Welcome

An experienced investment professional since 1992, Stephen focuses on providing comprehensive wealth management backed by above-and-beyond service for a select group of high-net-worth clients. He began his career with Merrill Lynch before moving to Morgan Stanley in 2010 to take advantage of the breadth of resources available at the firm. His areas of focus include: income generating portfolios, income stocks and financial planning. Stephen currently holds his Series 7, 63, 65 and Illinois insurance licenses.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Stephen graduated with a degree in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Believing in continuing education, he then went on to obtain his MBA in Finance from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Stephen currently lives in Libertyville with his wife, Rose, and two children, Olivia, and Lillian. Active in his community, Stephen is a volunteer at Center Church and North Star Classical Christian School.
Services Include
Securities Agent: MN, CO, WI, NY, NC, AZ, CA, TX, MO, SC, OR, IL, HI, FL, WA, TN, NV, DC, OH, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282407
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Modern Wealth Management Tools and Resources

Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital resources been carefully designed to help enhance each aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app. Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.
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    Total Wealth View
    Total Wealth View allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile. By having the opportunity to view all of your assets together, there is an ability to advise with your entire financial picture in mind.
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    Portfolio Risk Platform
    The Portfolio Risk Platform (Aladdin) is a state-of-the-art wealth management platform providing real time analytics that enable Financial Advisors to identify and better understand risks in their clients’ portfolios. The Portfolio Risk Platform leverages a 3,000 factor risk model to build out an analytics suite focused on risk, historical and hypothetical scenario analysis, and proposal generation.
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    MS Reserved
    Reserved Living & Giving is a tiered complimentary loyalty program that rewards clients with over one million dollars in assets and liabilities invested at the firm. The program is designed to enhance your lifestyle and relationship with the firm beyond traditional wealth management services.
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Sound Investing Principals VS. Human Nature

Have you heard the expression "buy low, sell high"? It applies to just about any investment, and savvy investors always look for opportunities where something seems to be selling for less than what it's worth. So then why do investors sell off their investments when the market drops? Isn't that the perfect time to buy, when prices are depressed? Doesn’t it make more sense to either hold on to an investment during a market correction, or even buy stocks during a bull market?

It makes logical sense, and yet even sophisticated investors rush to dump their stocks when the market goes down. Why?

Because they are acting on emotion rather than logic. They fear that the market will continue to drop and don’t want to lose any more - even though they know that long-term, they should ignore the standard ups and downs of the market and stay the course.

In fact, while people are supposed to act in their own self-interest and make logical decisions, human beings are much more inclined to act emotionally when it comes to money - that's the core principle behind a school of thought called Behavioral Investing.

I have studied the phenomenon of Behavioral Investing and applied it to my wealth management practice. One of the most important things I do for my clients is to provide a logical, systematic response to changing conditions - I provide a guiding hand during the regular market volatility that is almost certain to occur during any long-range investment cycle.

Emotions are part of being human, and we all respond to them. However, I work with my clients to be sure that they don’t make investment decisions, or any other financial choice, based on emotions rather than logic.

Together, we'll build a purposeful financial plan that reduces design fatigue, defines clear buckets for where to invest and creates a roadmap forward, including systems to put as much as possible on autopilot.

Then, we'll help to design an appropriate investment portfolio that reflects your values and goals. We help you gut check major life decisions so you can choose a course of action that feels good in the head as well as the heart. We'll simplify the complexities to help provide you with an increased level of comfort and allow you to focus your energy on what matters most to you.
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    Next Steps...
    If this sounds like what you need to gain confidence in your financial life and you're ready to explore what that could look like, lets schedule a time for a 30 minute connection conversation. Select the "Contact Me" button at the top of this page to have a conversation with me.
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    Services We Provide
    FINANCIAL PLANNING: Goals Analysis, Retirement Income, Debt Analysis, Special Circumstances

    INVESTMENT PLANNING: Security Recommendations. Economics, Asset Allocation, Tax Efficient Investing

    WEALTH PLANNING: Wills & Legal Documents, Legacy Planning/Gifting, Family Governance, Charitable Planning

    EXECUTIVE PLANNING: Incentive Compensation, Stock Options, Concentrated Positions, Stock Monetization

    BUSINESS OWNER PLANNING: Risk Management, Cash Management, Retirement Benefits, Succession Planning
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    Our Tailored Process
    1. Discovery Process - We listen, learn, and identify what is important to you and your legacy

    2. Develop Strategies - We determine risk and gather data to analyze current investments and create a financial plan

    3. Onboarding Meeting - We present and discuss the plan

    4. Deployment of Solutions - Focus on asset movement and assign responsibilities.

    5. Orientation Meeting - Meet and understand the team and "who to contact"

    6. Wealth Team Integration - Develop and understand your network, liquidity needs, and secondary plans

    7. Strategy/Tactical Meetings - Monitor, discuss, and adjust future transitions

Client Service Team

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    Myiesha Allen - Client Service Associate
    Email:Myiesha.Allen@morganstanley.com
    Email: Myiesha.Allen@morganstanley.com 

    Phone 847-604-7302

    Myiesha Allen

    Client Service Associate

     

    Myiesha Allen is a Client Service Associate in the Morgan Stanley Lake Forest, Illinois office.  She has over 17 years of financial service operational experience and is dedicated to providing first class client service. 

    Myiesha joined Morgan Stanley in 2000 as a Service Associate in the operations department, where she quickly excelled in her role.  Upon discovering her passion for client service, Myiesha chose to expand her role and became a client Service Associate where she assists in the day-to-day client servicing aspects of the practice.  Her knowledge and experience in the financial industry, combined with her commitment to developing client relationships, continue to be the foundations of her success.

    Myiesha lives in Waukegan, IL with her husband, Rick, and their two children.  She enjoys spending quality time with her family and the extracurricular adventures of her children.

Location

207 E. Westminster Ave
Ste 300
Lake Forest, IL 60045
US
Direct:
(847) 604-7303(847) 604-7303

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 Andrew Dittbenner

Andrew Dittbenner is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.

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.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.

Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Batavia, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 718951

About Jessica Jendryk

Jessica Jendryk is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.

Jessica began her career in financial services in 2015, when she joined Morgan Stanley as a Client Service Associate. She also served as a Training Specialist at Morgan Stanley.

Jessica is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she received a Bachelor in Applied Science, and Saint Louis University, where she received her Master of Business Administration. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys playing and coaching volleyball and volunteering with her fellow Diversity and Inclusion council members.
NMLS#: 2665636

About Ashley Duresa

Ashley Duresa is the Financial Planning Director for the Chicago North Complex at Morgan Stanley.

Ashley began her career in financial services in 2017 and has been with Morgan Stanley since 2018. She started as a Client Service Associate and assisted with daily client requests, provided excellent client service, and developed financial plans. As she progressed with developing the financial plans, she became a Certified Financial Planner professional and started a new role as the Financial Planning Director.

As the Financial Planning Director, Ashley assists financial advisors and teams in planning engagement within their book of business as well as connecting firm resources to discover opportunities ultimately to better serve clients. As a CFP professional, she encompasses all aspects of financial planning which includes but are not limited to estate planning, tax management strategies, education planning, and retirement planning.

A magna cum laude graduate of Lake Forest College, Ashley graduated with a degree in Finance. In her free time, Ashley is a competitive bowler and enjoys walking her dog, golfing with her husband, and traveling.
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, 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

Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

Morgan 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.

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.

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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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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 Stephen Yates today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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2When 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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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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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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 4763067 (9/2025)