Our Story

With family roots in the financial industry dating back almost a century, The Southwest Legacy Group has helped ultra-high net worth families and individuals address the complex multi-generational challenges of managing significant wealth. Our team is comprised of experienced financial professionals with individual specialized talents to deliver the personnel and resources needed to function as an outsourced family office. Combining our team’s experience with Morgan Stanley’s deep global resources and open platform, The Southwest Legacy Group is positioned to help you create and implement comprehensive wealth management plans based on personalized objectives.

The Southwest Legacy Group build relationships with our clients by gaining an extensive understanding of who they are; needs, wants, lifestyle, family and dreams. We use thoughtful wealth-planning insights and opportunities which are tailored to your goals and needs to help you preserve your family’s legacy. Life and circumstances change – so must each individual client’s wealth management plan. Since we have ongoing mutual relationships with our clients, we assist them with whatever life brings them by adjusting their path to ensure they have a sense of financial comfort.

We look forward to discussing your family’s aspirations and challenges, and presenting meaningful solutions to managing the issues that significant wealth can create.
AWARDS
  • Being named to Forbes’ 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Team list is a testament to our experience, focus, and dedication to our clients’ financial future. Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC for the period 3/31/22-3/31/23. Disclosure: https://mgstn.ly/3J3ywqw
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Financial Planning

Each generation faces unique challenges related to market uncertainty, education expenses, retirement benefits, and taxes. We offer multi-generational financial planning solutions that help our clients, their children, and grandchildren plan for these challenges and achieve a more secure financial future.

By leveraging your relationship with Morgan Stanley, you can ensure that each member of your family receives the highest degree of care from an experienced group of financial professionals.

Contact us to learn more.

Family Wealth Services
• Investment Advice
• Financial Education and Literacy
• Debt and Lending Services
• Education Funding Strategies
• Retirement Planning
• 401(k) Rollovers
• Employer Benefits
• Roth IRAs and Conversions
• Gifting and Wealth Transfer Strategies

    Working With Us

    Our customized process begins with a thorough understanding of your future needs and potential sources of income. Comparing your retirement living expenses with the income you might receive from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s and other investments; our complimentary retirement income plan can allow you to confidently arrive at a retirement date and provide an estimate of what your retirement paycheck may look like.

    Together, we can help evaluate all these pieces of your financial life and uncover any potential gaps while you still have time to address them.

    Holistic Retirement Planning Services
    • Asset Management
    • Retirement Income Strategies
    • Rollovers and Lump Sum Distributions
    • Pension Elections
    • Employer Stock and Option Grants
    • Social Security Benefits
    • Healthcare and Long-Term Care Planning
    • Access to Lending and Banking Services
    • Investment Tax Management
    • Estate Planning Strategies

    Personalized Women and Wealth Experience

    Women’s investment needs and concerns often are very different than men’s.
    We recognize those differences and address them with compassionate listening, empathetic understanding, world-class financial knowledge and credentialed experience.

    Our goal is to ensure you are comfortable with your decisions around finances and investments. We are your partners through thick and thin - especially during those challenging times, such as…

    • Changing jobs or starting a new career
    • Getting married
    • Going through a divorce
    • Becoming widowed
    • Preparing to be a family
    • Dealing with elderly parents
    • Re-entering the workforce
    • Navigating retirement
      Icon Image
      Women In Wealth
      Icon Image
      Evening for Good
      Once again, The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Zac Plantz Foundation's Evening for Good event. The Foundation is dedicated to shepherding young men and women who are committed to creating a better tomorrow.
      Pictured: Randy Scianna, ChSNC® Insurance Planning Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Vice President, Financial Advisor
      Icon Image
      Arizona Concours d'Elegance
      Craig Cunningham, Senior Portfolio Management Director, Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor volunteered at The Concours event which was a non-profit event benefiting the arts and local artists.
      Icon Image
      Toys for Tots
      Alexandria (Aleka) Lach, Portfolio Associate, of The Chicagoland Group, volunteered with other Morgan Stanley employees at the Toy Collection Center in Lombard, IL.
      Icon Image
      The Farm's Got Talent
      The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Farm's Got Talent presented by Navarro Farm. The Navarro family 5-acre farm has the purpose to create a place for individuals with special needs to participate in an agricultural experience - with hopes of increasing their social skills and independence.
      Pictured: Craig Cunningham & Randy Scianna
      Icon Image
      Northern Illinois Food Bank
      Alexandria (Aleka) Lach, Portfolio Associate, of The Chicagoland Group, volunteered with other Morgan Stanley employees at the local Food Bank in Joliet, IL.
      Icon Image
      Evening for Good
      The Chicagoland Group was a proud sponsor of The Zac Plantz Foundation's Evening for Good event. The Foundation is dedicated to shepherding young men and women who are committed to creating a better tomorrow.
      Pictured: Randy Scianna, ChSNC® Insurance Planning Director, Senior Portfolio Manager, Vice President, Financial Advisor
      Icon Image
      Networking in Las Vegas, NV
      Craig Cunningham and Randy Scianna of The Chicagoland Group make connections and build relationships wherever they go.

    Location

    15341 S. 94th Ave
    Ste 200
    Orland Park, IL 60462
    US
    Direct:
    (708) 226-5457(708) 226-5457
    Toll-Free:
    (844) 384-4013(844) 384-4013

    Meet The Southwest Legacy Group

    About Craig Cunningham

    Biography 
    I have been a Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley for over 20 years and co-founder of The Chicagoland Group. As a team, we are all driven to make a difference in the lives of our clients and the communities in which we live.  I manage the investment strategy for the team and continually work closely with new and existing clients to solve their complex financial scenarios.  Our approach is simple – analyze options to distinguish the most appropriate course of action that can lead to the desired solution.  These are explained in an easily understood manner. I believe in investing in a way that aligns with one’s personal values.  Believing that every dollar invested can make a positive impact; I develop investment strategies that allow investors to focus on what is important to them and invest in ways that can contribute to their personal vision of an ideal world.  My team and I strive to make a difference in our clients’ lives by engaging people of all ages in basic financial literacy concepts.  I truly enjoy the personal side of our business – problem solving, translating the complicated to something more understandable and helping make family financial decisions.

    I received my BA in Economics from Eastern Illinois University and Morgan Stanley Advanced Studies with the College for Financial Planning.  I am Series 3, 7, 31, 63, 65 and 66 registered and licensed in life, health, variable annuity, and long term care.

    In addition to contributing locally to our public schools, service leagues, and children’s museum I am a member of the Family Advisor Alliance with Advocate Hospital. This allows me the opportunity to be a part of a collaborative partnership for families and Advocate Children’s Hospital associates to promote the delivery of patient and family-centered health care.  

    In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife Melissa and our four young adult children, dirt bike riding, playing golf and attending classic cars exhibits.
    Securities Agent: AZ, WA, KY, AR, VT, IN, GA, TN, OH, MN, KS, DE, NM, MO, NY, NV, ND, NC, IL, NJ, CA, SC, ID, IA, WI, VA, MI, MD, NE, PA, NH, DC, CT, CO, AL, TX, PR, MS, MA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1265049
    AR Insurance License #: 759856

    About Me

    Randy Scianna is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Insurance Planning Director with the Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley. Backed by years of experience and some of the industry’s most advanced credentials, he serves as a dedicated advisor to affluent business owners and families, guiding them through the financial challenges of life’s every stage with care, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to their legacy.

    A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, Randy played football under legendary coach Lou Holtz — an experience that continues to shape how he works today. As a Fighting Irish student-athlete with real NFL ambitions, he trained and competed at an elite level until a career-ending injury forced him to pivot. But the lessons stuck: how to lead with discipline, resilience, and a team-first mindset. How to perform under pressure. How to stay focused when the stakes are high and the plan changes. Today, those same qualities define his approach as an advisor — showing up prepared, helping protect what matters, and helping clients push toward their goals.

    Randy joined Morgan Stanley in 2017, following earlier roles at E*TRADE, Stryker, and the Chicago Tribune. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the elite credentials he’s earned, including the Chartered Special Needs Consultant®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor®.

    With the team, Randy works closely with business owners navigating complex transitions — whether they’re preparing for a liquidity event, planning a future leadership handoff, or simply looking to align their business strategy with their personal financial goals. He helps them think beyond the balance sheet, building strategic plans that address everything from tax exposure and cash flow to estate planning and risk management. He also advises families facing pivotal life changes, such as divorce, the care of a loved one with special needs, or the loss of a spouse. Here, he strives to bring empathy, structure, and experience to moments that often feel overwhelming. Through it all, his aim is simple but powerful: to be a resource clients can rely on for decades and generations to come.

    Outside the office, Randy enjoys spending time with his wife Tracey, a special education educator , their blended family of six children, one grandchild, and two Shih Tzus. He is passionate about fitness and travel.
    Securities Agent: MD, IN, FL, NE, NY, MI, VT, MA, GA, CT, CO, AR, OH, IL, WI, PA, MS, CA, ND, TN, PR, MN, DE, DC, AZ, WA, NV, NH, KY, IA, SC, NC, MO, ID, AL, VA, NM, KS, TX, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1660217
    AR Insurance License #: 18492180

    About Ryan McNeely

    Ryan McNeely is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Certified Financial Planner® with the Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley. Since joining the firm in 2002, he has been a trusted guide for affluent individuals and families, delivering disciplined, comprehensive strategies that help navigate shifting markets and secure long-term goals.

    A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Ryan has dedicated his entire career to Morgan Stanley. As a Certified Financial Planner®, Ryan upholds the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, and professionalism in wealth management. This commitment to excellence and continuous learning helps ensure clients receive strategies grounded in modern strategies and a long-term perspective, helping them stay focused on what matters most: their goals and legacy.

    Within the Southwest Legacy Group, Ryan collaborates closely with clients to develop personalized financial plans that align with their unique values and ambitions. He excels at translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies that address cash flow management, tax-efficient investing, risk mitigation, estate planning, and legacy preservation. His process is deeply collaborative and adaptive, helping to ensure that plans evolve alongside clients’ lives and priorities. Whether guiding a family through market volatility or helping a client prepare for generational wealth transfer, he empowers clients make thoughtful decisions that honor their goals and values at every step of their financial journey.

    Outside of work, Ryan lives in New Lenox, Illinois with his wife Amanda and their three children. He enjoys an active lifestyle, including running, cycling, boating, snowboarding, and spending quality time with his family.
    Securities Agent: MD, MS, NJ, IL, FL, CO, AZ, NH, MO, HI, NV, CT, ND, MI, DE, VT, KS, AL, WI, SC, MN, ID, GA, TN, NC, MA, DC, CA, NE, OH, NY, IN, WA, VA, TX, KY, IA, AR, PR, PA, NM; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1883136

    About Kurt Lindemann

    Kurt Lindemann is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Management Director with the Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley. With more than a decade of experience, he focuses on helping affluent individuals, families, and business owners prepare for retirement with purpose and precision — balancing asset preservation, income longevity, and risk awareness through every phase of life.

    A graduate of the University of St. Francis, Kurt began his career in wealth management in 2013 as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Since then, he has earned the firm’s Portfolio Management Director designation — an advanced credential reflecting his deep experience managing customized portfolios for affluent individuals and families. Over the past decade, he has helped his clients navigate both rising markets and periods of volatility, staying focused on long-term retirement goals while adapting to shifting conditions.

    Working closely with his clients and their families, Kurt crafts personalized wealth management strategies that are designed to do more than manage assets — help protect legacies, preserve lifestyles in retirement, and unlock the freedom to pursue what matters most. Whether advising on the tax-efficient execution of IRA rollovers, income distribution strategies, or legacy planning, he helps ensure every decision aligns with clients’ long-term objectives.

    Fundamental to his approach is the one question every individual must face: “Will my income outlast my life, or will I outlive my income?” As much as it’s a financial puzzle, it’s also goes beyond spreadsheet and portfolios. It’s about the empowerment that comes from financial security — the ability to live every chapter of life on your own terms. That’s why Kurt is so deeply committed to understanding each client’s unique priorities and concerns. This personal understanding forms the foundation not only for customized financial plans, but also for the kind of lasting relationships that transcend decades and even generations. With a genuine desire to help clients prepare for the financial decisions that shape their future, he is dedicated to serving them through ever challenge and milestone with precision and care.

    Outside the office, Kurt enjoys life in the southwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Crystal, and their two playful kittens. He loves traveling, cycling, discovering new craft beers, and catching live music whenever he can.
    Securities Agent: IL, NE, WA, NM, MA, FL, WI, MS, KS, NV, AR, VT, TX, TN, MN, MI, ID, PR, OH, NJ, NH, KY, DE, CA, CT, CO, NC, IA, GA, SC, PA, ND, DC, AZ, NY, MO, AL, VA, MD, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1262174

    About James K Cronin

    James Cronin is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and Portfolio Manager with the Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley. Leveraging a distinctive combination of experience spanning institutional bond trading and discretionary portfolio management, he crafts risk-aware investment strategies tailored to the long-term retirement and legacy goals of affluent individuals and families.

    With a commitment to deep and diverse learning, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois, a Juris Doctor from Chicago Kent College of Law, and a Master of Science in Finance from Lewis University. His multidisciplinary background provides him with a unique perspective on client portfolios, allowing him to blend analytical rigor with behavioral insights when crafting tailored financial plans. This breadth of knowledge also informs his ability to help anticipate market dynamics and structure portfolios that aim to help protect and responsibly grow wealth long-term.

    As a Portfolio Manager, James applies a disciplined, research-driven process to his clients’ investment strategies. His work is rooted in strategic asset allocation and risk-aware portfolio construction, with a strong emphasis on capital preservation, income generation, and long-term total return. Drawing on his background in institutional bond trading, he also brings a nuanced understanding of fixed income markets and interest rate dynamics to help ensure thoughtful positioning across asset classes and market cycles. He believes in constructing portfolios with the client’s full balance sheet and long-term objectives in mind, whether that includes funding a multidecade retirement, meeting near-term liquidity needs, or facilitating intergenerational wealth transfer. His approach is collaborative and consultative, built on enduring relationships and a shared commitment to clarity, accountability, and open communication.

    Outside the office, James enjoys exploring military history and economics through avid reading. He and his wife, Carey, live in Chicago, where they enjoy travel adventures and evenings at the theater.
    Securities Agent: LA, CO, MS, TX, SC, TN, ND, KS, AL, NJ, MO, MI, IL, CT, CA, AR, WI, OR, NH, IN, GA, DC, PA, OH, NY, NM, MD, KY, IA, VA, NC, FL, NE, MN, AZ, WA, NV, MA, ID, DE, VT, PR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
    NMLS#: 1264985

    About Alexandria "Aleka" Lach

    With over 33 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Alexandria “Aleka” Lach is a cornerstone of the Southwest Legacy Group. As our Portfolio Associate, Aleka plays a critical role in delivering a seamless, supportive, and efficient client experience. Her experience spans all aspects of client service—from opening and maintaining accounts to managing IRA distributions, fund withdrawals, and estate transitions.
    Aleka is a licensed Portfolio Associate (Series 7, 63, and 66), enabling her to accept unsolicited trade instructions and navigate complex operational tasks with precision and care. She’s particularly skilled in processing trust documents and facilitating estate transfers, providing clients with confidence during pivotal moments.
    Known for her proactive communication style and approachable demeanor, Aleka builds strong, personal relationships that bridge the gap between planning and implementation. Her consistent and timely follow-through helps ensure that each client receives accurate support tailored to their unique goals, helping to instill both confidence and trust in our process.
    Fluent in both English and Greek, Aleka brings cultural richness and a global perspective to our team. She lives locally and enjoys spending time with her family and friends—often gathered around the kitchen table or sharing stories from her annual trips to Greece.

    About Kristen A. Rose

    Kristen serves as the Business Development Director for The Southwest Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley. Her career with Morgan Stanley began in 2005, and she has held various roles which have helped advance her skills and knowledge in wealth management. Prior to joining the team, Kristen was the Business Service Officer for the Orland Park Morgan Stanley branch where she managed Operations and Service for the office.

    In her role as Business Development Director, Kristen is responsible for analyzing and coordinating the team's business operations while optimizing client engagement practices. She also assists with financial planning and investment strategies to support our clients' current and future wealth management objectives.

    Kristen is an Iowa native and graduated from the University of Iowa. After college, Kristen moved to Chicago where she began her career in financial services. Kristen and her husband, John, reside in Frankfort, IL, with their two daughters, Kennedy, Madison and their beloved dog Charlie.

    *Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

    About Christina Valtierra

    Christina is an accomplished, disciplined professional with over 13 years of dedicated experience in the financial services industry. As a recent Client Service Associate, Christina is focused on building strong relationships and understanding client goals, to provide tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of clients. Her commitment to fostering positive meaningful client experiences has made her a valued asset within the firm.

    Prior to her role as a Client Service Associate, Christina served as a Branch Administrator at Morgan Stanley. In this capacity, she demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills, managing various operational functions that contributed to the overall efficiency of the branch. Her ability to navigate complex situations and her keen attention to detail ensured that all processes ran smoothly. Throughout her tenure, Christina has consistently exemplified a strong work ethic.

    Outside of her professional life, Christina enjoys evening walks with her two yorkie dogs, traveling with her husband, shopping, and gardening.

    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 Jordan Hoerter

    Jordan Hoerter 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.

    Jordan began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he was Vice President, Private Banker at Associated Bank.

    Jordan is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. He lives in Chicago, Illinois. Jordan donates his time with United Way, Emerging Leaders, Blessings in a Backpack and Junior Achievement. When not in the office, Jordan enjoys running, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with his family.
    NMLS#: 1445073

    About Casey Friedman

    Casey Friedman is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, she collaborates with clients to discover and define the goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, she will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Casey provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.

    She earned her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Casey is originally from Wayne, N.J. and currently resides in New York, N.Y.
    Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth (“UHNW”) Sales Specialists, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Relationship Managers, Cash Management Specialists, 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

    Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

    You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.

    Morgan 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.

    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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

    When 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.

    Wealth Management
    From Our Team

    7 Tips for Talking Money with the Person You Love


    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
    Article Image

    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
    2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
    Article Image

    2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

    Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

    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
    Article Image

    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
    Article Image

    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
    Article Image

    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 Southwest Legacy 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.

    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.

    Back to top



    2Morgan 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.

    Back to top



    3Morgan 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.

    Back to top



    4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

    Back to top



    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.

    Back to top



    6Morgan 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.

    Back to top



    7Morgan 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.

    Back to top



    8Alternative 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.

    Back to top



    9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Back to top



    10Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

    Back to top



    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)