Our Approach to Wealth Management

Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley is dedicated to providing our clients with a customized approach to wealth management, built on a personal relationship and shaped by an understanding of each client’s unique needs and aspirations. We concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to exceptional service and ongoing dialogue.

We are focused on serving the needs of individuals and families. We believe success in achieving important financial goals starts with a comprehensive wealth strategy. We work closely with our clients and their other professional advisors to help ensure that all current and future assets are analyzed, liabilities weighed and estate planning strategies, including appropriate wealth transfer strategies, are implemented. We hold periodic reviews to benchmark investment strategies to current goals, and proactively propose and implement solutions. Our approach is personalized and continuous.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working together to simplify your finances

Through the resources and security of Morgan Stanley, we provide you with an online platform to organize, connect, and simplify your finances. Please see below for further information on these capabilities and contact us directly if you’d like assistance with access.
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    Morgan Stanley Online and MS Mobile
    Learn about the ease of using Morgan Stanley Online and Morgan Stanley Mobile capabilities.
    Click here to learn more
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    Send Money with Zelle
    Morgan Stanley Send Money with Zelle® allows you to send and receive money with almost anyone with a U.S. account using just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, and the money is typically received in minutes.
    Click here to learn more
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    Morgan Stanley CashPlus
    Morgan Stanley CashPlus lets you access your cash from banks or tellers that accept Mastercard® and manage your cash on the go with Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Click here to learn more
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    Goals Based Planning
    Working with us, paired with our technology, is a great way to access advice and build a wealth plan. Read more about the advantages of working with our planning technology in reaching your financial goals.
    Learn About Our Planning Tools

Working together to provide financial education to your family

We believe in educating the next generation of investors. We work with you and your family to provide insight, advice, and educational resources in order to do so. Please contact us for additional ideas and guidance.
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    Goal Setting & Budgeting
    Learn how to define and set financial goals, make a budget, and save effectively to help reach your goals.
    Click Here to Watch the Video
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    Introduction to Investing
    Discover the basic concepts of investing, so you can build your financial confidence and make it easier to make informed decisions about creating and managing your wealth.
    Click Here to Watch the Video
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    Credit & Debt Management
    Explore the relationship between debt and credit and how maintaining good credit can help you with your broader wealth planning goals.
    Click Here to Watch the Video
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    Cybersecurity
    Explore the skills that are important to safeguard your online identity and assets, from common cyber threats to learning best practices for secure online transactions. This session covered practical strategies to stay safe in today’s digital landscape.
    Click Here to Watch the Video
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    Exploring Investments: Stocks, Bonds, and Beyond
    Dive into the fundamentals of investing, from understanding market dynamics, defining asset classes such as stocks and bonds and other investment vehicles, as well as discussing asset allocation and diversification, this session provided valuable insights to kickstart your investment journey.
    Click Here to Watch the Video
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    How to Break the Ice Around Family Finances
    Money is one of the trickiest topics to discuss. But avoiding the conversation can lead to problems. Learn how to start the dialogue with your family.
    Click here to read the article

Investment Insight From Our Desk To Yours

We hold a firm belief in the education of our clients as well as providing access to insight from the breadth of Morgan Stanley. Check here regularly to stay up-to-date and please call us if you'd like to discuss.
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    Tax-Aware Strategies for Your Wealth Plan
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Use these resources and ideas to help you get started.
    Check the resources
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    Thoughts on the Market
    Perspectives on the forces shaping markets.
    Listen to the podcasts
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    Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
    Bringing you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond.
    Listen to the podcasts
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    Social Security Benefits
    If you’ve built a healthy nest egg for your retirement, you may not be relying on Social Security benefits to cover expenses when you stop working. Still, there are important considerations to keep in mind around when and how to claim Social Security that can help you make the most of your benefits for retirement and other financial goals.
    When To Claim Social Security
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    The One Conversation You Should Be Having
    Take these steps to ensure you have trusted decision-makers in place should you—or your parents—become incapacitated.
    Click here to read the article
Client education is an integral part of our practice. We strive to keep our clients well informed on a variety of key topics across economic, financial and political landscapes. We welcome you to attend, learn, and enjoy!
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    Health is Wealth with Dr. Kim Henderson
    Dr. Kim Henderson shared insights on managing healthcare, investing in preventative care, and cultivating habits for long-term prosperity.
    Click here to watch
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    Estate Planning 101: Basics Including How to Be a Trusted Beneficiary
    This session focused on estate planning basics, discussing strategies to protect, manage, and distribute assets to preserve your legacy and support loved ones.
    Click here to watch
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    Entrepreneurship 101: Turning Ideas into Profit
    Aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, this session covered the essential steps from concept to execution, emphasizing the importance of team building and robust business structures.
    Click here to watch
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    Navigating College & Career Paths
    This session provided tools and strategies to thrive in a competitive career landscape, whether starting out or pivoting in your career path.
    Click here to watch
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    Understanding Market Dynamics: Talking About the Big Picture
    Understanding key dynamics is essential for staying ahead in today's ever-changing market.
    Click here to watch
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    Home Buying: Navigating the Borrowing Landscape
    Educating yourself on the Home Buying process, and the decisions you will need to make along the way, helps make it easier to make well-informed choices that align with your overall goals, priorities and vision for the future.

    This event is March 3rd, 2025 at 4 PM Est.
    Click here to register
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    Thinking of taking the next step with someone special? One of the most important conversations to have before tying the knot is about money—how each of you feel about it, how you’ll each make it, save it, spend it and invest it. Discussing potential diffe
    Thinking of taking the next step with someone special? One of the most important conversations to have before tying the knot is about money—how each of you feel about it, how you’ll each make it, save it, spend it and invest it. Discussing potential differences will help plan for how to keep them from becoming bigger issues.

    This event is April 7th, 2025 at 4 PM Est.
    Click here to register
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    Money & Saving: Financial Planning and Why It Matters to Me
    Join us on a session that will explore the critical importance of financial planning in achieving personal financial goals, whether it involves acquiring a dream home, starting a family, embarking on a desired vacation, or ensuring a secure retirement. This similar will focus on how strategic financial planning can empower our next generation.

    This event is May 5th, 2025 at 4 PM Est.
    Click here to register

Location

5122 Cascade Road SE 1st
Fl
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
US
Direct:
(616) 974-8926(616) 974-8926
Toll-Free:
(800) 378-2217(800) 378-2217
Fax:
(616) 771-6099(616) 771-6099

Meet Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management

About Mark F. Sherwood

Prior to the formation of Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, I was in New York, NY as a member of a large wealth management team at Merrill Lynch and also spent time serving institutional clients in investment banking.

My focus on the team is to perform research and provide recommendations to help clients with the oversight of their investments.  This role also includes implementing strategic and tactical asset allocation strategies.  These investment recommendations are made in the context of a comprehensive financial plan to ensure we are addressing the broader family goals and philosophical objectives of our clients.

I hold an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a BA from Albion College.  I earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification through the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and IMCA.  I have also earned Morgan Stanley's Family Wealth Advisor designation through completing an accreditation focused on the skills needed to deliver comprehensive, family-centric wealth management, furthering our commitment to helping our clients reach their goals.
 
In addition to serving our clients, I am involved in the community through a number of organizations: past trustee of the Grand Rapids Symphony Endowment; past chairman of the Investment Committee of the Porter Hills Foundation; former board member of the JSJ Foundation; board member of the Grand Valley University Foundation; member of the Council of Michigan Foundations and the Investments & Wealth Institute.

My wife and financial advisor partner, Saralyn Coupe, and I live in downtown Grand Rapids. We have a daughter who recently graduated from Hope College and a son who attends the University of Michigan. We enjoy numerous family activities including tennis, skiing, golfing and travelling.
Securities Agent: CO, AZ, WA, FL, NC, NE, IL, MN, MI, VT, NY, MA, GA, OH, CA, TN, MO, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1252985

About Saralyn Coupe

I enjoy working with clients to help connect their wealth today with a roadmap seeking to achieve their aspirations and goals in the future.  This is done through the preparation of a comprehensive financial plan, developed and updated with ongoing discussions and changing life stages.  My focus on the team is to generate strategies for our clients and their families addressing multi-generational financial planning, philanthropic planning, and estate planning strategies. 

Prior to servicing our clients at Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, I was in the investment banking group with Merrill Lynch, located in both the New York and Chicago offices, working primarily for corporate clients.

I have an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BA from Albion College.  I also earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, as well as the Certified Private Wealth Advisor designation through the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  These two certifications, along with ongoing continuing education to maintain them, build the knowledge base to advise clients through the myriad of ever-changing financial and estate planning strategies.
 
In addition to my time serving clients, I enjoy involvement in the community.  Currently, I'm chair of the investment committee at St. Cecilia Music Center; a member and past president of the board of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation and a member and past chair of its investment committee; an advisory board member of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University; and also, a member of the Financial Planning Association, Western Michigan Estate Planning Council and the Investments & Wealth Institute.

My husband and financial advisor partner, Mark Sherwood, and I live in downtown Grand Rapids. We have a daughter who recently graduated from Hope College and a son who attends the University of Michigan. As a family we enjoy music, tennis, skiing, golfing, and traveling.
Securities Agent: MA, NC, TN, NE, MN, CO, MI, FL, OH, CA, AZ, MO, CT, WA, VT, IL, GA, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1273019

About Kristy Chatman

Portfolio Associate Kristy Chatman began her career with Morgan Stanley in 1998. Her focus as part of Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management is providing clients with outstanding customer service while assisting the team and our clients with trading, cash management, and money movement. With Kristy’s industry experience and knowledge, she handles most clients’ day-to-day needs.

Kristy has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University and holds the following securities licenses: FINRA Series 7, 63, 65 and Managed Futures FINRA Series 31.

Kristy resides in the Grand Rapids area with her husband, two children and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking and bike riding.

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 Joseph V. Portera

Joseph Portera is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan.

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.

Joseph began his career in financial services in 2002 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Commercial Lender and Market Director at JPMorgan Chase.

Joseph is a graduate of the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and Keller Graduate School of Business where he received a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance & Accounting.

Joseph and his family currently reside in Grosse Pointe, MI. Outside of the office, he enjoys martial arts, skiing, tennis, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1260889
Wealth Management
From Our Team

4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts


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
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

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
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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 Sherwood & Coupe Wealth Management today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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2Morgan 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.

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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.

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4When 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.

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5Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Morgan 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

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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.

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)