Our Story

We help clients in Colorado, and across the country, with their retirement income planning, equity compensation, portfolio management, and liquidity event strategy needs.

At the Continental Divide Group, we believe that you should feel confident in your investments because they reflect your goals. We begin with financial planning to define your goals. As Certified Portfolio Managers, and part of the Morgan Stanley portfolio Management Program, we help simplify the investment process by managing our own discretionary portfolios. This allows us to specifically tailor your investments to help achieve your goals.

The foundation of our process is risk management and income generation strategies. We build diversified portfolios focused on building an income stream for retirement and utilize a “bucket” approach of dividing assets based on risk tolerance and time remaining until withdrawal.
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Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

How We're Different

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    We are Planners
    i. We believe that planning is vital to success. By defining a client’s goals and expectations, we can better design portfolios to help achieve them, and keep everyone on the same page.

    ii. Planning is not a one-time activity. We see planning as a critical tool that we use on a recurring basis in an effort to keep clients on track over the course of their careers and into retirement, and to help them through periods of market volatility.
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    Exceptional Client Service
    i. We strive to provide consistent, proactive service to every client

    ii. The depth and breadth of experience on our team allows us to provide comprehensive advice to clients from all walks of life
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    We focus on Equity Compensation and Liquidity Events
    i. Equity awards and other liquidity events like selling a business, can be huge milestones in a client’s financial life

    ii. We have deep experience in navigating these types of awards and events, and how they fit into a client’s overall financial plan
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    We are Portfolio Managers
    i. We believe a client’s financial goals should inform how their investment assets are managed.

    ii. We do not outsource portfolio management. We build customized portfolios of individual stocks and individual bonds that keep costs low, mitigate taxes, and are centered around client's financial goals.

    iii. Our diversified portfolios are focused on growth and on building an income stream for retirement and utilize a “bucket planning” approach of investing assets based on risk tolerance and time remaining until withdrawal.

Life Stages Planning

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    Starting a Family
    Welcoming a child into the family is a joyous occasion for everyone—for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and other extended family members. As a trusted advisor to our clients, we play a critical role in helping you plan and prepare for the financial components that a new child introduces into your lives—everything from planning for the costs associated with birth, adoption or surrogacy; anticipating unexpected medical expenses; understanding gifting requirements; preparing for childcare and planning for educational expenses.
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    Education
    Education is a major investment and expense for most of our clients—one that often requires years of careful, advanced planning. As educational costs continue to rise—from primary education through undergraduate, graduate and professional schools—we can help you approach the range of educational expenses, such as tuition, extension programs and advanced professional training, with appropriate funding strategies for your particular situations.
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    Marriage
    There are few events more exciting than when our client decides to align their life with the person they love. Of course, there are conversations you should have with your partner before tying the knot. One of the most important is about money—how you will make it, save it, spend it and invest it. In addition, helping fund an adult child’s wedding is a goal for many parents (and grandparents). As your Financial Advisor, we can play an important role in helping you plan for these milestones and guiding your conversations.
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    Post-Career
    Today's 65-year-olds have a high likelihood of living until their mid-80s, and it's not uncommon anymore to reach substantially beyond that. That means you need to plan for a retirement that will span two decades and potentially much more. Longer retirements are great outcomes, but also place a great deal of stress on a household’s finances. As your Financial Advisor, we make sure to put a plan in place so that you are able to take on any curveball retirement may throw at you.
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OUR CLIENTS UNDERSTAND THAT DECISIONS THEY MAKE AROUND COMPANY STOCK AND OPTIONS ARE SOME OF THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL THEY’LL FACE IN THEIR FINANCIAL LIFE.

You May Ask Yourself:

• How well do I understand my equity compensation and the strategies that exist to maximize its value?
• Am I being as smart as my managers and coworkers with my equity compensation? Should I be making different choices based on my specific situation?
• How do I turn my company equity into something I can enjoy?
• Can I afford to leave my company, and how should I plan for that?
• What the heck is the Alternative Minimum Tax?

How Can We Help?

Understanding how your stock or option plan works is only the first step. We work with you articulate specific goals such as diversification, tax management, charitable gifting, or simply having enough cash to live on while you wait for an exit. Projecting a variety of multi-year scenarios, we help you make the best decisions you can to maximize this valuable asset.

Sample Employee Stock and Option Report, Morgan Stanley

Why Us?

We are part of a small group of Morgan Stanley advisors trained and experienced in these complex issues and have tools and resources that stand out among your choices in selecting a financial advisor.

Modern Wealth Tools

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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
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    Cyber Security Resources
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
    Cybersecurity Resources
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    Total Wealth View
    It’s hard to see the complete picture with only half of the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions in one location to give you and your financial advisor a full picture of your financial wealth and health. Log into Morgan Stanley Online or download the Morgan Stanley Mobile App to link and add external accounts.
    Total Wealth View
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    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    Securely access your Morgan Stanley account–from virtually anywhere.
    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
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    Spending & Budgeting Tool
    See where your dollars are going.
    Spending & Budgeting Tool
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
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Location

5251 DTC Parkway
Suite 1500
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
US
Direct:
(303) 925-9613(303) 925-9613
6125 Sky Pond Drive
Suite 100
Loveland, CO 80538
US
Direct:
(970) 776-5511(970) 776-5511

Meet The Continental Divide Group

About Bryan Koepf

Bryan W. Koepf is an Executive Director - Wealth Management and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in Greenwood Village, CO and is a Senior Portfolio Management Director, Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation, and Government Entity Specialist within the Firm.

With over fifteen years of experience as a financial advisor and investment consultant, he has been awarded the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Portfolio Manager® designations. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1996. As a Certified Financial Planner ™, his emphasis is on the financial plan as the foundation for working with his clients. Furthermore, as a Senior Portfolio Management Director, his “bucket” portfolio strategies enable him to work with his clients through all phases of their lives – Growth, Transition, and Income for Retirement.

Bryan, his wife, Megan, and their three children—Abby, Claire and Bennett—reside in Highlands Ranch, CO.
Securities Agent: WY, SC, TX, PA, OH, MN, AK, WI, NY, HI, AZ, WA, UT, TN, SD, OR, LA, ID, IA, CT, AR, OK, MO, VA, NE, MI, FL, CO, CA, NC, MT, MA, KS, NM, NJ, NV, MS, ME, MD, IN, IL, GA, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 515696

About Howard Hissrich

Howard R. Hissrich is a Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at Morgan Stanley in Loveland, CO.  Howard has been in the wealth management business since 2004 and focuses on financial planning and portfolio management.  Prior to joining the industry, Howard worked in Europe, New York, Pittsburgh and Miami in both the software and financial services industries.  Howard graduated from Colorado State University in 1993 with cum laude honors and he also studied the European Union at IES Abroad in Freiburg, Germany.

Howard is an Executive Financial Services (EFS) Director at Morgan Stanley which enables him to work with Corporate Executives who receive equity compensation.

Howard is a founder of the Fort Collins Rowing Association and an avid soccer fan.  He is married with 2 sons and resides in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Securities Agent: CT, MO, VA, MD, ID, AL, NJ, ME, IA, PA, MT, MA, NV, MS, IL, FL, CO, CA, WA, NM, NE, MI, HI, AR, OR, NC, VT, UT, SD, SC, OH, LA, GA, WI, KS, IN, WY, TN, OK, MN, AZ, AK, TX, NY; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 515676

About Zach Leonard

Zachary T. Leonard is a Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley in Greenwood Village, CO. He is also a Workplace Advisor - Equity Compensation, and Government Entity Specialist within the firm. Zach graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to entering the financial industry, Zach worked with individuals in the senior care industry.

Zach believes strongly in the benefit of financial planning for his clients. While working in the senior care industry, he saw first-hand how proper financial planning can impact a person or a family. This experience has motivated Zach to help clients build detailed financial plans to ensure they are prepared to handle unforeseen challenges in retirement.

Zach and his wife, Ashley, live in Aurora, CO with their son – Henry – and their two dogs, Copper and Finn.
Securities Agent: SC, VA, MT, MD, KS, IA, WI, OR, NM, ID, HI, OK, NE, MO, LA, IN, IL, CT, AZ, WA, PA, OH, NJ, ME, CA, WY, TN, NV, GA, NY, MS, AR, UT, TX, FL, CO, AK, NC, MN, MI, MA, AL, SD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282772

About Brian Casey

Brian Casey is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley in Greenwood Village, CO. He has worked in financial services since 2008, and as a Financial Advisor since 2014, having transitioned to the profession after cutting his teeth as a bond broker in New York City. Brian completed his undergraduate studies at Denison University, and graduated in 2008.

Brian feels that creating and maintaining a robust financial plan is at the core of helping clients reach their financial goals.

Brian lives in Highlands Ranch, CO, with his wife Kaela and two rescue dogs, Stevie Ray and Sonoma. He is an avid fly fisher and lover of the outdoors.

NMLS ID: 1215172
Securities Agent: MA, HI, NJ, IL, TN, NV, IN, AK, VA, SD, MT, MS, CO, AL, SC, OH, NY, NC, MD, ID, FL, AR, TX, OK, GA, CT, PA, OR, MO, CA, WY, WA, UT, NE, MN, MI, IA, AZ, WI, NM, ME, LA, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1215172

About Paula Zavatti-Rainbow

Paula has been with Morgan Stanley since 1988. She is responsible for maintaining client relationships and assisting clients with all of their operational needs.

Paula was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She moved to Boulder to attend the University of Colorado and never left the Denver/Boulder area. She currently lives in Arvada, CO with her husband Tom and their two dogs. In their free time they enjoy, hiking, walking, traveling and spending time with family and friends including their two granddaughters.

Series 7, 3, 63 and 66 licensed.

About Lori Gibb

Lori’s contribution to the Continental Divide Group is found in excellent client services around account activity, money movement, document processing, and digital services. She desires to build trusted relationships with clients and make them feel like part of our family; she is a critical part of our long-term plan to serve families over multiple generations.

Lori has worked in financial services for more than 35 years. She spent 20 years in retail banking, advancing from Teller to Operations Manager. In 2004, Lori transitioned her career to work alongside advisory teams and their clients. Lori helps mentor newer employees in Operations at Morgan Stanley and serves as a peer resource for other Operations employees who encounter more complicated issues. She holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, and is insurance licensed in Colorado. Lori also holds a Chartered Retirement Plans Counselor designation.

Lori has lived in Colorado most of her life and considers it home. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior Project, various local Food Banks, and Boulder County Hospice. In her spare time, Lori enjoys pulling for her favorite NASCAR driver Chase Elliott, attending concerts of George Strait and others at the famed Red Rocks outdoor amphitheater in Colorado, and spending time with family and friends, enthusiastically cheering one of her many favorite sports teams like the Colorado Avalanche.

About Karen Thomson

Karen K Thomson is a Registered Client Service Associate who has worked in the financial services industry since 2009. She joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in May of 2022.

For the Continental Divide Group, Karen’s role is to provide client services in the areas of client reporting, RMD processing, client review and report preparing, and the handling of administrative estate matters. Karen appreciates developing strong, personal connections with the team's clients and approaches the client relationships with the desire to understand each of their unique circumstances. Her multifaceted professional career and personal background enable her to offer clients a wide range of experience.

German-born, Karen grew up in Germany and is bilingual. She also spent three years outside of Brussels in Belgium during her father's military deployment with NATO. Before moving to the United States in 2005, Karen earned a law degree in Germany and started her professional career outside of Munich, Germany. Karen is a graduate of the University of Denver Law School's JD and LLM in American and Comparative Law programs. She passed the Colorado bar in 2009 (not-practicing with Morgan Stanley.) Karen started her career in the financial industry at a small Denver brokerage firm and later transitioning to JP Morgan Securities LLC, before joining Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. She is Series 7, 63 and 66 licensed.

In the community, Karen stays active raising money for the needs of people suffering from Cystic Fibrosis in the hopes of finding more and more effective, life-prolonging treatments. Calling Denver home, Karen and her family enjoy skiing, hiking, and going for runs. She loves spending time with her twelve year old daughter and taking their dog Luna for walks. Together, Karen and her family also like to travel within the United States as well as abroad. Having been a ballet dancer herself for twelve years, Karen has a life-long fondness for the performing arts.
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.

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.

Investing

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

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

Business Planning

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

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

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Continental Divide 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.

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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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.

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5When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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6Morgan 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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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.

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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)