Our Story and Services

The Finder Group at Morgan Stanley is a proud team of financial professionals who provide wealth management for individuals and families at all stages of life: those in the prime of their careers, individuals and couples preparing for retirement, and those transitioning to a new life phase. We advise a wide range of professionals, including attorneys, physicians and business owners, and offer a full scope of personal wealth management and lifestyle advisory services.

For over 36 years, we have prided ourselves in not only creating a client’s personal wealth management plan, but working as their close financial advocate, rapidly responding and helping identify opportunities, and ensuring clients stay on plan to help them grow, preserve, and optimize all aspects of their wealth. Our team can offer our clients strategies designed to manage market volatility and enhance portfolio performance.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
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2022-2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-StateSource: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth AdvisorsSource: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2024-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management TeamsSource: Forbes.com (Awarded January of the given year)
Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018-2021 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Awards disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html

Barbara's 2025 Forbes Recognition

Timely Client Resources

We offer a variety of resources to clients to address varying financial needs and goals, catering the client experience to your unique situation. These complement our personal interactions and give you the access to stay update-to-date in every aspect of your financial plan.

    6 Opportunities in Alternative Strategies

    In today's dynamic economic environment, strategies that worked before may not be effective. Alternative investments could play a valuable role in your portfolio.

    Read More
    Monthly Equity Market Commentary

    Andrew Slimmon, thought leader and Head of the Applied Equity Advisors Team at Morgan Stanley, recently shared his thoughts on the equity markets.

    Read More
    GIC Weekly

    Morgan Stanley Chief Investment Officer Lisa Shalett shares a weekly report summarizing timely observations on investors and the markets.

    Read More
    Four Standout Investment Themes for 2025

    Deglobalization, the continued evolution of AI, longevity and the future of energy could provide investment opportunities in the years ahead.

    Read More
    AI’s Next Leap: 5 Trends Shaping Innovation and ROI

    The world's biggest tech companies presented at Morgan Stanley's Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, identifying five trends around AI's next frontiers and its ability to deliver ROI for enterprises.

    Read More

Who We Work With

We serve a diverse community of individuals and families—many of whom find themselves fitting into more than one of the categories below. By leveraging the power of our team and a global firm to deliver these resources, we give our clients as much time as possible to focus on their lives where it matters most.

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    Attorneys

    We understand the nuances of legal careers and offer guidance on cash flow, equity, retirement planning, and long-term wealth strategies.
    • Managing fluctuating income and complex benefits
    • Planning for career shifts between firms or sectors
    • Balancing long hours with personal and financial goals

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    Business Owners

    Whether you're scaling, exiting, or sustaining, we'll help you protect your assets, optimize your financial structure, and plan for both business and personal success.
    • Preparing for a sale or succession of their company
    • Seeking capital to grow or reinvest in the business
    • Navigating financial planning that supports both business goals and personal wealth

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    Physicians

    We offer tailored strategies to help medical professionals streamline finances, grow and protect wealth, and build a legacy for future generations.
    • Navigating student loan repayment and growing income
    • Assisting with insurance needs unique to those in the medical field
    • Managing a private practice with employees and benefits
    • Planning for retirement while building wealth to pass on to loved ones

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    Women in Life Transitions

    We provide compassionate, experienced financial guidance to help you take control, find stability, and build a confident future—on your terms.
    • Recently divorced or going through the divorce process
    • Managing finances independently for the first time
    • Rebuilding wealth and redefining future goals

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    Caretakers of Aging Parents

    We help you plan with empathy and foresight—addressing cash flow, asset protection, and multi-generational wealth concerns.
    • Managing long-term care costs for parents with dementia or Alzheimer's
    • Overseeing estate planning and healthcare decisions
    • Balancing your own financial goals while supporting loved ones

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    Corporate Leaders

    We help you design a comprehensive financial strategy to support your goals, manage your benefits, and build wealth with intention.
    • Strategies for navigating equity compensation including options, RSUs, and other equity awards
    • Balancing work, family, and long-term wealth strategies
    • Facing major career transitions or relocation decisions

Planning For Success

We know that the decision of whom to trust with your finances is a tough one. That is why The Finder Group is proud to offer you a host of second-opinion services in order to ease the burden of making important life-long financial decisions. Whether planning for your family's long term financial objectives or ensuring your needs are met as you cross into retirement, we look to create trust-based relationships to help you make decisions where they matter most.

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    Planning for your Family

    One of the most important decisions when it comes to estate planning is ensuring your loved ones are best positioned for financial success. We aim to guide you through the difficulties of this process and help you make the decisions that will set you and your family up for a bright future.

    Family Wealth Decisions
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    Saving for Education

    Planning for your family's education can be daunting regardless of whether you are preparing for short-term expenses or college down the road. Having an advisory relationship to help navigate these challenges is crucial for positioning yourself for success.

    Learn More About 529 Plans
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    Marriage

    One of the most memorable life experiences also comes with significant responsibility - and difficult financial decisions to navigate. We help our clients determine what choices are appropriate for their new family's future.

    Solutions for You
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    Divorce

    Divorce is a stressful time that holds enough challenges on its own. Financial stressors don't need to add to the mix- and we seek to alleviate as much of that burden as possible. We can help guide you to ensure your needs are met with care and respect.

    Learn More About Divorce
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    Planning for Retirement

    Some people look forward to retirement as a time of leisure and joy. Others worry about their ability to support their lifestyle given the change in their income. Saving for retirement is a lifelong process that requires defined financial planning strategies.

    Learn More About Retirement Planning
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    Planning for the Next Generation

    Planning for the continued success of our loved ones is an important reminder of our impact beyond ourselves. Despite being a difficult conversation to have, it is an important one. We can help guide you through the difficulties and set up an appropriate plan.

    Resources For You

Location

233 S Wacker Dr
Ste 8600
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 419-3600(312) 419-3600

Meet The Finder Group

About Barbara J. Finder

Barbara is the proud leader of The Finder Group at Morgan Stanley in Chicago comprised of three Financial Advisors and three Support Professionals. With over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Barbara has built her practice by providing wealth management for families, business owners, attorneys, physicians, and couples preparing for retirement.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University, Barbara began her brokerage career in 1984 as a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch in Chicago. She was recruited by Shearson in 1989 and has been with Morgan Stanley, or its predecessor firms, for over 31 years.

Barbara has been featured repeatedly in various prominent magazines and on TV and radio shows, including Business First AM, WIND, WMAQ, and WTTW’s Chicago Tonight. Barbara was named to the 2021 list of Forbes’ Top Women Financial Advisors. Since 2021, Barbara has been named to Forbes’s Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for Illinois. In terms of her firm’s recognition, she was named to Morgan Stanley’s prestigious Presidents Club, representing the some of the top of the firm’s financial advisors. She was also chosen by management to consult on client issues as a member of the Midwest and National Financial Advisor’s Advisory Council.

Barbara is very involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. She is dedicated to educating families affected by the disease and implementing financial planning tools to prepare for this expense. She is also an active member of College Bound Opportunities, a local nonprofit that assists and mentor areas high school students through college. Barbara enjoys traveling, playing guitar, and working out. She spends a lot of time with family, including her wonderful nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

2022-2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State (formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017-2024 Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2021). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award)

https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: NV, NC, WA, PA, IL, TN, MN, IA, VA, HI, GA, CA, OH, IN, FL, SC, NY, WI, TX, MI, MA, CO, AZ, MD, ID, AR, VI, OR, OK, ME, NM, NJ, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1273005

About Elyse M. Hahner

Elyse Hahner CRPC® is a First Vice President, Portfolio Manager, and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She joined forces with Barbara Finder and her team, The Finder Group in Chicago at the beginning of 2025. Elyse believes that her strongest assets are her clients, to whom she offers personalized guidance, strategic services, and a tailored wealth strategy. She customizes that strategy based on comprehensive client discovery in which she gains a thorough understanding of the client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and expectations. Elyse knows that financial advising is more than just investing. It is relationship-based and goals-driven, revolving wholly around the client’s needs and wishes.

Elyse received her bachelor’s from Michigan State University and completed coursework for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation at Northwestern University. Elyse also holds her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) certification and a master’s in business. She lives in Winnetka, IL, with her husband and two children. Together, they enjoy golfing, volunteering, traveling, and cheering on Chicago’s sports teams.
Securities Agent: MN, NV, NY, MI, OH, MA, CT, WI, OK, NC, PR, NE, MS, VI, IA, SC, HI, LA, MO, ME, DE, AR, AK, TN, RI, MT, AL, WY, ND, WV, NH, KY, ID, CO, VA, AZ, TX, FL, CA, OR, VT, UT, WA, SD, KS, DC, PA, NM, MD, IN, IL, GA, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1520854

About Morgan M. Shaner

Morgan Shaner, Financial Advisor, is the newest addition to The Finder Group. Morgan has been with Morgan Stanley since 2017 in several roles, most recently as the Business Development Manager for downtown Chicago. In this role, she was responsible for driving asset growth across 330+ Financial Advisors and their teams through financial planning, tax management, and appropriate product placement. This and her prior experience as a Wealth Management Associate puts Morgan in the unique position to leverage best practices from successful teams and deliver everything Morgan Stanley has to offer to Finder Group clients.

Combining her background in operations and service, and deep knowledge of Morgan Stanley’s solutions with her CFP® designation, Morgan leads with financial planning to develop meaningful relationships with her clients. She aims to simplify their financial lives by collaborating with relevant stakeholders towards a client’s goal, whether it be more time to travel or spend with family or selling a successful business to retire. She enjoys approaching the client’s strategy like a puzzle, piecing everything together from estate planning to tax efficiency and beyond, to help clients see it all “click” during their plan review meetings. Morgan sticks with clients through every step of their plan, and every transition in their life. It’s these relationships that keep her motivated to deliver exceptional service.

Originally from New York, Morgan is happy to now call Chicago home. She is involved in the community, volunteering with the Junior Board of The Service Club of Chicago and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) while also being involved with the Associate Board of the Chicago Yacht Club. Morgan lives in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys exploring restaurants around the city, playing piano, and making the most of Chicago summers tending to her hobbies of golfing and sailing. Morgan holds a B.A. in International Political Economy from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN where she was a member of the Management Fellows Program.
Securities Agent: FL, AK, MT, AR, NH, MD, MA, LA, GA, CO, CA, TX, DE, SC, OK, NE, IA, UT, NY, NJ, AL, PA, NC, KS, WI, OH, NM, MN, KY, AZ, MO, MI, ID, HI, CT, WA, ME, IL, VA, TN, PR, NV, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1557392
CA Insurance License #: 4453142

About Kylie Pearson

Kylie Pearson is The Finder Group's Business Development Director. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Kylie focuses on the analytical work for the team, which includes review preparation, manager/fund comparisons, and allocation updates.

Committed to delivering professional and attentive personal service, Kylie works closely with clients to ensure that all their needs are met. Prior to joining the firm, she was part of the Dealer Marketing Team at AllianceBernstein. Born and raised in Iowa, Kylie received her Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois.

Outside of work Kylie enjoys traveling with her family, which includes her husband and three kids.

About Sydney Kruggel

Sydney Kruggel is a Consulting Group Analyst with the Finder Group at Morgan Stanley. Sydney is responsible for Client Service, analytical and operational aspects of the team, including investment allocation and portfolio rebalancing.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Sydney worked for Merrill Lynch in multiple areas of business in the Chicago area. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, graduating with a major in Finance from the Kelley School of Business in 2017.

When she is not in the office, Sydney enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and cuisine, and participating in any outside activities and sports that she can.

About Megan Draddy

Megan joined The Finder Group at the end of 2024 as a Client Service Associate, eager to learn the industry and foster client relationships through exceptional service. She will leverage her BA in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder to enhance our client communications and experience.

After graduating, Megan spent time in Vail, Colorado, which became her favorite place to snowboard. She also lived in Sydney, Australia, so she brings a uniquely global mindset to our team. We’re thrilled that she returned home to Chicago to join our team! Outside of traveling and snowboarding, Megan enjoys reading and cooking.

About Calvin Browning

Calvin is a Registered Client Service Associate with a solid foundation in finance and a commitment to excellent client service. He earned his BA in Financial Studies from The Ohio State University in May 2017 and began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2018, working in Digital Support. He later transitioned to the Corporate Solutions team before joining Elyse’s team in February 2024.

With several years of industry experience, Calvin is driven by a passion for market dynamics and enjoys seeing how business decisions shape financial outcomes. He values the opportunity to work closely with clients, helping them feel secure and confident about their financial futures.

In his current role, he processes transfers, opens new accounts, places trades, and facilitates daily financial transactions to enhance client relationships.

Outside the office, Calvin enjoys painting, attending Cubs games, and spending time with his cat, Ensign Crusher.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

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

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
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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
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

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

Business Planning

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

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

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving

There's more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here's one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Finder Group today.
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.

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2Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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3When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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)