Our Story and Services

Conviction, integrity, and consistency are the cornerstones of our team. These traits exemplify who we are as people and as financial professionals. We are privileged to say families and business executives have entrusted us with their financial futures at Morgan Stanley for a over 50 years of combined experience. The Bluewater Group focuses on working with corporate executives, business owners, and women. We understand the unique and complex challenges they face.

From the conference room to the family room, life moves fast and demands every moment of your time. Let us ease the burden of managing all that plus understanding the vesting schedule of your stock options, worrying about how taxes are going to impact you, and avoiding the day when your aging parents’ have a sudden change in health. Our clients often tell us these demands leave them little time to focus on complex items related to their personal financial plans. They have entrusted us to provide them consistent, reliable financial advice. And we can do the same for you.

What can you expect while working with the Bluewater Group? We offer a complete concierge of services designed for portfolio optimization and tax efficiency that can help you meet your retirement goals and provide a legacy for your family.
How Can We Help You?
  • Client Resource Guide
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Maintaining Family Unity Across Generations

Just as a business owner has a thorough knowledge of a company’s opportunities, risks, capital structure and financial objectives, the Bluewater Group begins by developing a similar understanding of you and your family. We translate this knowledge into strategy and process and work with you to help manage not only your investments but also your balance sheet and liquidity needs. The global resources of Morgan Stanley and coordination with outside advisors will likely include specialists in areas such as risk management, customized liquidity strategies and income and estate taxation.

Below are some resources that can help you develop strategies that pass down family values as well as family assets. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you develop a comprehensive plan.
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    Getting the Most for Your Family Out of Your Relationship with Morgan Stanley
    Over the next three decades, we are poised to witness the largest wealth transfer in history as $6 trillion will be passed on to younger family members in the U.S. It’s no surprise, then, that the vast majority (94%) of people find conversations about family wealth management issues to be helpful in planning and investing for the future.
    Read Here
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    Proactive Approach to Estate Planning as a Family
    When it comes to estate planning, procrastination is a common theme. As a result of this aversion to the task of estate planning, people often act only after a crisis event. Proactive planning allows you to address all of the important decisions to be made in constructing an estate plan for your family that aligns with your wishes, values and overall wealth management strategy.
    Read Here
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    Your Guide to Life & Money
    When used as a guide, a budget can be incredibly empowering. Having a good understanding of your monthly saving and spending habits will allow you to make smart financial decisions that will position you for success in the long run.
    Read Here
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    Common Cents: A Kid’s Guide to Money
    Choices on how to spend your disposable income will depend on your current needs and wants. By making more informed purchasing decisions, you can feel good about when you choose to spend your hard earned money and when you opt to save it for something better later on.
    Read Here

Helping Women Every Step Of The Way

Women are increasingly the decision makers in a household. They have decision making control over half of U.S. investable assets (almost $18 Trillion). That number will continue to grow over the coming decade, as more than $3 Trillion will transfer to surviving spouses (often women) before moving to the next generations. Women often have a more holistic vision for success and define it in very personal terms. In our experience, women investors often look beyond just meeting a performance benchmark. In fact women often want to align their financial goals with their personal and social priorities.

To help facilitate these conversations, the following resources have been designed to help you address the topics of money, legacy, life and more.
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    Women in Wealth Brochure
    Wealth is more than just your money. True Wealth is also about your life and the things you value most. Regardless of whether you are married, divorced or widowed; have a family and/ or career; own your business, create your wealth or inherit assets, there are relationships, interests and goals that bring you joy. These vital elements need to be at the heart of your wealth plan.
    Read Here
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    Playbook For Women
    There’s no doubt about it—women face a unique set of financial challenges. Yet, most of us feel ill-equipped to navigate these circumstances on our own. That is why we are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve your goals: whether you’re buying a home, starting a family, navigating a divorce, or giving back to a cause you care about.
    Read Here
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    Life After Divorce
    Divorce is almost never easy. It can impact your life in complex and unexpected ways, particularly when it comes to your finances. The more know and the better you understand your options, the more prepared you will be to make sound decisions. That will help you take control over your financial life and prepare the way for greater security and flexibility in the future.
    Read Here
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    Fact Sheet Lifestyle
    More than ever, women are making important contributions to the economy. As entrepreneurs, investors and philanthropists, we are seeking to use our wealth to make a difference and enrich out communities, In doing so, we are empowering ourselves and others to be financially free.
    Read Here

A Plan That's Unique To You

You and your family have many financial goals, but do you have an investment plan that's designed to achieve them? And can that plan change as your life does? This is where we can help.

You need a solution that's flexible, dynamic, and accounts for today's complex financial environment. Morgan Stanley's world class intellectual capital and sophisticated technology quickly determines whether you are "On Track" to achieve your financial goals. If you fall "Off Track", we'll make sure we meet with you in order to re-structure you plan and get you back to where you need to be.
Different Types Of Tools We Use To Help You Plan:
  • GPS - Our Goal Planning System
  • LifeView - Our Comprehensive and Extensive Planning Tool
  • Aladdin - Our Portfolio Risk Platform
Reasons Our Clients Create Financial Plans:
  • Financially Stable Retirement
  • Purchase Of A New Home
  • Preparing To Pay For College
  • Saving for a car
  • Leaving Behind A Legacy For Their Estate

Wealth management strategies to help keep more of your returns

    Total Tax 365 (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS - RT
    Total Tax 365

    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.

    Learn More
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    Tax Management Services Website

    This website offers our approach to investing in a tax-savvy manner

    Learn More

Location

1108 North Main Street
Rochester, MI 48307
US
Direct:
(248) 218-8243(248) 218-8243

Meet The Bluewater Group

About Bruce A French

As a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley since 1998, I have gained a deep understanding of various markets and economic conditions. This knowledge helps me develop personalized asset allocation strategies that are actively balanced and adjusted. My goal is to seek to maximize portfolio returns while managing risk.

One of my areas of focus is developing individual and family financial plans. There are many topics to discuss when considering your family's financial future so I earned Morgan Stanley's designation of Family Wealth Advisor. This designation has provided me with invaluable insight on the importance of planning early for your family's financial future. Ask me for a complimentary guide on how to start YOUR personal planning process. I provide this to all of my clients and would be happy to share this valuable resource with you.

I am originally from Oxford. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1998. I currently live in Rochester with my wife Jennifer, and my three children, Katelyn, Jacob and Mackenzie. I enjoy traveling, fishing, golfing, gardening, beekeeping and spending time up North with my family in the summer. My community involvements include Rochester Neighborhood House and coaching kids sports for the Rochester Schools.

I look forward to meeting you.
Securities Agent: CA, RI, OH, ME, KY, MI, AZ, VA, SD, IN, IA, DE, NY, FL, CO, TX, NJ, VT, NM, MA, ID, CT, WA, DC, MS, MO, IL, GA, TN, PA, NC, SC, LA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268259

About Sandra E Lutkenhoff

Securities Agent: TX, ID, FL, MN, DC, WA, VA, CA, NY, NJ, KY, CT, OH, CO, LA, TN, SC, DE, AZ, PA, SD, NM, NC, IN, MI, ME, MA, IL, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1498291
CA Insurance License #: 0D32114

About Matt Sebastian

Matt is a Financial Advisor joined the team in 2020. In 4 consecutive years (2021-2024) Matt was named to the Firm’s Pacesetter’s Club, a global recognition program for Financial Advisors who have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first class client service early in their career. Matt’s passion in helping clients achieve their financial goals stems from his 15 year career in the Healthcare industry.

Matt has a Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree from Cleveland State University. Matt lives in Rochester, Michigan with his wife of 18 years and their two children (15 & 11).

Matt is an active volunteer for several nonprofits focused on Diabetes (JDRF), Mental Health (AFSP), and Cancer Research (ACA). In 2019, he served as Oakland County’s Ambassador for ACA’s Real Men Wear Pink.
Securities Agent: IN, GA, SC, NM, SD, CT, ME, DC, FL, WA, TN, DE, LA, CA, KY, TX, OH, NJ, ID, AZ, VA, PA, NC, IL, CO, MA, OR, NY, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2319515

About Amanda Henderson

Amanda Henderson began her investment career in 2016 with Morgan Stanley as a financial planning specialist after graduating from Baker College with a Bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

As a former women’s motocross professional, Amanda still enjoys watching sports and advocating for women in the community. She enjoys playing golf, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Securities Agent: SC, PA, NY, GA, TX, MI, ID, FL, CA, WA, NM, IN, CO, LA, CT, AZ, TN, NJ, NC, MA, VA, OH, KY, IL, DE, DC, SD, ME; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1608158
CA Insurance License #: 4298045

About Logan Oates

Logan joined the Bluewater Group in 2021 and has quickly established himself as a dedicated and client focused professional. In his role as a Client Service Associate, he is committed to providing exceptional support to clients and seeking to ensure a seamless experience throughout their financial journey.
Logan plays a vital role in assisting the team with day-to-day operations, managing client accounts, and delivering personalized service. His attention to detail, problem solving skills and commitment to excellence make him a valued resource for clients and colleagues alike.
With a passion for building relationships and helping others achieve their financial goals, Logan strives to create a positive impact by addressing client needs promptly and efficiently. He is continuously expanding his knowledge to stay current in the ever-evolving financial industry.
Outside of work, Logan enjoys playing hockey and spending time with his family.
As a Client Service Associate, my goal is to not only effectively communicate your needs to the group, but to also provide the best customer service Morgan Stanley has to offer. I am often your first point of contact, coordinating daily tasks and projects so that your financial advisor can focus on what they do best.

By utilizing my knowledge and skills, I aim to build a lasting relationship with you as we seek to fortify your financial future.

About Amy D. Irish

Amy brings over two decades of financial services experience to her role as a Wealth Management Associate. She began her career as a Personal Banker in 2001, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service and financial solutions. In 2012, Amy transitioned to private banking as a Client Service Associate, leveraging her deep experience to provide high touch service to high net worth clients. Her experience and commitment to excellence earned her the designation of Financial Planning Specialist, reflecting her ability to design and implement tailored financial solutions.
As a key member of the Bluewater Group, Amy seeks to ensure seamless operations, delivers sophisticated banking solutions, and helps clients navigate complex financial planning scenarios with confidence and ease.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys weightlifting, sports, and volunteers for both youth baseball and animal rescues.

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 Sally A. Cholewka

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

Sally began her career in Financial Services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she worked as Director of Financial Planning for a group of independent financial advisors affiliated with LPL Financial. Her role for over the last decade has been to facilitate retirement income planning, tax aware positioning and estate & legacy conversations.

Sally has held her Certified Financial Planner® designation since 2017. A graduate from the University of Iowa, she proudly identifies as a “Midwesterner”, having lived or worked in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. She currently lives in Shelby Township, MI with her husband and daughter. Outside of work, Sally enjoys vacationing with her family, boating, and volunteering with the SIFMA Foundation’s “InvestWrite” national writing competition for elementary age children.

About Joseph V. Portera

Joseph Portera is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Michigan.

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.

Joseph began his career in financial services in 2002 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a Commercial Lender and Market Director at JPMorgan Chase.

Joseph is a graduate of the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and Keller Graduate School of Business where he received a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance & Accounting.

Joseph and his family currently reside in Grosse Pointe, MI. Outside of the office, he enjoys martial arts, skiing, tennis, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 1260889
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

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

Business Planning

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

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

Philanthropy

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

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

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 Bluewater Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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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2Alternative 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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3Structured 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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4Morgan 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’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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6When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should 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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7Morgan 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)