Our Story and Services

Welcome to our team, where expertise meets personal touch. We are a dynamic, mother-daughter duo passionate about empowering individuals and their families, professionals, business owners, and others to achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.

Hongmin has been in the investment industry for over three decades and joined Morgan Stanley over a decade ago. Karen brings fresh insights and understandings to the ever-evolving financial landscape and complements Hongmin's seasoned expertise. Together, we are poised to bring greater value to our clients.

As we build a relationship, we help our clients focus on and understand:
o Your short, medium, and long-term goals
o Investment for your life goals
o The true meaning of risk and what your personal risk means through
different stages in life
o Implication of risk tolerance and conservatism
o Retirement planning, education planning, estate planning, tax-advantaged
investment management, and more

Beyond our professional expertise, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and empathy. We understand that each client's journey is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized guidance every step of the way.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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By overviewing your investments, cashflow, insurance policies and estate needs, we can create financial goals to align with every milestone of your life. By understanding your risk tolerance through customized investment strategies, we can make necessary anticipated changes.

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We understand you are very busy and do not have any availability to manage your wealth yourself. We work with you by understanding your life and goals, answer any questions you may have, create a customize solution for you, and continuously review for any adjustment needs.

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People often are very worried when it comes to their finances. Improper management can cause confusion and worry. By creating a goal-based investment strategies and financial roadmap, we can make you feel happy about the utilization of your wealth to achieve your dreams & goals. With investment based on rationality and logic, rather than emotion, you can generate greater investment returns.

TIMELY INFORMATION

As the new year is in full swing, I wanted to provide you with some information and resources that will help keep you on track for a successful year.

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    2024 Market Outlook

    Learn what Morgan Stanley's experts have to say about what may lie ahead for market and economic conditions in 2024. Click below, or read more to navigate to Morgan Stanley's research database for market and economic insights.

    Learn More
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    Goal Review

    2024 has arrived! Before we progress further into the year, it is important to take a step back and review your financial objectives.

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    Tax-Efficient Strategies

    Each year, the tax bill highlights how significantly taxes can impact your journey toward your financial goals — and highlights the value of integrating tax-efficient strategies into your investment process. Prepare for this year's tax planning with the updated tax tables below.

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    Morgan Stanley Online

    Designed to make your life easier, Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.

    Register Today
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    Total Wealth Tool

    The Total Wealth Tool allows you to manage multiple financial accounts across different firms, giving you a full picture of your financial wealth and health.

    Register Today
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    2024 Tax Tables

    For information that may be useful in filing this year's taxes, or preparing for next year's, see the 2024 tax tables.

    Learn More

Location

20400 Stevens Creek Blvd
Ste 350
Cupertino, CA 95014
US
Direct:
(408) 861-2021(408) 861-2021

Meet Spring Life Group

About Hongmin Lu

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in computer science in Beijing China, I moved to the US to pursue Master’s & then Ph.D. degrees in statistics. My Ph.D. research topic landed me the first job as a quantitative analyst for the equity market with an institutional investor. There I was part of a team that managed over $7 billion equity portfolio. While working on various asset allocation and security selection strategies, I filled my void of investment knowledge by obtaining Chartered Financial Analyst designation and MBA degree from UC Berkeley.

With the expansion of my knowledge and experience in investment, my work responsibility evolved. I transitioned from an analyst to a portfolio manager, and later into personal finance and wealth management.

At Morgan Stanley, I help a selected group of affluent families and individuals. They are mostly engineers, corporate executives, and business owners. My work focuses on clients’ value, passion, and desire, and I see myself as a supporter for my client’s pursue in life. I firmly believe that money is a tool for life, not a goal of life. Life always has ways to throw us curve balls unexpectedly; in order not to be knocked down, we need to plan well. This plan is the financial roadmap, and the clients’ investments are designed to service this plan.

This goal-focused, plan-driven wealth management approach helps clients stay away from the hysteria generated by performance-focused, market event-driven investment crowd. Contrary to popular believe, a large portion of superior long-term return does not come from portfolio construction neither asset selection, it comes from good investor behavior. Investor behavior consultation is the key to my practice and it generates the most value to my client’s long-term wealth.

In the twelfth year of joining Morgan Stanley, I’m so proud to be recognized by Forbes on their 2023 and 2024 ranking of Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State. It’s truly an honor to be recognized for my efforts in this industry. And a special thank you to my clients/colleagues, who helped make this possible!

2023 & 2024 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State

Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023 & 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: WA, TN, MT, MN, NY, HI, PA, UT, ME, NC, TX, NV, CA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1255540
CA Insurance License #: 0H19286

About Karen Zhu

After graduating from UCLA in 2021 with a degree in Mathematics and Economics, I started my career as an analyst in tech investment banking with Mizuho Securities in San Francisco. In this role, I contributed to both sell-side and buy-side processes, providing support to deal teams in various transaction stages with a focus on the semiconductor industry. Having spent 3 years in the fast-paced world of investment banking, I honed my skills in financial analysis, market research, and investment strategies. After 3 years, I decided that I wanted a job that where I could work more closely with individual clients as opposed to massive corporations. A natural transition was to join my mother, Hongmin Lu, at Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor. After all, I had grown up hearing stories about how she helped her clients and the strong relationships she developed with them. I realized many of the functions and advisory roles my team and I were in while I was an analyst at an investment bank were the same roles that Hongmin served for her clients. The only difference was that at an investment bank, the clients were large corporations as opposed to single individuals.
The exact role where I could continue utilizing and developing my analytical financial background while making the personal connections and impacts on families and individuals that I was looking for.

My desire at Morgan Stanley is to help understand your life goals and needs and translate those into a goal-based financial plan. I truly believe that the money we make in our life is merely a tool to make our life dreams come true, and not the dream itself. The best way to utilize this tool is to create a written, date-specific, dollar-specific, long-term investment plan and asset allocation model. As I develop a relationship with you and as life throws different curveballs, together we will adjust and update your plan accordingly. My ultimate goal is to help you maximize your long term returns.

Together with Hongmin Lu, we provide our clients with planning, behavioral coaching during periods of financial stress, convenience, peace of mind, and force to maintain discipline all with the backing and massive resources of Morgan Stanley. As a multi-generational team, we leverage a unique blend of experience and expertise to foster collaboration. I understand the importance of embracing diverse perspective and harnessing the collective wisdom of different generations to drive success.
Securities Agent: WA, MN, MT, AZ, TN, NV, NC, UT, HI, CA, TX, NY, ME, FL, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2566066

About Jack Luo

Jack Luo, a vibrant addition to Morgan Stanley since 2022, brings five years of financial industry experience and a zest for both work and play. Known for his dynamic approach, Jack thrives in maintaining client relationships, ensuring personalized support that goes beyond transactions. His journey in finance has not only equipped him with expertise in market dynamics but also a keen understanding of the diverse needs of clients.

Jack's mantra is "working hard, playing hard," reflecting his dedication to professional excellence and his vibrant, fun-loving personality. Whether navigating the intricacies of financial transactions or engaging in client support, Jack's enthusiasm shines through. His ability to blend a strong work ethic with a lively spirit makes him not just a valued professional at Morgan Stanley but a delightful presence in the financial arena.
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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Spring Life Group today.
1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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3When 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.

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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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5Morgan 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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6When 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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7Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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8Morgan 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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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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11Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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12Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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13Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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14Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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15Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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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)