetheless allow you to take advantage of the benefits of a Roth IRA.
    Learn More
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    Beware of Retirement Sprawl
    Do you know where your retirement savings are? Consider consolidating your accounts for greater flexibility and a clearer view of your financial picture.
    Learn More
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    Individual Retirement Accounts (NEW)
    What may have been considered a sure thing simply isn’t anymore. Americans must rely increasingly on their own devices to save for retirement.
    Learn More

Planning

A key “Value Beyond Investment Returns” is establishing and maintaining a Financial Plan using the tools and resources of LifeView. An effective Plan does three things: 1) Points the way to achieving broad objectives (income in retirement, for example) as well as targeted goals (education, travel, major purchases); 2) Is tailored to your unique values, aspirations and concerns "your Life View"; 3) Is adaptable to change as your needs and goals evolve over time. Planning – like investing – is a Dynamic Process. Explore key elements of that process by clicking the links below.
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    LifeView Questionnaire
    Our relationship begins with a thorough understanding of you - your needs, your lifestyle and family, and your goals for the future. This questionnaire will help us create a personalized strategy for you and can enhance our conversation around your long-term goals.
    Learn More
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    The Education Planning Center (NEW)
    Our Education Planning Center provides the resources you need to make informed decisions about your family's educational future. Click the link below to watch educational videos, research articles and more.
    Visit the Education Planning Center Here
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    LifeView Client Profile
    The first step in creating a personalized financial strategy is to develop a thorough understanding of your financial goals and the resources available to fund them. This document will help define and prioritize these goals and identify your resorces.
    Learn More
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    Develop Your Retirement Roadmap
    The path to your ideal retirement may have some twists and turns, but smart planning can help you reach your destination. Where are you in your retirement journey?
    Learn More
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    NEW: Wealth and Estate Planning Video Series
    Explore a series of educational videos covering topics such as Foundational Estate Planning Documents, Estate & Gift Taxes, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and more.
    Learn More

Location

13625 California St
Ste 400
Omaha, NE 68154
US
Direct:
(402) 399-6142(402) 399-6142
Toll-Free:
(800) 228-3349(800) 228-3349
Fax:
(402) 399-6336(402) 399-6336

The Power of Partnerships

By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships

About Eric Townsend

Eric Townsend is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Eric began his career in financial services in 1992 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. His professional experience includes more than 25 years as both a Financial Advisor and Private Banker.

Eric is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance. He and his family live in Urbandale, Iowa. Outside of the office, Eric donates his time to Habitat for Humanity, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and ChildServe, an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children through clinical, home, and community-based programs and services.
NMLS#: 1112130

About Sarah Ott

Sarah Ott, CFP®, CPWA® is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Midwest Market. She is responsible for advanced planning consultations and coaching.

Sarah began her career in Financial Services in 2014 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to her current position, she was a Financial Advisor and Director of Financial Planning Operations at Thrivent Financial.

Sarah graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She holds her Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designations. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys traveling with her family, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts and sporting events

DISCLOSURE:
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.


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.

© 2025 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.

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.

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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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

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

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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
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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.

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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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
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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 Robert H. O'Neil 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.
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.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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3Morgan 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.

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4Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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5Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
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.

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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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)