Seth Thompson, CFP®
Associate Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(412) 392-1703(412) 392-1703
My Mission Statement
Experience, intellectual capital and dedicated personal service to help you meet your life goals
My Story and Services
Seth Thompson is diligent in his quest to help clients set and reach their financial goals. But this laser-focus comes with a soft side, including a reputation as someone who listens to clients – no surprise – very intensely. Only in this way can Seth deliver on his core purpose: to make your money work as hard for you as you did for it.
Always employing an educational approach, Seth guides clients in making decisions based on a long-term, goal-focused investment philosophy with their best interests at heart. Seth deeply believes it best to formulate a financial strategy based not on a view of the economy or markets, but rather your own version of financial success. Said another way, the only benchmark Seth cares about is the one that measures your financial goals.
With that said, Seth focuses his efforts on designing, implementing, and monitoring bespoke financial plans. His knowledge of markets, thoughtfulness, and meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout his work. Whether in the accumulation, distribution, or transfer phase of one’s life, Seth’s high-touch approach to communication allows his clients to remain in-the-know and involved in their own successes.
Seth earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA) in 2005. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2024, Seth successfully built a thriving and robust practice in Oakmont, PA where he developed his esteemed reputation while working with Edward Jones Investments.
He earned the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2022 after meeting the rigorous academic, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by the Certified Financial Planner® Board of Standards.
Seth and his wife, Andrea, currently reside in suburban Pittsburgh. Both are avid sports fans who enjoy staying physically active. Additionally, Seth and Andrea are travel enthusiasts and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Always employing an educational approach, Seth guides clients in making decisions based on a long-term, goal-focused investment philosophy with their best interests at heart. Seth deeply believes it best to formulate a financial strategy based not on a view of the economy or markets, but rather your own version of financial success. Said another way, the only benchmark Seth cares about is the one that measures your financial goals.
With that said, Seth focuses his efforts on designing, implementing, and monitoring bespoke financial plans. His knowledge of markets, thoughtfulness, and meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout his work. Whether in the accumulation, distribution, or transfer phase of one’s life, Seth’s high-touch approach to communication allows his clients to remain in-the-know and involved in their own successes.
Seth earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA) in 2005. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2024, Seth successfully built a thriving and robust practice in Oakmont, PA where he developed his esteemed reputation while working with Edward Jones Investments.
He earned the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2022 after meeting the rigorous academic, experience, and ethical requirements set forth by the Certified Financial Planner® Board of Standards.
Seth and his wife, Andrea, currently reside in suburban Pittsburgh. Both are avid sports fans who enjoy staying physically active. Additionally, Seth and Andrea are travel enthusiasts and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Securities Agent: DE, NC, CT, NJ, NM, IL, PA, NY, FL, WA, ME, RI, MI, WY, TN, NV, MD, MA, GA, TX, SC, CO, NH, OH, CA, WV, VT, VA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1833041
NMLS#: 1833041
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Working With You
At Morgan Stanley, we believe that identifying potential financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client's situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. We follow a disciplined process that allows us to work with you to develop a strategy that can help meet your individual needs. This process aligns our efforts with your interests, providing a road map focused on what is most important to you.
Step 1: Introductory Meeting
Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
Step 2: Discovery Meeting
During the discovery meeting, we will work together to establish your financial goals by reviewing your current financial situation and developing an appropriate risk tolerance that can help you achieve the financial outcome you envision for yourself.
Step 3: Financial Plan Presentation
Financial plan presentations map out essential factors that play into your financial success such as your employee and employer contributions, liquidity events, and insurance coverage. Examining relevant financial information provides a holistic asset allocation analysis for your accounts helping ensure a comprehensive financial plan.
Step 4: Action Items / Next Steps
After the financial plan presentation, we will follow up with you regarding your analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits and insurance coverage.
Step 5: Execute
We employ a service model that prioritizes your best interests and level of comfort above all else. Execution includes leveraging a wide array of investment options to help ensure your portfolio is working efficiently and effectively to achieve your financial goals.
Step 6: Monitor & Evolve
We regularly surveil your investment plan and portfolio, making sure it is properly balanced and continues to reflect your goals and state of the market. Semi-annually to annually, we will review and discuss how your portfolio might need to evolve to account for and adapt to changes in your investment time horizon and ambitions.
Online Tools and Features Available To You
Morgan Stanley strives to ensure it serves clients on its technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, and smart. As a part of our services, these resources are readily available to all of our clients. Learn more about each tool and feature to see how it can easily help you manage and secure your financial journey.
Morgan Stanley Online
Beyond viewing your account balance and activity, Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a suite of features that allow you to manage your everyday finances from paying bills and sending money to transferring funds and authorizing transactions with eAuthorizations.
Learn More About MSO
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.
Learn More About Total Wealth View
Morgan Stanley Mobile App
Securely access your Morgan Stanley account from virtually anywhere. Simply download it on your mobile device and use your Morgan Stanley Online username and password to log in. From there you will have the resources of MSO on the go.
Discover More With Our Mobile App
Cash Plus Account
A modern alternative to banking, providing more value, more protection, and a seamless digital experience
Learn More About Cash Plus AccountValuable Tools and Resources
We have assembled the following resources that reinforce the fundamental investment strategies and concepts of our practice. We’ve provided links to these materials, where available, and hope you’ll return often to learn more about the topics that impact your overall wealth.
Protecting Your Retirement from Market Volatility
The unpredictability of financial markets can disrupt even the best-laid retirement plans. These five strategies may help investors stay on track.
Click Here to Learn More
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. No matter your current priorities, a strong financial literacy foundation can help you meet your goals.
Financial Literacy for Any Stage of Your Life
Intergenerational Wealth Planning
Wealthy families are more than investment accounts and trusts. They are comprised of people who feel all the affections, fears and resentments that underpin human relationships—here playing out under the stress of dealing with complex challenges that less wealthy families seldom have to face.
Click Here to Learn More
GIC On The Markets Report
Morgan Stanley's Chief Investment Officer, Lisa Shalett, drafts a monthly report to talk about a wide range of recent economic developments, both domestically and internationally.
Click here to access the most recent reportRESOURCES TO HELP OUR CLIENTS PREPARE
Spending and Budgeting Tool
Morgan Stanley's Spending and Budgeting tool can help you understand your spending and find more ways to save.
Read More About Our Tool
Total Tax 365
Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
Learn MoreClient Service Team
Bridget Berard - Client Service Associate
Phone:
(412) 434-8543(412) 434-8543
Email:Bridget.Berard@morganstanley.com
Location
One Ppg Place
Ste 1300
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
US
Direct:
(412) 392-1703(412) 392-1703
Wealth Management
From My Desk
How to Take the Emotion Out of Investing
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?
Article Image
Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
Article Image
Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
Article Image
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Seth Thompson 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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.
5When 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.
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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
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.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.
5When 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.
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)
