My Story and Services

Tess Paez is a seasoned financial professional with over 25 years of diverse experience in the financial industry. Currently serving as Vice President, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, Tess has built a distinguished career marked by a progression from loan analyst and mortgage loan officer to a respected financial advisor.

Before transitioning into the financial sector, Tess honed her skills as a Brand Manager at Allied Domecq, a global leader in wine and spirits. This role provided her with invaluable experience in planning, analysis, and management, which she has seamlessly integrated into her financial advisory practice.

Tess holds an undergraduate degree in Management at the University of Santo Tomas and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at Webster University, equipping her with a strong foundation in business principles and strategic thinking. Her professional journey is characterized by a meticulous approach to planning and a keen attention to detail, attributes that have consistently driven her success in helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Throughout her career, Tess has been recognized for her analytical prowess and her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. She is dedicated to ensuring a secure future for her clients, whom she treats like family. Her commitment to excellence and client-centric philosophy have made her a trusted advisor to many.

Outside of work, Tess loves to travel with her husband, and their son, exploring new places and cultures. She also enjoys walking and biking, which keep her active and connected with the community.

Additionally, Tess has a passion for reading, particularly current events, educational, and inspirational books. She believes that staying informed and continually learning enhances both her personal and professional life, allowing her to better understand the world and how it impacts her clients' financial landscapes.
Services Include
Securities Agent: NV, WI, PA, VA, TX, NJ, NC, AL, NY, MS, FL, GA, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 453363
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

MY PROCESS

In today's complex financial landscape, achieving financial security and success requires more than just sound advice; it demands holistic and personalized approach. I understand that everyone's financial journey is unique, shaped by personal goals, circumstances, and aspirations. My comprehensive financial advisory process is designed to provide tailored strategies and actionable insights that align with your specific needs.

My process begins with an in-depth discovery phase, where I take the time to understand your financial history, current situation, and future objectives. This foundation allows me to gather detailed insights and build a complete picture of your financial landscape. I then conduct a thorough analysis, assessing every aspect of your financial health, from budgeting and investments to tax planning and risk management.

With this comprehensive understanding, I develop a customized financial plan that is both robust and flexible, ensuring it adapts to your evolving needs. I make sure that you are fully engaged and informed, empowering you to make a confident financial decision. Once the plan is in place, with your full cooperation, you can expect a seamless implementation.

My commitment does not end there. I continuously monitor your financial progress, making adjustments to keep you on track towards your goals. Through ongoing education and clear communication, I ensure you remain informed and confident in your financial strategy. Adhering to the highest standards of ethics and compliance, I strive to build lasting, trust-based relationships with everyone.

This comprehensive and unique approach aims to provide you with the clarity, confidence, and control you need to achieve your financial goals and secure your financial future.

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    Step 1: Discovery & Goal Setting

    Let's begin with a thorough discussion to explain and ascertain your needs, wants, and values. It is important to us that we have a thorough understanding of various facets of your life that affects your financial goals and decisions. Every financial strategy should be unique because everyone is different.

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    Step 2: Analysis, Strategy & Planning

    To conduct a full assessment of your financial situation, I make use of a range of financial planning and risk analysis tools. I'll then implement a comprehensive financial plan that can help you accumulate, safeguard, and transfer wealth in line with your objectives.

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    Step 3: Implementation

    We'll start implementing the additional techniques we described in your plan once they are in line with your tailored investment strategy.

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    Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring

    My relationship with you is extremely important to me, and I want to keep it that way. I'll communicate with you frequently to provide account updates. Additionally, I'll keep tabs on how well you're doing in achieving each of your objectives and adjust your financial plan as need when your circumstances change.

WELCOME TO OUR LIFE NAVIGATOR

One of our goals at the City Front Group is to help our clients navigate different life events. Here you will find a wide range of content and materials covering a variety of life events and milestones that you might face.
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    Birth
    Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone—for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other extended family members. As a trusted advisor to our clients, we play a critical role in helping you plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child introduces into your lives—everything from planning for the costs associated with birth, adoption or surrogacy; anticipating unexpected medical expenses; understanding gifting requirements; preparing for child care and planning for educational expenses.
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    Financial Literacy
    Education is a major investment and expense for most of our clients—one that often requires years of careful, advanced planning. As educational costs continue to rise—from primary education through undergraduate, graduate and professional schools—we can help you approach the range of educational expenses, such as tuition, extension programs and advanced professional training, with appropriate funding strategies for your particular situations.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Post-Career
    Today's 65-year-olds have a high likelihood of living until their mid-80s, and it's not uncommon anymore to reach substantially beyond that. That means you need to plan for a retirement that will span two decades and potentially much more. Longer retirements are great outcomes, but also place a great deal of stress on a household’s finances. As your Financial Advisor, we make sure to put a plan in place so that you are able to take on any curveball retirement may throw at you.
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    Business
    Many of our clients have complex business arrangements, from executive-level employment situations to various levels of investment in a multitude of business ventures—from startups to established enterprises. As their Financial Advisor, we play a critical role in helping them navigate the complexities of business ownership, investment and associated activities such as selling, divesting or planning for succession.
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    Death
    Dealing with death is never easy. Aside from coping with the loss of a loved one, legal matters also require immediate attention, including administration of the estate. Though it may be hard for individuals to talk about estate planning because of the heartache, addressing it promptly is crucial to saving both time and money, and to minimizing family conflict or confusion. Passing away without a will, known as intestacy, means the state determines how the deceased’s assets will be distributed, and this may not be consistent with the family’s wishes. Proceedings can also be painful and costly for the family. We believe that is better to plan ahead to ensure that your wishes and your will are followed. A proactive approach to estate planning as a family is better than a reactive one.
    Click Here to Learn More
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    Caregiving
    Health care costs are rising—especially for retirees, and many will need long-term care. Learn the moves you can make to help prepare yourself.
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    Marriage
    There are few events more exciting than when our client decides to align their life with the person they love. Of course, there are conversations you should have with your partner before tying the knot. One of the most important is about money—how you will make it, save it, spend it and invest it. In addition, helping fund an adult child’s wedding is a goal for many parents (and grandparents). As your Financial Advisor, we can play an important role in helping you plan for these milestones and guiding your conversations.
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PERSONALIZED SOLUTIONS

From buying a home to rolling over your 401(k) to leaving a lasting legacy, we are here to answer your financial questions and implement the best strategies for your specific goals and circumstances. Here are just some of the questions we help our clients answer every day.
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    Financial Planning
    Life is constantly changing. How do I prepare for a more secure future knowing that certain events - like a divorce or death in the family - can dramatically impact my plans?
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    Professional Portfolio Management
    I have so many things I want to do with my life. How can one investment strategy balance them all?
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    Asset Organization
    I have assets spread across multiple organizations and platforms. How do I get organized and simplify my financial life?
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    Retirement Planning
    Have I saved enough for retirement so I can maintain my current lifestyle without worrying I'll run out of money? What is the best way to re-invest my 401(k) when I get ready to leave my company and retire.
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    Managing Risk
    Life's risks can reveal themselves in many ways - from loss of life to loss of health. How do I protect myself and my family from life's unknowns?
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    Socially-Responsible Investing
    Is there a way to incorporate my personal values into the way I invest without giving up performance?

Tax-Efficient Strategies

Here at Morgan Stanley, we strive to simplify complex financial ideas so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to plan for their financial future. We want to provide our clients with as many resources as possible so they can stay informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns. The links below provide detailed analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the finance and business worlds.
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    4 Key Tax Questions for Investors to consider
    Factoring the impact of taxes into your investment decisions can help you keep more of your hard-earned money, both now and in the future.
    Explore the Questions Here
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    Tax-Efficient Portfolios
    Morgan Stanley Portfolio Solutions/ Parametric Tax Efficient Portfolios are designated for high-net-worth investors seeking a tax-managed, diversified portfolio. Portfolios are monitored, evaluated, and rebalanced to maintain diversification and react to changing market conditions.
    Learn More About the Portfolios Here
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    2024 Tax Tables
    If you are interested in seeing the updated tax tables and other details for 2024, see all additional information here.
    View the 2024 Tax Tables Here
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    Tax-Smart Strategies for Retirement
    Looking for ideas on how to be more tax efficient when planning for your retiremen
    Read the Strategies Here
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    Taxation of Global Clients
    Individuals who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents may be subject to gift and estate tax on U.S. situs assets. This article provides a discussion on how U.S. Income taxes and gift and estate taxes apply to global clients.
    Learn More About Taxation of Global Clients Here

Location

50 N. Laura St
Ste 2000
Jacksonville, FL 32202
US
Direct:
(904) 632-0219(904) 632-0219
Toll-Free:
(866) 673-9600(866) 673-9600
Fax:
(904) 632-0298(904) 632-0298

Meet My Team

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 Robert Mickler

Robert Mickler is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Florida and Georgia.

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.

Robert began his career in financial services in 1991, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, he held several positions with Merrill Lynch, most recently as a Resident Manager and Wealth Management Banker in the Global Wealth Management organization.

Robert is a graduate of Villanova University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and family. Outside of the office, enjoys playing golf, reading, and traveling.
NMLS#: 863115

About Rachael Crapsi

Rachael Crapsi, CFP® is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Florida. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Rachael began her career in financial services in 2012 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she has worked as a Financial Advisor at J.P. Morgan and Fifth Third Private Bank serving affluent families by developing authentic, lasting relationships while helping to build, preserve and transfer wealth.

Rachael graduated from The Ohio State University earning degrees in both Finance and International Business with a focus in Mandarin and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation. Rachael is from Buffalo, New York, but now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Outside of work Rachael enjoys playing soccer, traveling and cooking.
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.

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 Tess Paez today.
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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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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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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4Morgan 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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5Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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6Alternative 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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7Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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

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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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10When 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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11Morgan 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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12Morgan 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)