Cheryl Surman
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(978) 739-3940(978) 739-3940
Sheri Bouchie
First Vice President,
Financial Advisor,
Family Wealth Advisor,
Portfolio Management Director
Direct:
(978) 739-3956(978) 739-3956
My Mission Statement
Helping my clients make smart financial decisions by thoroughly understanding their needs and working together to plan logically and manage emotions
Today's decisions impact tomorrow's options
Today's decisions impact tomorrow's options
My Story and Services
My practice is different from many other advisors because I took an unusual path to my career as a financial advisor. I started in financial services in an administrative role. After four years, I began supporting an advisor who was generous enough to allow me to expand my experience by managing more and more of the client relationships. It was the opportunity of a lifetime - to take care of the administrative tasks, yes, but also to learn to create financial plans, handle investments and most crucially: to craft solutions that solve problems. Over the 20 years I worked with clients, I discovered something both surprising and critically important - people often make financial decisions based on emotions rather than logic, which often leads to undesirable outcomes. And so, as I built my own practice as a financial advisor, I created processes that change that dynamic - I rely on a financial planning strategy that is dynamic and highly tailored to my clients specific needs along with a bucketing approach to using asset allocation to manage assets. I believe financial decisions are highly intertwined with every decision affecting the next - so I provide comprehensive holistic wealth management to help clients meet their goals.
2022-2024 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2022-2024) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2022 Award - 5/24/21 - 11/19/21
2023 Award - 5/23/22 - 1/6/23
2024 Award - 4/10/23 - 10/31/23
Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.
Securities Agent: IL, MA, CT, WI, SC, ME, NY, NH, DC, OH, NJ, TX, PA, CA, FL, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1232921
NMLS#: 1232921
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
"Am I going to be okay?"
This might well be the most common question my clients have, even if they don't say it directly. No matter their level of wealth, everyone wants to feel secure about their future.
I work with many different kinds of people, but two common ones are recent divorcees and heads of families - two niches in which a fundamental change in circumstance can lead to feelings of insecurity. By definition, many of my new clients are experiencing financial change - most of them moving from another advisor for one reason or another and have serious questions about the state of their wealth.
It's interesting that my career started at EF Hutton because, many years ago, they had a famous series of TV commercials about listening - as an advisor, I believe this is my primary skill, one that I use every day. By listening carefully to my clients, I can craft solutions that help them reach their goals.
I work with many different kinds of people, but two common ones are recent divorcees and heads of families - two niches in which a fundamental change in circumstance can lead to feelings of insecurity. By definition, many of my new clients are experiencing financial change - most of them moving from another advisor for one reason or another and have serious questions about the state of their wealth.
It's interesting that my career started at EF Hutton because, many years ago, they had a famous series of TV commercials about listening - as an advisor, I believe this is my primary skill, one that I use every day. By listening carefully to my clients, I can craft solutions that help them reach their goals.
Divorce Resources and Insight
Check out the link below for some valuable insight on how to take control of your finances after the divorce or death of a spouse
Click HereA logical approach to financial management
Every serious undertaking starts with a plan, and every plan follows a process. I use a simple 4-step process to create and execute a financial plan.
Step 1: Listen
Because every plan I create is customized to the client, my first step is to understand you – what’s important to you, what keeps you up at night, and how you see your future. I do a “deep dive” to understand where you are currently and how you’d like to work. I believe in goals-based planning and will help you define and articulate your goals. Spending the necessary time on this first step ensures that what I do works best for you.
Step 2: Propose
Once I’ve gathered the information that I need, I will create a plan for your approval. It will cover both sides of your personal balance sheet, assets as well as liabilities. It will expose potential roadblocks, and leave flexibility for changes in your life as they occur. Your financial plan will include a recommendation for an investment portfolio, of course, but it will also look at cash flow, debt, insurance, planning for education and retirement – basically, anything that involves money.
Step 3: Implement
After any needed refinement in the plan, we are ready to set the wheels in motion. But again, a strategy for action is crucial. We can save significant costs with a thoughtful implementation process – we may, for example, use dollar-cost averaging to build your portfolio, or perhaps sell existing assets in a manner that mitigates taxes. This is an example of how the details of HOW we work can have an impact on the overall success of your plan.
Step 4: Refine
Life happens. Circumstances change, markets adjust, technology advances, beliefs evolve. That’s why your financial plan isn’t a static document cast in stone – it’s a dynamic blueprint that is reviewed as necessary, but at least once a year. It’s also why I work hard to keep up with my clients’ lives – only when I know when something has changed can I make appropriate recommendations to adjust.
Why emotion and financial management don't mix
When it comes to money, even financially sophisticated people do things that may not be in their best interest.
For example, when the stock market drops unexpectedly, investors often pull out of the market to keep from losing more money. But if the objective is to “buy low, sell high,” selling stocks in the midst of a market correction is “selling low” … exactly the opposite of what one should do.
Why do people do this? Emotions. More specifically, fear – fear of losing money, or making a bad decision. Studies have shown that many decisions we make are driven by emotion rather than logic, and they are often not our best decisions.
What does all this have to do with me?
As your financial advisor, it is my job to keep you on a logical path with your financial decisions. My recommendations are based on years of research and study – I help clients leverage our collective intelligence without falling prey to the power of their own emotions. By using processes such as bucketing strategies, asset allocation and planning for liquidity events, we can help avoid the stumbles that occur when we might otherwise panic and react illogically to circumstances.
*Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.*
For example, when the stock market drops unexpectedly, investors often pull out of the market to keep from losing more money. But if the objective is to “buy low, sell high,” selling stocks in the midst of a market correction is “selling low” … exactly the opposite of what one should do.
Why do people do this? Emotions. More specifically, fear – fear of losing money, or making a bad decision. Studies have shown that many decisions we make are driven by emotion rather than logic, and they are often not our best decisions.
What does all this have to do with me?
As your financial advisor, it is my job to keep you on a logical path with your financial decisions. My recommendations are based on years of research and study – I help clients leverage our collective intelligence without falling prey to the power of their own emotions. By using processes such as bucketing strategies, asset allocation and planning for liquidity events, we can help avoid the stumbles that occur when we might otherwise panic and react illogically to circumstances.
*Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.*
Five principals that drive my work
When choosing a financial advisor, fit is crucial – do the advisor’s values match yours? That’s why I’ve articulated my “core values” which are the basis for everything I do.
1. Every dollar counts
Your financial footprint is extensive – not just investments but cash flow, liabilities, purchases and many others. A dollar saved on taxes, for example, is as valuable as one earned via your portfolio. That’s why I believe in holistic financial planning.
2. Life happens
No one can predict the future. I believe in keeping your options open, so an unforeseen obstacle does not derail your plan. Because, while we can’t anticipate what WILL happen, we CAN prepare for SOMETHING to happen.
3. The small stuff matters
There’s a popular self-help book that preaches “don’t sweat the small stuff.” That may be fine for your psychological health, but it’s not the best financial advice. Sweating the small stuff can make a big difference, and my clients count on me to do that for them.
4. It’s up to me to adapt to you
Each of my client relationships is unique. We will have the relationship that works best for you, not the other way around. One example is education – I am happy to provide as much or as little detail as you want to know. In every case, it’s up to you.
5. There's only one metric
My success is measured by you. If you’re happy, you’ll stay; if you’re not, you’ll find another advisor. I am proud of the work I do with my clients and I get a great sense of accomplishment when a client says "thank you."
Location
35 Village Rd
Ste 601
Middleton, MA 01949
US
Direct:
(978) 739-3956(978) 739-3956
Fax:
(617) 217-0698(617) 217-0698
Meet My Team
Erica Fenniman
Registered Client Service Associate
Phone:
(978) 739-9689(978) 739-9689
About Cheryl Surman
Cheryl Surman is a Client Service Associate with over two decades of experience at Morgan Stanley. Prior to joining the Firm in 2003, she worked in the insurance and manufacturing industries for over 20 years. Before occupying her current role, Cheryl spent 12 years in Morgan Stanley's Operations Department and then became a Client Service Associate in Middleton, Massachusetts, in 2016.
Cheryl currently resides in her childhood hometown of Peabody, Massachusetts, with her husband of over 35 years, Ed. Together, they have two children: a daughter, Kristen, and a son, Eddie. While not in the office, Cheryl enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Cheryl currently resides in her childhood hometown of Peabody, Massachusetts, with her husband of over 35 years, Ed. Together, they have two children: a daughter, Kristen, and a son, Eddie. While not in the office, Cheryl enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones.
About Erica Fenniman
Erica Fenniman is a Registered Client Service Associate who began working for Morgan Stanley in Middleton, Massachusetts, in 2024. She began her career with the Sylvan Learning Center in 2011, working in various administrative and managerial capacities. She graduated cum laude from the University of New Hampshire in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies, with a double minor in Psychology and Education.
Erica has lived and worked across the country, including Hawaii, South Carolina, New York, and New England, and has now returned to her native town of Dover, New Hampshire, with her daughter, Shayleigh, and twin sons, William and Regan. While not in the office, she enjoys reading, following sports, and making the most out of the great outdoors with her family. She is an avid golfer, having played since the age of two, and enjoys getting to the golf course whenever she can.
Erica has lived and worked across the country, including Hawaii, South Carolina, New York, and New England, and has now returned to her native town of Dover, New Hampshire, with her daughter, Shayleigh, and twin sons, William and Regan. While not in the office, she enjoys reading, following sports, and making the most out of the great outdoors with her family. She is an avid golfer, having played since the age of two, and enjoys getting to the golf course whenever she can.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Business Planning
Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact Sheri Bouchie today.
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
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)
