The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley has been named on the 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team Ranking

Women-Led Team Defining and Delivering True Wealth Management
There are relationships, interests, and causes that bring your life meaning. We believe these critical elements should be at the heart of your personal wealth management plan.

At the Blue Sandstone Group, we take the time to understand the "complete you" to develop a financial plan that helps you to meet your goals, whether they be to retire early, give back, sell a business, make a significant purchase, review an estate plan, provide for future generations, or handle one of life's many transitions with grace — we are here to support and guide you. For more than 25 years, we have been advising successful individuals and their families to advance their financial priorities. With an emphasis on understanding the complexities that wealth brings, we work alongside our clients to develop customized and comprehensive plans that address various aspects of one's financial life including investment management, customized lending solutions, preparing for the future and effective estate planning strategies. Helping our clients achieve financial freedom is one of the greatest services that we can provide.

We are passionate about finance and helping our clients reach their goals, which is reflected in the core values that serve as the foundation of our practice:

1. Investment Excellence.
Cindy has extensive experience as an institutional Portfolio Manager, managing investments for endowments, foundations and high net worth individuals at some of the industry's leading banks and asset management companies before joining Morgan Stanley. You benefit from our institutional knowledge and experience, yet you will never feel overwhelmed by technical jargon. Our style is welcoming and approachable. We make it easy to ask questions to fully understand the details of our strategy.

2. Fresh, Strategic Ideas.
We touch the markets every day through our exposure to a diverse range of institutional money managers and thought leaders at Morgan Stanley and around the industry. This access informs our guidance and enables us to incorporate a sophisticated framework into our disciplined process.
3. A Tailored Approach.
Every relationship begins with a clear understanding of your goals, dreams and what keeps you up at night. We work closely with your accountant and attorney to gain the precise knowledge needed to manage all aspects of your wealth. Above all, we anticipate and avoid blind spots to keep your financial roadmap on track.

4. Financial Education.
We believe education leads to better understanding into our strategy and discipline, and ultimately, better long-term results. We are committed to providing ongoing and proactive education, resulting in enhanced knowledge about financial and non-financial issues that impact your life.

5. Outstanding Service.
Your satisfaction is our priority. We accomplish this by working with a select group of clients, so we may dedicate the time, attention and service they each deserve. We believe we earn your trust not only through the quality of our advice and investments, but through the excellence with which we deliver them.

Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2024 & 2025)- New York State (Private Wealth)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024 & Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23 & 3/31/23–3/31/24. (https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/)

Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Client Resources

We work with a select group of clients, who value our depth of knowledge in providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to help achieve life’s most important goals. Over the past 25 years, we have developed a strong and active practice. Together, we are committed to serving the financial needs of a diverse group of clients, which include:

• Professionals, corporate executives and small business owners
• Individuals experiencing a significant life event, such as a divorce or the loss of a spouse
• Retirees and individuals planning for and enjoying retirement
• Women seeking guidance for themselves and their family
• Multi-generational families
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    The Basics of Estate Planning
    Morgan Stanley Family Office Resources offers a differentiated value proposition to integrate comprehensive tax, estate, and financial planning strategies into your overall wealth plan. These educational videos discuss the basics and highlight the resources available in estate planning strategies to help you address some of life's challenges and opportunities as they arise.
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    Fall Planning for Your Finances
    Learn the money moves you can make this fall to set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond. Find tips on investing, taxes, charitable giving and more.
    Read Here
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    Secure 2.0 Act
    Congress recently passed the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, which was signed into law on December 29, 2022. SECURE 2.0 is a significant piece of retirement legislation that is intended to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement plans and for individuals to save for retirement.
    Fact Sheet
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    2024 Federal Tax Table
    This document outlines the 2023 tax rate schedule, education and health savings account limits, retirement contribution and deduction limits, among other information.
    View 2024 Tax Table
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    2024 Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits
    This document highlights the maximum benefit contribution limits from 2018-2024.
    View Maximum Benefit & Contribution Limits
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    Financial Literacy
    Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. No matter your current priorities, a strong financial literacy foundation can help you meet your goals.
    Financial Literacy for Any Stage of Your Life
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    Business Planning
    You may 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.
    Learn More About Business Planning
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    Family Assist
    Designed to help guide you and your family with the decisions to be made following a major life event. Here at Morgan Stanley, we can help you adapt FamilyAssist to your specific needs. We are able to provide you with the advice and guidance necessary to set priorities and make informed decisions.
    Learn More About Addressing Immediate Concerns
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    Retirement
    Time can be one of the most powerful tools in a retirement savings plan, allowing you to potentially build a healthy nest egg even if, when starting out, you are only able to save small amounts. Over time, the effects of compounding coupled with consistent contributions to a retirement account can help turn even small deposits into a significant balance.
    Learn More About Retirement Planning
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    Divorce
    Divorcing a spouse can be a difficult ordeal, with repercussions to your emotional and financial well-being. Although divorce is seldom easy, our team can help you prepare for it, which will help you feel more in control and better equipped to make informed, confident decisions about your financial futures. We will help you regain your footing and move forward with confidence in your new life.
    Learn More About Talking Control of Your Finances
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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 your estate. Though it may be hard to talk about estate planning because of the heartache, addressing it promptly is crucial to saving both time and money, and minimizing family conflict or confusion.
    Learn More About Estate Planning

Family Office Resources

We understand your family's financial needs, and as your wealth evolves and gains in complexity, we draw on the expertise of the Family Office Resources team to work alongside you and provide expanded capabilities in areas such as tax, estate planning, family governance, gifting strategies, investment expertise, and multi-generational planning.

Retirement Planning

Our wealth management process begins and ends with listening. We ask questions about your goals, your dreams and what keeps you up at night . . . and then we listen. It’s an ongoing process through which we understand all we can about you, your family and your finances.

Our disciplined process enables us to develop a detailed financial roadmap that reflects who you are and where you want to go. It also allows us to anticipate any blind spots along the way, so we can address them early. Our mission is to put your financial house in order and on course.
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    Step 1: Foster a Deep Understanding of You and Your Family
    •Listen carefully to understand your goals, dreams and what keeps you up at night
    •Learn about the values that shape your decisions
    •Identify any challenges unique to your situation
    •Understand your financial priorities
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    Step 2: Analyze and Assess Your Finances
    •Collect financial statements, tax returns and other documents
    •Review your current and future financial situation
    •Analyze current investment portfolio
    •Identify any shortfalls or the impact of unexpected life events
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    Step 3: Create and Present Your Custom Roadmap
    •Develop a tailored financial roadmap, utilizing a breadth of world-class investments
    •Present your plan, prioritizing activities and establishing timelines
    •Contact your CPA and estate attorney to ensure strategies are fully coordinated
    •Begin implementation, addressing any blind spots along the way
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    Step 4: Deepen Our Relationship through Ongoing Service and Commitment
    •Set up tools to provide convenient access to your accounts
    •Apply due diligence process to evaluate performance
    •Develop a customized call and meeting schedule to review and track your progress
    •Discuss changes in your life, adjusting your roadmap accordingly
    •Invite you to client-focused seminars and events
    •Continue to nurture our relationship as we welcome you into our practice

Team Updates, Events & Awards

The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley has been named on the 2024 & 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Ranking
Our team was honored to be included on Forbes’ List of Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams for 2024 & 2025, recognizing our team’s commitment to our clients and Morgan Stanley.
Read More Here
Mary G. Gardiner named as 2023 Honoree for the Hospice of Westchester
The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley was excited to celebrate our partner Mary as a 2023 Honoree for her years of service on the Board of Directors for the Hospice of Westchester.
Offsite Planning Meeting
The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley had a productive offsite planning session with Sue Hadden, Head of Practice Management at Morgan Stanley.
Veterans Day: Operation Gratitude
Morgan Stanley partnered with Operation Gratitude, an organization dedicated to supporting deployed service members and their families.

Our Partner Cindy Rudbart and our Purchase office participated in stuffing 140 teddy bears that will be sent to children of deployed service members for the holidays.
Operation Gratitude
Mary G. Gardiner Named to 2022 MAKERS Class
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management has recognized Mary G. Gardiner, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor as one of 20 outstanding professionals at the firm as part of its partnership with MAKERS – a project dedicated to identifying and celebrating women of accomplishment across multiple fields along with the men who sponsor and champion women’s advancement. She also participated in the Annual MAKERS Conference.
Click here to view this year’s MAKERS Class of 2022
A Passionate Leader & Advisor
"Morgan Stanley MAKER Mary Gibbons Gardiner carries out her desire to help others both at work, helping clients and mentoring colleagues, and in her community, through volunteerism."
Read More Here
Mary G. Gardiner MAKERS Interview
Watch Mary's spotlight interview after being named to the 2022 MAKERS Class. She discusses her family values, building a business from the ground up, and involvement as Chairman of the Board of Hospice in Westchester and Vice President of Ladies in Finance Together at Morgan Stanley.
Watch the Video Here
Corinne and John - At Home
Corinne James and John James with family at the At Home in Greenwich charity event that supports older adults to enable them to live independently and safely in their preferred environment.
Read Here
Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams (2024 & 2025)- New York State (Private Wealth)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024 & Jan 2025) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23 & 3/31/23–3/31/24. (https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure/)

Location

2000 Westchester Ave 1nc
Purchase, NY 10577
US
Direct:
(914) 225-1537(914) 225-1537
One Fawcett Place
3rd Floor
Greenwich, CT 06830
US
Direct:
(203) 625-4673(203) 625-4673

Meet The Blue Sandstone Group

About Cindy B Rudbart

With 30 years of extensive investment management experience managing portfolios for foundations, endowments and high net worth individuals, Cindy leads our investment strategy and is the team’s lead Portfolio Management Director. Throughout her long and rewarding career, she has developed a deep and thorough understanding of the world’s financial markets and how various economic conditions impact those markets.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2013, Cindy was a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Fiduciary Trust Company International for four years. She also spent over two decades managing investment portfolios at HSBC Bank USA and at Citibank Global Asset Management. This collective experience has given Cindy a specialized set of skills and knowledge. She is passionate about educating clients.

Cindy earned her M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University Graduate School of Management and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business. She earned her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation in 2015 and has her Series 7, 31 and 63 registrations. She also maintains her licenses to assist individuals with insurance and long-term care products.

A strong believer in giving back, Cindy is a member of the Finance Committee of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (UJANNJ), past president of Business and Professional Women’s Division of UJANNJ, Financial Women’s Association and a member of Executive Women of NJ, the leading senior-level executive women’s organization in New Jersey committed to increasing the presence of women serving on corporate boards and in the top leadership of New Jersey companies.

Cindy lives in Bergen County, NJ and has two children, Jason and Fara. Her personal interests include traveling and skiing.
Securities Agent: PA, ME, FL, CA, IL, RI, OH, MA, NY, NC, GA, TX, TN, NH, CT, VA, SC, NJ, MT, DE, DC, CO, WA, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1394598

About Corinne H James

Corinne is an experienced Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor and senior partner of The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley, a highly skilled wealth advisory team. She brings over 20 years of investment experience to the team, with a focus on alternative investments and other more advanced strategies designed to help meet the sophisticated needs of high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Corinne empowers clients in an effort to achieve new levels of financial success through a personalized approach and a commitment to outstanding service. For Corinne, professional success is measured in terms of client well-being and goal achievement.

Growing up in New Canaan and attending Greenwich Academy, Corinne was always drawn to the world of finance. She enjoyed learning about various financial instruments from her parents, who openly discussed money topics and the investments they had made for her and her siblings. This interest inspired Corinne to study Economics and Fine Arts at Vanderbilt University. Upon graduation, she put her love of numbers to work in the financial industry. She began her career in market research, before moving to Morgan Stanley and working directly with hedge fund clients in the firm’s Prime Brokerage division.

In 2005, Corinne was recruited by one of her hedge fund clients to lead a relaunch effort. With this success, Corinne spent the next 12 years managing the sales and service efforts of various hedge funds and working with all types of clients – from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to endowments and foundations. Her true passion is working one-on-one with clients; in 2016, Corinne returned to Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor, and has also recently earned her Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) designation.

Corinne served as the President of the Greenwich Academy Alumnae Association (GAAAB), and a member the school’s Board of Trustees from 2020-2022 and continues to be a member of the GAAAB. Sports has always been a part of Corinne’s life, having played Division 1 lacrosse at Vanderbilt University. Over the years, she has coached a number of girls’ softball and lacrosse teams locally and across the tri-state area.

Outside of the office, family comes first. Corinne and her husband, Tom Menacho, met on a blind date and have been married since 2007. They love introducing their three children to new activities they can do as a family for years to come. These activities include skiing, golf, and water sports.
Securities Agent: NY, CT, CO, VA, ME, FL, DC, MA, TX, PA, CA, RI, MT, NC, WA, TN, SC, OH, NH, IL, GA, NJ, MD, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1619955

About John W James

John is a senior member of The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley and Client Relationship Analyst. Previously, John was the Founder and Managing Partner of Arboretum Capital Management, a private markets investment platform. John brings over 20 years of experience in public and private financial markets, and knowledge in portfolio construction and management from his time leading a family office and institutional investment portfolios. John started his career on a fixed income arbitrage desk before joining Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management where he worked with the CIO to develop asset allocation models for UHNW clients. Throughout his career, John has served on investment committees, advised companies and individuals on business and financial strategies, and led teams of specialists to properly address client portfolio needs and drive success.

John attended Phillips Andover in Andover, MA and graduated from Princeton University. He earned his MBA at Columbia Business School. John served as co-chair of the Andover Association of New York and on the Executive Committees of the Andover Alumni Council and the Andover Development Board. John is a supporter of the Arts and currently serves on the Board of BalletNext, which provides dance education and performance opportunities for kids. John lives in Greenwich, CT with his wife and two daughters and enjoys spending time outdoors as a family.

About Marie Pascale

I have more than three decades of experience working in the financial services industry. As a Senior Registered Client Service Associate, I provide strategic operational and administrative support to clients of The Blue Sandstone Group at Morgan Stanley. On a daily basis, I help our clients with a myriad of transactional needs, including account documentation, money movement, IRA distribution and other service-related requests. I can fulfill unsolicited buy and sell orders and enjoy delivering first-class customer service every time I talk with a client.

After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in finance, I joined Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation. For four years, I handled paperwork for second mortgages, relocations and bankruptcies on the West Coast. In 1990, I transferred to Merrill Lynch Brokerage, where I became a sales assistant. I moved to Smith Barney in 2003 and began working at Morgan Stanley in 2013.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family. With two sons in college, my husband and I are getting used to being empty-nesters.
Wealth Management
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Portfolio Insights

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.

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.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Blue Sandstone Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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

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2Morgan 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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3Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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5When 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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6The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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7Alternative 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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8Morgan 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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9Morgan 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)