Welcome

We know you work hard to build your wealth for you and your family.
We will work just as hard, committing our expertise and skills to help you achieve your goals. We will support you by accessing the resources and perspective of one of the world's largest financial firms. Together, we will complete a four-step process:

1. Setting Financial Objectives: We begin our relationship by discussing topics related to your financial objectives: long term goals and expectations, potential major purchases, and legacy/charitable goals. We will discuss your current resources, your time horizon, your risk tolerance, and how your liabilities are structured.

2. Developing your strategy: Based on your input, our advice will address income and retirement planning, asset protection, investment management, strategic borrowing, wealth transfer, and business succession. Your plan will include an asset allocation strategy designed to help achieve your financial goals in light of your risk tolerance and investment time horizon.

3. Implementing your strategy: After we have discussed and refined your strategy, the team works closely with you to bring the elements to life. If outside money managers are appropriate for you; we will draw on in-depth research and analysis to help you select from hundreds of investment management firms available to you. If you prefer to invest in individual securities, we can help you identify specific stocks, bonds and other securities that may be suitable for your portfolio.

4. Reviewing your performance: You will receive a quarterly review that outlines your portfolio's performance, helping your track progress toward your objectives. If conditions change, we can suggest adjustments to your portfolio to keep it aligned with your goals.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

What Drives Us

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Why do we do what we do?

When you ask us why we do what we do, our answer is simple... Family.

It’s the cornerstone of our lives, the network that holds us together, pushes us up when we're down and celebrates all our successes no matter how big or small.

Coming from a single parent family, we know first-hand the difficulties that families face throughout their lives. Whether it’s educating the next generation, preparing for retirement or planning for the unexpected, we are here to help.

With over 50 years combined experience and leveraging Morgan Stanley’s intellectual capital, we develop customized solutions tailored to each family’s unique situation and needs. Using a goal based, holistic approach to investing, we help families navigate the road to financial success supporting them at each milestone they face.

We focus on finances so you can focus on family.

Christopher Butler registered in 1988; Kevin Butler registered in 1996; Diana Fusco registered in 2010

A Holistic Approach

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An Established, Holistic Investment Process

We Utilize an Institutional, Multi-Factor Approach to Building Tailored Portfolios

Investment policy setting;
benchmark analysis; establish
time horizon & constraints;
determine approach

Reporting & monitoring;
performance analysis
& attribution

Strategic and tactical
allocation advice

Manager selection & weightings
to seek to optimize risk-reward
profile; blend active and passive
managers to optimize fees;
rebalancing

Family Governance and Wealth Education

Family Governance & Wealth Education

As your family grows and your wealth increases, you may face more subtle and profound wealth management issues.
No matter the stage we have the tools & resources to help you navigate through your most pressing questions.

The Family Governance & Wealth Education group helps ultra-high net worth families strive to maximize the value of their human capital by driving family wealth education, making it more likely that all members of the family will have the foundation they need to lead meaningful, fulfilled and engaged lives.  We address different aspects of family wealth and come up with a solution for each of your unique needs.

Retirement

Retirement Planning

What are your hopes and dreams?

Our approach to retirement planning focuses on what is most meaningful to you.

Whether meeting with you for the first time or reviewing your progress and life goals, this is our priority.

Leveraging our vast resources—including intellectual capital, experience and dedicated personal service—we can work with you to create a personalized strategy. Our 4 step approach to Wealth Management is formal yet flexible.  Over time, we can adapt it to changing circumstances, helping you to achieve—and to protect—your goals.

Location

21650 Oxnard St
Ste 1800
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
US
Direct:
(818) 713-4089(818) 713-4089
Toll-Free:
(800) 755-2550(800) 755-2550

Meet The Butler Group

About Christopher Butler

As a fully licensed investment professional for more than 35 years, Chris implements wealth accumulation and wealth preservation strategies for high net worth individuals utilizing a consultative, fee based approach. His clients range from retirees, business owners, corporate 401k plans and foundations; to investors seeking to grow their portfolios for retirement. Leveraging the intellectual capital and vast resources of Morgan Stanley, Chris develops customized solutions for clients’ needs. He is also firmly committed to long term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional client service.
As an alumnus of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Investment Finance, Chris continues to expand his learning. Chris resides in Hermosa Beach, CA with his family. His interests include music (he is an avid rock guitarist and enjoys playing in local bands) & loves watching his son Michael play varsity football and lacrosse for Mira Costa High School and traveling back east to Connecticut to see his son Nik play Division 1 Lacrosse at Quinnipiac University.  He is also an active member of USC’s Cardinal and Gold program which provides scholarships for student athletes,
Securities Agent: NM, AZ, HI, NY, MO, CT, MI, DC, WI, MD, ID, TN, OH, NC, VA, GA, SD, KS, IA, WA, MS, FL, CA, AR, WY, UT, TX, PA, IN, CO, AL, SC, NV, OR, NJ, MA, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1507459

About Kevin C Butler

As a fully licensed investment professional with over 19 years experience, Kevin applies wealth accumulation and wealth preservation strategies for high net worth individuals utilizing a consultative, fee based approach. His clients range from retirees, business owners, corporate 401(k) plans, and foundations. Kevin has focused his talents on creating retirement plans that allow clients to attain their desired lifestyle. Utilizing the intellectual capital and vast resources of Morgan Stanley, Kevin develops customized solutions for clients' needs, while building long term relationships and delivering excellent customer service.

After attending California State University, Northridge; Kevin began his career in the financial services industry with First American Title. However, he realized his passion was managing investments for individuals and families.  In 1997 he became a financial advisor with Dean Witter Reynolds which is now Morgan Stanley. Kevin resides in Woodland Hills, CA with his wife Dawn and their daughter Devin and son Trent.  He has been involved in coaching youth baseball and football for many years.  Kevin is also a classic car enthusiast.
Securities Agent: WY, IA, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1507448

About Diana Fusco

Diana's extensive experience as a registered Wealth Management Associate complements the team seeking to ensure that our group provides comprehensive financial planning to every one of our clients. She started her career in wealth management at Dean Witter in Santa Monica where she was a financial advisor. While at Dean Witter, she was a National Sales Director Award recipient. Diana graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis on finance and marketing. While at USC she was a member of the USC Women's Track Team and Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Diana continues to support her alma mater through donations to the Trojan Athletic Fund and by attending many Trojan sporting events. She enjoys gardening and exercising. Diana resides in West Hills, California, and is the proud mom of two children, Kevin, who is also a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and Katie, who is a Pediatric Dentist practicing in Encino and Newport Beach.

Series 7 and 66 Licensed
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 The Butler Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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2Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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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 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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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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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6Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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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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8Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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9When 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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10Morgan 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.

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)