Barbara J Finder
Managing Director, Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, Senior Investment Management Consultant, Alternative Investments Director, Lending Specialist
Phone:
(312) 648-3555(312) 648-3555
The Finder Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(312) 648-3555(312) 648-3555
Our Mission Statement
With nearly four decades of experience and dedicated service, Barbara has pledged her commitment to ensure her clients feel confident and comfortable with their wealth management strategies. Our focus is on our client's goals- what they need, when they need it.
The Finder Group
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.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you reach your financial goals, please email barbara.j.finder@morganstanley.com.
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.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you reach your financial goals, please email barbara.j.finder@morganstanley.com.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
2017-2025 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 2017-2025). 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 2017-2024). 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 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2024-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: 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.
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2025). 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 2017-2024). 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 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2024-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: 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.
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.
Teaching Teens About Money
Here’s how to help your children learn to manage their own finances as they grow into young adults.
Read More
Tax-Loss Harvesting
What is tax-loss harvesting exactly, and how do some investors use it to opportunistically reduce their tax bills?
Read More
How AI Could Usher in a New Era of Productivity
In a prolonged tight labor market, U.S. companies will rely more on technology to boost efficiency and lower costs.
Read More
2024 Tax Tables
To better assist you with this year's tax filing, please find below the 2024 Tax Tables for your reference.
View Here
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 MoreWho We Work With
The Finder Group works with a broad range of clientele. However, many of our clients find themselves and their families across more than one of the below categories. 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.
Female Executives
We're focused on empowering women to think big, achieve financial security, navigate unique financial situations, and create an impact in their respective fields.
Business Owners
Whether you require assistance navigating the sale or transfer of your business, the advice or capital required to grow the business, or simply a plan designed to safeguard your assets and build on your continued success, The Finder Group is properly equipped to help you.
Physicians
Many physicians manage their own practice, supervise employees, and oversee payroll. This creates a need to address a variety of issues from employee benefits to retirement plans. The Finder Group is equipped to assist medical professionals with addressing these matters through the enhancement, protection and transfer of wealth for them and their families.
Attorneys
Whether you are in Big Law, work as in-house counsel, the public sector, or considering a move between, we are familiar with the career paths and compensation structures of the industry. Taking the time to lay out a financial plan encompassing these considerations and compensation details enables us to help you develop a roadmap for your future and an increased comfort level.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 youLocation
227 West Monroe St.,Suite 3400
Chicago, IL 60606
US
Direct:
(312) 648-3555(312) 648-3555
Meet The Finder Group
Kylie Pearson
Vice President, Business Development Director
Phone:
(312) 648-3497(312) 648-3497
Sydney Kruggel
Consulting Group Analyst
Phone:
(312) 917-7426(312) 917-7426
Megan Draddy
Team Administrator
Phone:
(312) 648-3409(312) 648-3409
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
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
NMLS#: 1273005
About Kylie Pearson
Kylie Pearson is a Vice President, Business Development Director with The Finder Group at Morgan Stanley. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Barbara J Finder
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Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Finder Group today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
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.
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.
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.
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)
