My Story and Services

With three decades of wealth management experience, Ted Smith works with a select clientele of highly affluent individuals, families and their family offices. Ted focuses on simplifying the lives of the functionally retired, and those approaching that transition. His goal is to help them create and implement solutions across every aspect of their financial lives, so they can spend their time however they wish.

Thanks to the trust his clients have placed in him, Ted was named to the inaugural Financial Times Top 400 Financial Advisors list and was honored again in 2016. Over the years, he has also been quoted in numerous publications, including Dow Jones Newswires, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and the Baltimore Business Journal and he has appeared on local Baltimore news media.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2021, Ted served as a director at UBS, and earlier as an advisor at Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown and its predecessors. He holds a Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM designation from the College for Financial Planning and served on Deutsche Bank’s inaugural DBAB Retirement Plan Advisory Council.

Originally from southern Pennsylvania, Ted has lived in Baltimore City since 1984. When not in the office, he spends quality family time with his children, Jake and Kathleen. He enjoys swimming, playing guitar and piano, writing songs, and attempting to surf.

2013, 2016 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors
Source: ft.com. Data compiled by the Financial Times based the following time periods:
Awarded 2016; data 9/30/13 - 9/30/15
Awarded 2013; data as of 12/31/12
Capabilities
Securities Agent: DE, UT, SC, MT, WV, TX, TN, IL, DC, WY, NY, NM, MI, KS, VT, VA, NJ, NE, GA, NH, MN, MD, OK, WI, WA, NC, LA, CT, CO, CA, OH, NV, ME, FL, AL, RI, AZ, PA, OR, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2131712
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

About PWM

Founded in 1977, Private Wealth Management is the division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that is dedicated to serving the firm’s most affluent clients, including some of the world’s most accomplished entrepreneurs, executives and stewards of multigenerational wealth. Functioning as an exclusive investment boutique within a global financial firm, we deliver sophisticated solutions that leverage the intellectual capital and insight of Morgan Stanley’s substantial global resources. Drawing on a deep understanding of your financial life, our goal is to help you:
  • Manage investments with an unwavering focus on your financial strategy and personal goals
  • Create comprehensive, multigenerational wealth management plans based on your needs, challenges and the values that guide your life and legacy
  • Simplify financial complexity to help you achieve clarity and control
Private Wealth Management Highlights
  • Approximately 300 teams1 specialized in assisting individuals and families with $20MM+ in investable assets
  • Over $775 billion in AUM1
  • Comprising 25% of the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors list for 2023
  • Direct access to ultra high net worth experts in philanthropy, family dynamics, wealth transfer, lifestyle advisory and other areas of interest to ultra high net worth families
1 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, December, 2023

Source: Barron's.com (April 2023) 2023 Barron's Top 100 Financial Advisors awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Barron's during the period from Dec 2020 - Dec 2021. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron's to obtain or use the ranking. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of Barron's and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with Barron's. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved.

Approach

Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

Upcoming Firm Events

The Lessons in Leadership Virtual Event Series will continue throughout 2025 . Check back soon for details on upcoming events.

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Virtual Client Conversation Series

Series of exclusive experiences for PWM clients providing an opportunity to interact with prominent thought leaders from the worlds of finance, government, media, the arts and academia.

Online

Exclusive Insights & Perspectives from Women Thought Leaders

Opportunity for PWM clients to hear powerful insights and diverse perspectives from women thought leaders on timely topics such as the economy, philanthropy and leadership.

Online

Disruption, Reinvention and Leadership, Featuring Rich Barton

The founder of Expedia, Glassdoor and Zillow offered a first-hand account of his adventures in disrupting the most tradition bound industries, as well as his take on leadership in times of turmoil.

Online

Building a Winning Culture, Featuring Joe Lacob

A prominent authority on the intersection of sports and business discussed how he built a winning culture on the basketball court and as a business. Hear his thoughts on how COVID-19 reshaped the sports world.

Online
Two women talking

THE SHIFTING WORKFORCE: HOW A CAREER BREAK CAN MEAN MORE THAN JUST TIME OFF

Did you know that almost 25% of caregivers are under the age of 35?1 As Millennials near the age of 40 and Gen Z’ers find themselves a couple years post-college, many are navigating the demands of both careers and caregiving. And in the process, they’re challenging career norms and redefining the rules on their own terms.

The behaviors and choices of Millennials are profoundly disrupting business and society alike. In Deloitte’s 2019 Millennials survey, they found that 49% would, if they had a choice, quit their current jobs in the next two years.2 This constitutes a major challenge for companies seeking a stable workforce, and a total shift in workforce mindset.

So, if almost half of all Millennials are willing to quit their full-time jobs, what are they considering instead?

According to the study, 84% of Millennials wouldn’t hesitate to jump into freelance or contract work. Those who would consider joining the gig economy cite the chance to earn more money (58%), work the hours they want (41%) or achieve a better work/life balance (37%).3

Many Millennials are taking things a step further, scrapping the idea of a traditional career altogether. Instead, they’re creating careers on their own terms. Examples include deferring a future in civil engineering for a life on the Alaskan frontier as a sled dog musher or retiring at age 38 because of extreme savings. This is part of a new trend called “Millennial burn-out,” a generational shift that has many people making life choices that prioritize fulfilling experiences and relationships over careers.4

With 40% of women taking a break from full-time employment at some point during their career,5 it looks like Millennial women are redefining what that break could mean. The long-term impact of this attitude shift is still unknown but will certainly be seen for decades to come, especially as the percentage of millennial caregivers continues to rise.

If you’re a caregiver, experiencing millennial burn-out and think an alternative career path might be for you, it’s important that you start thinking through your goals and priorities. And then talk with people you trust – like your spouse, family members and even a financial professional. Having a clear plan in place – that balances life, career and financial goals – can make all the difference. Just ask the woman that retired at 38 because of her frugal savings strategies.6
1 The Balance, Financial Planning Tips for the Sandwich Generation, https://www.thebalance.com/financial-planning-sandwich-generation-4150160
4 ABC News,Burned-out millennials are seeking alternative work lifestyles from career changes, living on the road, retiring early, https://abcnews.go.com/US/burned-millennials-seeking-alternative-work-lifestyles-career-living/story?id=61938694
©2020 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
CRC 3010712-04/20 Exp. 4/21/21

Location

1201 Wills Street
Ste 700
Baltimore, MD 21231
US
Direct:
(410) 736-5374(410) 736-5374

Meet My Team

About Kristin E. Carter

Kristin Carter joined Morgan Stanley in November 2020. Kristin assists with operational and administrative functions for clients and team members. She addresses a wide range of concierge elements, including but not limited to, partnering with vendors, client events, maintaining accounts, and day to day operations.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she worked for Johns Hopkins Health System for 3 years where she increased the internal staffing revenue for temporary administrative professionals. She was integral in converting temporary staff to permanent staff by coaching, training, and monitoring over 400 employees at a 95% compliance rate.

Kristin was an actress and model, has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2001, has a background in restaurant management, and holds a BS from Towson University with a degree in Theatre Arts and Mass Communications.
In her spare time Kristin volunteers with Make a Wish Mid-Atlantic and is a member of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. She lives in Lutherville with her Goldendoodle, Trixie.
Private Wealth Management
Professional Insights

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Managing Significant Wealth

  • Investment Management
  • Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy
  • Cash Management & Lending
  • Family Governance & Wealth Education
  • Lifestyle Advisory
  • Business Services
Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy
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Funding Climate Action: Pathways for Philanthropy

Share a new report in collaboration with the Aspen Institute. The report aims to help climate-oriented philanthropists explore critical issues and align their wealth management strategies with their environmental impact ambitions.

Insights and Outcomes

Thought Leadership for our ultra high net worth clients, which contains thought-provoking articles, authored by leading experts from Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values
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Larry Fitzgerald Jr.'s Playbook on Leadership and Values

The renowned NFL wide receiver shares insights on aligning your investments with your values.

Private Wealth Management Podcast

Bringing you engaging stories and key insights surrounding the complexities associated with significant wealth, including:
  • Intergenerational Planning
  • Philanthropic Giving
  • Non-Traditional Assets
  • Managing Family Wealth
LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art
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LISTEN | Passion Assets: Investing in Art

When a passion for collecting evolves into something of considerable value, new issues are raised. Hear what the professionals have to say about the best practices and pitfalls of collecting art and collectibles.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
We look forward to discussing your needs and goals, and the exceptional resources we can place at your disposal.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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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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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3Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 and other legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (the “Firm”) and its affiliates do not currently offer the services provided by this Service Provider(s). The Service Provider(s) is not an affiliate of the Firm. Any review of the Service Provider(s) performed by the Firm was based on information from sources that we believe are reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This referral should in no way be considered to be a solicitation by the Firm for business on behalf of the Service Provider(s). The Firm makes no representations regarding the appropriate or otherwise of the products or services provided by the Service Provider(s). There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. If you choose to contact the Service Provider(s), do thorough due diligence, and make your own independent decision.

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Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.

Asset Allocation does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining financial markets.

The securities/instruments, investments and investment strategies discussed on this website may not be suitable for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment or investment strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. The views and opinions expressed on this website may not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). This website and its associated content are intended for U.S. residents only.

Morgan Stanley and its Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Visitors to this website 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.

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers may only transact business in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Advisers are not registered or excluded or exempt from registration.

See the Financial Advisors Biographies for Registration and Licensing information.

Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® (with flame logo)® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. owns the marks CIMA®, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (with graph element)®, and Certified Investment Management Analyst® .

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC's licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Lifestyle Advisory Services: Products 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.

Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

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

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6295606 (3/2024)