Welcome

Just as a cornerstone represents the foundation upon which something is built, it reflects our comprehensive approach to wealth management. As your cornerstone, we work with you to build upon an existing plan, or create one from the ground up, helping ensure the most efficient path toward achieving your goals.

For over 20 years, we’ve established long-lasting client relationships built on a cornerstone of integrity and trust and have empowered clients to make more informed decisions that further their best interests, leaving them feeling relieved, confident and self-assured.
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Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Personalized & Comprehensive Advice

At The Chicago Cornerstone Group, our service model is rooted in a comprehensive, fiduciary approach designed to help clients make confident financial decisions at every stage of life. We deliver personalized guidance by integrating wealth management, investment strategy, and financial planning into a cohesive experience. Our commitment is to deliver meaningful, objective advice by understanding what matters most to you. We are here to help you make informed decisions, stay on track, and feel supported every step of the way.

A Personalized Approach

At The Chicago Cornerstone Group, we are dedicated to serving a diverse client base with a personalized approach. We understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities that each client faces, from divorcees to doctors. Our team provides comprehensive solutions, including retirement planning, navigating life transitions, student loan management, and personalized investment strategies. We are committed to educating our clients throughout the process, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their goals, leaving them feeling relieved, confident, and self-assured. By focusing on each individual client, we strive to deliver impactful financial guidance and become a reliable cornerstone for their financial journey. We are currently accepting new clients, so please contact us today! In the meantime, we've listed some topical and relevant information, along with resources to help you get started.
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    Women and Wealth: What to Consider in Your Financial Planning
    Women make up half the population but for so long have been treated like a niche demographic in financial services. Today, women are largely responsible for their families’ financial decision-making, and hold the majority of consumer spending power. They’re anything but a niche.
    A Financial Roadmap for Women
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    Beyond Basic Borrowing
    Most people borrow during the course of their lives. But it’s important to be as strategic about borrowing as you are with the other areas of your financial life.
    Strategic Borrowing
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    529 Education Savings Plans
    529 plans offer a flexible, tax-advantaged way to invest for education expenses while helping to improve estate planning. Gain fiduciary oversight of your education funding strategy within the context of your broader portfolio through the exclusive Morgan Stanley National Advisory 529 Plan.
    529 Plan Options at Morgan Stanley
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    How Will You Pay Your Tax Bill?
    There are a variety of options to paying your tax bill. Learn some of the pros and cons for each.
    Common Approaches to Managing the Payment
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    How to Navigate Divorce
    Navigating the division of assets in a divorce can be a long and difficult process. Learn how to avoid mistakes and plan for your future.
    Money and Divorce: 6 Financial Mistakes to Avoid
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    Good Health is True Wealth
    Since the arrival of Dr. Kim Henderson, Head of Health and Wellness Education in the firm's Family Office Resources unit, tailored discussions around personal finance and personal wellness are exactly what many clients are getting.
    The Doctor Is In at Morgan Stanley, and She’s a MAKER

Recognition For Our Work

The Chicago Cornerstone Group goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding service for our clients. Our dedication and hard work has led us to be recognized by the following organizations:
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    2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
    The Chicago Cornerstone Group is proud and honored to be named a 2026 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team. This recent award is a testament to our dedication, industry experience adherence to best practices, but most importantly, the relationships we have cultivated with our clients.

    Source: Forbes (Awarded Jan 2026). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based for the period 3/31/24–3/31/25
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    Forbes | SHOOK Individual Awards
    Felicia G. Di Silvestro has been named to the following Forbes | SHOOK Awards:

    Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor Best-In-State from 2023-2025, Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor from 2024-2025, Forbes | SHOOK Top Women Advisor from 2020-2025.

    Source: 2020-2025 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors)

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.

    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded April 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23.
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    CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst
    A globally recognized professional designation that measures and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management and security analysis. CFA charter holders wield an extensive body of knowledge in investing and global finance markets, placing clients' interests above their own, dedicating themselves to helping achieve the best possible outcomes for investors. John A. Mele Jr. has this designation.
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    CFP® - Certified Financial Planner™
    The Certified Financial Planner™ designation is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated extensive knowledge in the areas of Education, Investment, Tax, Retirement, Estate and Insurance planning strategies. CFP® professionals must accrue several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass a comprehensive exam. CFP® professionals are held to strict ethical standards to ensure financial planning recommendations are in the best interest of their clients. John A. Mele Jr. has this designation.
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    Five Star Wealth Managers
    Felicia G. DiSilvestro has been named as a Five Star Wealth Manager from 2021-2025.

    John A. Mele Jr. has been named as a Five Star Wealth Manager from 2021-2025.

    2021-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
    Source: fivestarprofessional.com (2021-2025) These awards were determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:

    2021 Award - 12/28/20 - 8/6/21
    2022 Award - 1/24/22 - 7/29/22
    2023 Award - 1/9/23 - 7/31/23
    2024 Award - 01/01/24- 08/01/24
    2025 Award - 01/01/25 - 08/01/25
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    Morgan Stanley Pacesetter's Club
    The Morgan Stanley Pacesetter's Club is a group of the Firm’s Financial Advisors who demonstrate the highest professional standards, first class client service, and set the standard of growth for early-stage Financial Advisors. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Pacesetter's Club members must meet a number of criteria including performance, conduct and compliance standards, revenue, length of experience and assets under supervision. Pacesetter's Club membership is no guarantee of future performance. John A. Mele Jr. was a member of this club from 2017-2021.

Sourcing Innovative Strategies For Our Clients

Felicia Di Silvestro is currently recognized as an Alternative Investments Director by Morgan Stanley. The Alternative Investments Director designation was developed for Financial Advisors who meet the minimum criteria requirements and have significantly incorporated alternative investments into their practice. With this designation, Felicia can provide clients with guidance, insights and thought leadership about the alternative investments asset class and strategies provided by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Below you will find an overview of our Alternative Investment capabilities. If you would like to learn more, please contact us.
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    Alternative Investments
    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income. From simplified vehicles available more broadly to institutional strategies, the platform supports a goals-based approach for asset allocation tailored to investor needs.
    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments
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    The Alts Report
    Jed Finn, Head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, hosts Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, to discuss the growing demand and versatility of alternatives, how public and private markets are converging, the private credit landscape and more in Episode 1 of The Alts Report.
    Watch: The Expanding Opportunity Set in Private Markets
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    Private Credit
    Investors may consider diversifying their portfolios by exploring opportunities in the expanding private credit market. This asset class offers potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns and can serve as a strategic complement to traditional fixed-income investments.
    Morgan Stanley Private Credit
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    Private Equity
    Amid volatility in stocks and bonds, institutional and individual investors might seek diversification in the growing private equity secondary market.
    Morgan Stanley Private Equity
    Private Markets - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Private Markets
    Many of today’s companies stay private longer, with more of their valuation being created before they become publicly traded. Morgan Stanley Private Markets connects a broad network of potential private investors in an accessible ecosystem, allowing eligible clients to buy and sell securities of private companies.
    Morgan Stanley Private Markets
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    1031 Exchanges
    Named after section 1031 of the U.S. Internal revenue code, a 1031 exchange is a procedure that allows an owner of appreciated real estate to exchange that property for an alternative “like-kind” property while deferring capital gains. Learn more about 1031 Exchanges and the benefits they can offer.
    Morgan Stanley 1031 Exchanges
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    Private Real Estate
    The benefits of private real estate in a multi-asset portfolio include: diversification with a low correlation to stocks and bonds; the potential for a reliable current income stream; and a potential inflation hedge. Learn more by clicking on the link below.
    Morgan Stanley Private Real Estate
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    Exchange Funds
    An exchange fund is a special-purpose vehicle that offers holders the ability to diversify their investments by exchanging stock positions, oftentimes in highly appreciated or restricted stock, for shares of a diversified portfolio. Learn more about Exchange Funds below.
    Morgan Stanley Exchange Funds

Location

233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 648-3441(312) 648-3441
Fax:
(312) 648-3344(312) 648-3344

Meet The Chicago Cornerstone Group

About Felicia G Di Silvestro

Felicia has been a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley since 1998. She is dedicated to building, managing and preserving wealth through objective, custom investment strategies tailored to clients’ individual needs and goals.

Felicia graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in finance and received a law degree from DePaul University College of Law. She is a member of the Semester at Sea Alumni Council, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, University of Chicago Women’s Board, Institute of Shipboard Education - Investment Committee and was a founding member of the State of Illinois Treasurer’s Advisory Board for Women’s Issues.

Felicia has been recognized in Forbes/SHOOK Top Women Wealth Advisor 2020-2025; and named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best in State list from 2023-2025.

Felicia enjoys spending time with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Carla. They enjoy traveling, biking and tennis.


•2020-2025 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: NY, MO, DE, CO, NJ, NC, MI, DC, WY, KS, IL, GA, FL, AZ, WI, SC, OH, NE, AR, NH, MD, CT, CA, NV, NM, MN, MT, MA, IN, IA, WA, OR, OK, ME, TX, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1274456

About John Anthony Mele Jr.

John graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in accounting and computer applications. He started his career as a CPA with the audit practice at Ernst & Young( non-practicing at Morgan Stanley). He later earned the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) designation while at BlackBerry Finance, performing credit research and accounting for the wholly owned subsidiary that managed the Canadian parent company’s cash in a $2.4 billion fixed income portfolio. In addition, he earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and then joined Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor.

John utilizes all of his designations in providing clients comprehensive financial planning and designing portfolios that, given a client’s risk tolerance, not only seek to maximize returns but maximize tax efficiency as well.

John is a recipient of the Five Star Wealth Manager award for 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, as noted in the November issues of Chicago Magazine. He’s also been named to Morgan Stanley’s Pacesetter’s Club for 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

He loves to cook and spend his free time with his daughter, Tessa, occasionally finding time for golf, snowboarding and cycling.

2019-2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (2019-2022) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria. The award was not based on a specific time period.
Securities Agent: CO, MI, TX, MT, OR, WA, PA, NY, MO, DC, CT, CA, NJ, ME, SC, IL, GA, NE, NC, IN, AZ, WI, NM, MA, FL, WY, NV; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1265194

Awards and Recognition

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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 Rosanne Peel

Rosanne Peel is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Illinois.

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.

Rosanne began her financial services career in 1987 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to that, she was a Senior Private Banker at BMO Family Office. She also served as a Marketing Manager in the Business Development Group at TD Securities, a Private Banking Relationship Manager at Toronto Dominion Bank, and a Private Banking Relationship Manager at Marine Midland Bank/HSBC.

Rosanne is a graduate of University of Delaware, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She and her family currently reside in Winnetka, Illinois.

From 2014 to 2019, Rosanne dedicated her time to The Auxiliary of the Woman’s Board of the Rush University Medical Center as a Member before transitioning to an Associate Member in 2019. Outside of the office, Rosanne enjoys staying active outdoors by hiking and scuba-diving. She also enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and cooking.
NMLS#: 800017
Private Banking Group (PBG) Market Managers, Senior Private Bankers, Private Bankers, and Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Wealth Management
From Our Team

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty


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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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 Chicago Cornerstone Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

1Morgan 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.

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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3Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan's investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan's flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan's investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state's own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state's tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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4Morgan 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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5Morgan 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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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 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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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 Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)