Initial Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

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    Our Clients
    We work with individuals, families, and business owners in all stages of life and utilize a financial planning based approach as a basis for charting our investment path. Wherever our clients are in their life or career, we educate them on the opportunities available and help them feel confident in their financial future.

    As clients approach retirement, they are largely concerned with preserving their wealth and making it last. Focusing on mitigating risk and protecting assets, we develop strategies that aim to create steady and reliable income streams and assist with estate planning.

    We also frequently work with business owners. Whether the business owner is looking to develop a retirement or employee benefits package or create an exit and succession strategy, we can help throughout the many stages of running a business.
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    Working With You
    With clients living longer, and in some cases retiring earlier, one of their biggest fears is outliving their assets. Our goal is to design strategies that address their risk tolerances while trying to achieve that targeted return needed for their success.

    It's important for us to truly know our clients to help personally address their needs, goals, and desires. We gather financial information in addition to learning about their work, hobbies, interests, and passions. Knowing it is critical that we work together to gain a complete understanding of our clients financial situation, we work very closely with their tax and legal advisors.

    We feel educating our clients is key to their success. In today's world investors can tap into information at will so it's crucial they have a professional who can interpret what they are reading. We regularly share research and market reports in addition to tax law, social security and Medicare changes.

Financial Planning

Our financial planning process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. Our holistic approach encompasses all the elements of your financial life — your investments and your cash management needs — making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.

The sophisticated suite of tools and extensive list of resources that Morgan Stanley offers allows us to implement a process and plan that translates your goals into reality.
    Financial Planning - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Financial Planning
    Morgan Stanley Financial Planning can show you a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances. We can help you create a wealth plan that’s adaptable to the different stages of your life using our award winning tools- Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView.
    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management
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    LifeView Intelligent Planning
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that we can use with our clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
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    Portfolio Risk Platform (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio’s exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Separately Managed Accounts (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Separately Managed Accounts
    A selection of about 600 professionally managed portfolios to align with your goals and risk tolerance, with access to institutional pricing and zero-fee index SMAs.

1031 AND 721 UPREIT EXCHANGES

The following educational presentation will cover:
  • What is a 1031 exchange?
  • How does a 1031 exchange work?
  • Exchanging into a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)
  • The 1031 Exchange Cycle
  • 721 UPREIT Exchange
  • Purchasing Power: Potential Advantage with 1031 Exchanges

Investor Resources

Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients. We have also included resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content.
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
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    GIC Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Click here for the most recent "GIC Weekly" Report
    Digital Vault
    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.
    Get Started Today
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    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
    eDelivery
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
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    Insured Solutions
    As a leader in the distribution of insurance and annuities, our offerings include disability, long-term care and property & casualty insurance, as well as fixed, indexed and variable annuities. Morgan Stanley offers these products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
    Morgan Stanley Insured Solutions
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    Investment Advisory
    Manage your investments within a holistic advisory relationship and take advantage of integrated tax, risk management and estate planning benefits across your entire wealth strategy—backed by leading insights and one of the financial industry's most comprehensive, multi-award-winning advisory platforms.
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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

Location

2126 N Perryville Rd
Rockford, IL 61107
US
Direct:
(815) 639-4139(815) 639-4139
Toll-Free:
(800) 888-9735(800) 888-9735

Meet The Custer Meisch Group

About Tom Custer

Tom has worked in the financial services industry since joining Smith Barney in December of 1997 and holds his Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses. 

Tom has earned Morgan Stanley’s Family Wealth Director (FWD) designation.  The FWD designation is granted to those Financial Advisors who have successfully completed a rigorous program focused on skills required for comprehensive wealth management across a range of disciplines important to wealthy individuals.

Designated Family Wealth Directors must demonstrate professional knowledge and experience in a range of specialties including estate planning, traditional and alternative investments, control and restricted securities, hedging and monetization, and business succession planning. 

Tom’s primary role is helping clients achieve financial fulfillment by working with them to implement an effective wealth strategy.  Tom is committed to long term relationships and strives to deliver exceptional client service. 

Tom graduated from Northern Illinois University and earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies.  Born and raised in the Rockford area, Tom is married to his wife Kim.  They have a son Bobby, and daughters Claire, Sheila, and Kelly.

Tom can be reached directly at 815-639-4139 or Thomas.custer@ms.com
Mail to: 2126 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, IL   61107
Securities Agent: ID, WI, MT, VA, OH, SC, WA, MO, PA, NC, TX, NJ, OR, MN, NY, MD, MA, LA, KS, KY, IN, IL, DE, MI, CA, CO, AZ, FL, AL, AK, GA, DC, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1498238

About James Meisch

Jim has been working as a Financial Advisor in the Financial Services Industry for the past 33 years, and has been the Branch Manager for Morgan Stanley* in Rockford for the past 12 years.  Jim is currently Series 7, 8, 63 and 65 licensed.

Jim's primary role is to oversee Asset Allocation for clients and to help formulate long term investment strategies that are aligned with the investment objectives of our clients and their families.  In addition, he is responsible for managing the financial advisors and the support staff in our Rockford Office.

Jim graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL in 1984 with a degree in business administration.  While working his way through college, Jim was active in football and wrestling. 

Jim and his wife Amy have been married for 32 years and have 3 children, Ryan, Jordan and Allie Beth.  They currently reside in the Rockford Area.

Jim can be contacted directly at 815-639-4140 or james.meisch@ms.com
Mail to : 2126 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, IL    61107
Securities Agent: VT, WV, SD, IA, ID, PA, MT, TX, CO, MO, WA, WI, WY, MS, VA, UT, CT, RI, SC, ND, NM, NH, NV, OR, FL, NE, CA, HI, VI, DE, IN, TN, GA, PR, ME, MI, OK, OH, NY, NJ, NC, MN, AK, MD, MA, AL, LA, KY, KS, IL, AR, DC, AZ; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1484507

About Jeffrey Marrs

Jeff works with individuals and families who are focused on building and preserving their wealth, helping them maximize their contributions to both the next generation and the community organizations whose success they are passionate about.

Utilizing a financial planning approach to wealth management, Jeff is focused on comprehensive long-term partnerships with his clients to help achieve their financial goals through a strong foundation of education, advice and Morgan Stanley’s industry leading wealth management solutions.

Ultimately, Jeff creates and implements a financial plan that focuses on the client’s needs and values while helping them achieve their financial goals, leave a financial legacy, and make addressing their finances a source of wellness, not a source of stress.

Jeff graduated from Yale University while being a varsity letter winner on the football team earned his MBA in 2023 from the University of Illinois. Born and raised on a farm in Garden Prairie, Jeff is married to his wife Kelly. They have two sons, Sawyer and Griffin, and a daughter Colette.

Jeff joined the Custer Meisch group in 2022 after serving as the Director of Advancement at a local not-for-profit for several years. He holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Jeff can be reached directly at 815-639-4118 or jeff.marrs@ms.com
Securities Agent: IL, MI, MN, MO, OR, AL, IA, ID, IN, NC, OH, VA, PA, MD, FL, CO, CA, SC, NJ, MA, LA, AZ, KY, NY, WI, WA, MT, DC, ND, TX, AK, DE, KS, GA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2393133

About Katie Schlarb

Katie has worked in the financial services industry for 15 years. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Katie assists clients with all operational and administrative issues. She is committed to providing the highest level of service to our clients.

A lifelong Rockford resident, Katie graduated from Guilford High School and went on to attend Rock Valley College graduating with an Associate of Arts in Human Services degree in 2006.

Katie can be reached directly at 815-639-4138 or Katie.schlarb@ms.com
Mail to: 2126 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, IL 61107

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 Andrew Dittbenner

Andrew Dittbenner 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.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2018. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Senior Premier Banker at BMO Harris Bank, as well as a Financial Center Manager with the Fifth Third Bank.

Andrew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Northern Illinois University. He and his wife live in Saint Charles, Illinois. When not at the office, Andrew volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation. He also enjoys attending sporting events, as well as spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 718951
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Financial Advisers can conduct their business in several ways: individually, as a member of a team of Financial Advisors, or through the formation of a Strategic Partnership with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors. A Strategic Partnership is an arrangement between a Financial Advisor or a team of Financial Advisors with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors that has a unique focus or knowledge regarding a specific business concentration, product area, and/or client type. If your account is with an individual Financial Advisor, that Financial Advisor services all facets of your account. If your account is with a Financial Advisor who is a member of a team, any Financial Advisor on the team can service your account. If your Financial Advisor is part of a Strategic Partnership, his or her role in that Strategic Partnership may be limited to a specific business and/or product area and may not cover all facets of your account. The use of the terms “Partner” or “Strategic Partner” and/or “Partnership” or “Strategic Partnership” are used as terms of art and not used to imply or connote any legal relationship.

Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

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

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

Investing

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

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

Family

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

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

Business Planning

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

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

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 Custer Meisch Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Alternative 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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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 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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4When 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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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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6Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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7When 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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8When 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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9The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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10Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
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 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), 3582895 (6/2024)