Lauren Akers
Private Banker
Sharon Kucera, CFP®, CDFA®
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(609) 620-7126(609) 620-7126
Toll-Free:
(800) 659-0650(800) 659-0650
My Mission Statement
Excellence in family wealth planning for your family's unique goals
Your Financial Goals Go Beyond the Numbers...
Together, we can help you achieve the life you want to live.
Every day we make choices that affect our future and can have far-reaching implications down the road. But when life gets busy, sometimes the most important decisions – such as how to prepare for retirement, pay for education expenses, purchase a home, make health or long-term care decisions – are put off or don't get the attention they deserve. We are a dedicated team of financial professionals whose mission is to provide our clients with the information, support and tools they need to make the right decisions to achieve their hopes and dreams.
A Personalized, 360° Approach to Your Financial Life
We believe in approaching financial well-being holistically — in the same way you would care for your physical health. We go beyond investments to understand all facets of your life. We get to know the priorities, hopes and dreams you have for yourself, your family and your legacy. We want to hear about your career, your income situation and how you spend money. We look at your debts and future cash flow needs. Through listening and proactively discussing your unique and evolving situation, we develop a financial roadmap that can adapt as your life changes.
2025 -Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (New Jersey)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/23 - 9/30/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Services Include
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- 401(k) Rollovers
- 529 PlansFootnote2
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote3
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote4
- Financial PlanningFootnote5
- Life InsuranceFootnote6
- Long Term Care InsuranceFootnote7
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote8
- Retirement PlanningFootnote9
- Structured ProductsFootnote10
Securities Agent: RI, GA, UT, MD, DE, WV, VA, NY, MI, TX, NJ, NV, CT, KY, IN, OH, NC, IL, CA, MA, ID, DC, CO, WA, PA, FL, AZ, VT, ME, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1501579
NMLS#: 1501579
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
I am a financial advisor dedicated to guiding you through life’s transitions.
Together, we seek to help you:
• Feel in control of your money
• Become “unstuck” to break down barriers to enable you to pursue your dreams
• Create good financial habits to help reach your financial goals
• Identify creative solutions via collaboration with a knowledgeable team
• Facilitate family communication
• Raise financially responsible and astute children
• Become “unstuck” to break down barriers to enable you to pursue your dreams
• Create good financial habits to help reach your financial goals
• Identify creative solutions via collaboration with a knowledgeable team
• Facilitate family communication
• Raise financially responsible and astute children
Some of the questions we address:
• Are there other things you should be doing to better prepare for retirement?
• Are there different steps you can take to help save more of the money you earn?
• How should you manage your finances after a divorce? Loss of spouse? A serious illness?
• What if I want to ratchet back on my career or start a new business?
• How should I be saving to send our kids to college?
• How should I manage our money to last throughout retirement?
• Are there different steps you can take to help save more of the money you earn?
• How should you manage your finances after a divorce? Loss of spouse? A serious illness?
• What if I want to ratchet back on my career or start a new business?
• How should I be saving to send our kids to college?
• How should I manage our money to last throughout retirement?
Clients Who I Serve:
Pre-retirees who:
• Want to be sure they are on track in saving for retirement
• Are making the right decisions about how their assets are allocated given a retirement 5, 10, 20 years in the future
• Are seeking to strike a balance between other financial needs and retirement savings
• Are making the right decisions about how their assets are allocated given a retirement 5, 10, 20 years in the future
• Are seeking to strike a balance between other financial needs and retirement savings
Retirees who:
• Are looking to consolidate their financial lives and make things easier
• Want help managing their expenses and investments
• Are grappling with when it is ok to spend money and when to hold back
• Want help managing their expenses and investments
• Are grappling with when it is ok to spend money and when to hold back
Growing and changing families who:
• Want a plan to achieve their goals (education, retirement, building a business, buying a house)
• Are contemplating career transitions
• Have responsibility for parents as well as children
• Need to have regular time carved out to discuss and make decisions on critical long-term issues
• Want to raise their children their way
• Are contemplating career transitions
• Have responsibility for parents as well as children
• Need to have regular time carved out to discuss and make decisions on critical long-term issues
• Want to raise their children their way
Professional women who:
• Are busy executives and business owners – often faced with competing professional and family demands
• Want to maximize all of their capital — including future earning potential
• Grapple with when to press their foot down and off the career accelerator
• Want to maximize all of their capital — including future earning potential
• Grapple with when to press their foot down and off the career accelerator
I am a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. I have been in the financial services industry for over 25 years with a passion for understanding how better financial decisions can impact both individuals and communities.
I began my career in public finance. First analyzing municipal bonds and then working with municipalities to manage their debt. After 7 years in public finance, I joined Chicago based Morningstar Inc. Morningstar is the leading provider of independent investment research with a commitment to helping individuals make educated investment decisions.
I left Morningstar to move to New Jersey with Merrill Lynch. There I led their institutional and ultra-high net worth businesses, bringing all the resources Merrill Lynch had to bear to help pension plans, endowments and foundations fulfill their missions.
I left Merrill Lynch to join BlackRock as Managing Director of Channel Marketing and Strategy for the US Retail Business. BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world and I was the second female Managing Director in the US Retail division.
At BlackRock, I had an epiphany. Investments are only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to financial success. Decisions around earning potential, spending, saving and investing are levers that are in our clients' control, but often avoided. If you can help people think holistically about their financial lives and take action, it can lead to amazing outcomes.
Propelled by a passion to help individuals directly, I went to Morgan Stanley in 2015 to start my own woman and family-friendly practice. I work with families one-on-one to sort out how they can build successful lives.
I began my career in public finance. First analyzing municipal bonds and then working with municipalities to manage their debt. After 7 years in public finance, I joined Chicago based Morningstar Inc. Morningstar is the leading provider of independent investment research with a commitment to helping individuals make educated investment decisions.
I left Morningstar to move to New Jersey with Merrill Lynch. There I led their institutional and ultra-high net worth businesses, bringing all the resources Merrill Lynch had to bear to help pension plans, endowments and foundations fulfill their missions.
I left Merrill Lynch to join BlackRock as Managing Director of Channel Marketing and Strategy for the US Retail Business. BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world and I was the second female Managing Director in the US Retail division.
At BlackRock, I had an epiphany. Investments are only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to financial success. Decisions around earning potential, spending, saving and investing are levers that are in our clients' control, but often avoided. If you can help people think holistically about their financial lives and take action, it can lead to amazing outcomes.
Propelled by a passion to help individuals directly, I went to Morgan Stanley in 2015 to start my own woman and family-friendly practice. I work with families one-on-one to sort out how they can build successful lives.
EDUCATION
• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
MBA
• Bryn Mawr College
BA, History
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
MBA
• Bryn Mawr College
BA, History
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
EXPERIENCE
• BlackRock
Managing Director - Head of US Retail Channel Marketing
Dec 2010 - April 2015
• Merrill Lynch
Managing Director - Retirement & Philanthropic Solutions
Oct 2005 - Nov 2010
• Morningstar
Strategic Account Manager
Sept 1998 - Oct 2005
• Ferrand Jordan
Director of Marketing
Oct 1996 - Sept 1997
• Government Finance Officers Association
Senior Analyst and Software Development Manager
Jan 1993 - Sept 1996
• Stein Roe & Farnham
Research Analyst - Municipal Bonds
Mar 1991 - Jan 1993
Managing Director - Head of US Retail Channel Marketing
Dec 2010 - April 2015
• Merrill Lynch
Managing Director - Retirement & Philanthropic Solutions
Oct 2005 - Nov 2010
• Morningstar
Strategic Account Manager
Sept 1998 - Oct 2005
• Ferrand Jordan
Director of Marketing
Oct 1996 - Sept 1997
• Government Finance Officers Association
Senior Analyst and Software Development Manager
Jan 1993 - Sept 1996
• Stein Roe & Farnham
Research Analyst - Municipal Bonds
Mar 1991 - Jan 1993
AWARDS
• 2025 -Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (New Jersey)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/23 - 9/30/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 9/30/23 - 9/30/24. https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
INVEST IN POSITIVE CHANGE
An increasing number of clients want to invest for positive environmental and social impact while also achieving their financial goals. Our Investing with Impact Platform can help.
The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria.
The Morgan Stanley Minute "The Power of Sustainable Investing"
“Sustainable companies tend to think about their growth agenda in a robust way and in a responsible way. And it’s coming out in the numbers.” – Lisa Shalett, Chief Investment Officer of Wealth Management.
The Morgan Stanley Minute "The Power of Sustainable Investing"
Morgan Stanley Impact Quotient
Developed through proprietary technology and analytics, Morgan Stanley IQ is a patented tool that gives our clients the ability to understand the environmental and social impact of their investments.
Morgan Stanley Impact Quotient
Profile Builder
Do your investments align with the causes that matter to you most? Explore Morgan Stanley’s Impact Quotient™ Profile Builder to learn about the many impact themes offered through our Investing with Impact platform.
Profile Builder
The Case for Sustainable Investing
Investing in accordance with your environmental, social and governance objectives does not necessarily mean sacrificing financial returns. Read more factors supporting sustainable investing.
The Case for Sustainable Investing
10 Ways Investors Can Drive Positive Change
For decades now, investors have seen how powerfully their decisions can drive impactful outcomes for people and the planet. Here are 10 ways to continue making an impact with your investment dollars.
10 Ways Investors Can Drive Positive Change
Investing with Impact Framework
The three I’s of “Impact” represent the range of customizable approaches investors can pursue across asset classes to maximize positive impact. The 3 I’s of impact (Intentionality, Influence, and Inclusion).
Investing with Impact Framework
Thematic Guides
Develop a tailored investment approach to integrate gender diversity, climate change & fossil fuel awareness and racial equity criteria into your portfolio.
Thematic GuidesClient Service Team
Jeanne Howell - Client Service Associate
Phone:
(609) 620-7158(609) 620-7158
Email:jeanne.howell@morganstanley.com
Over two decades of financial experience spanning across a variety of positions within Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and BlackRock. Responsibilities included the development and execution of institutional employee benefit plans including 401(k) plans. The distribution of non-proprietary mutual funds as well as Merrill Lynch Investment Management’s proprietary mutual fund and SMA platforms. At BlackRock, responsibilities included the creation and distribution of BlackRock’s retail marketing and thought leadership to Merrill Lynch’s network of 15,000 Financial Advisors.
Graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Business.
Professional licenses and designations include: National Association of Securities Dealers Series 7, 63, 65, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC)
Graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Business.
Professional licenses and designations include: National Association of Securities Dealers Series 7, 63, 65, Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC)
Location
1200 Lenox Dr.
Ste 300
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
US
Direct:
(609) 620-7126(609) 620-7126
Toll-Free:
(800) 659-0650(800) 659-0650
Fax:
(609) 844-7950(609) 844-7950
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 Lauren Akers
Lauren Akers is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Pennsylvania.
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.
Lauren began her career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2013 with the Home Loans Division. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Credit Analyst at PHH Mortgage.
Lauren is a graduate of Rider University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She and her family currently reside in Chesterfield, New Jersey.
Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and several volunteer activities. She also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. Lauren remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
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.
Lauren began her career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2013 with the Home Loans Division. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a Credit Analyst at PHH Mortgage.
Lauren is a graduate of Rider University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She and her family currently reside in Chesterfield, New Jersey.
Outside of the office, Lauren dedicates her time to her family and several volunteer activities. She also enjoys spending time with her 2 kitties, cooking, baking, reading, gardening, shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. Lauren remains active by exercising and participating in 5K runs.
NMLS#: 1457897
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and 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
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
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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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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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Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Sharon Kucera today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
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.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8When 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.
9When 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.
10Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.
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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.
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.
3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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.
6Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
8When 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.
9When 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.
10Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.
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:
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Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
