Our Story

Families with significant wealth often face a challenge – you want to make the most of your money, and use it for the things that are important to you … but you don’t want it to run your life or dominate your time.

Many of our clients come to us in this predicament. They want to be prepared for both expected and unexpected future challenges. And they want their choices simplified, so they can spend their time on the things they care about most.

We created our practice specifically to deliver this type of service, providing planning, investments and thoughtful advice and strategies. Strategically, we handle long-term planning, anticipating future needs and ensuring that your choices align with your goals. Tactically, we handle day-to-day management, coordinating with your accountant and attorney, handling transactional details, being responsive to your questions. We take care of it all, so you don’t have to.

Our team recently had the privilege of being recognized as one of Forbes Best In-State Wealth Management Teams in 2023. We aim to continue providing the highest level of service that earned us this prestigious award.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2023) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/21-3/31/22.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Services

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    Financial Planning
    Your goals, assets, liabilities and other important information are gathered and analyzed. We then use our perspective and experience with other unique clients like you to make recommendations on spending, giving and living.
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    Wealth Management
    We take a holistic approach to bring all the aspects of your financial life together. We use our analysis and experience to develop a customized plan for you.
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    Retirement Planning
    This is paramount and ensuring a successful retirement. We bring intense focus on this process. You have worked hard to get where you are at. Now it is up to us to help you live the retirement you have always dreamed of.
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    401(k) Rollovers
    Rollovers can be beneficial to you in several ways. It can help simplify your life by consolidating your assets. We can ensure that there is no risky overlap or concentration insecurities. We can make taking required minimum distributions easier. You also have the full suite of an open platform from which to choose investments from.
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    Corporate Retirement Plans
    We work with companies to develop and manage their corporate retirement plans. Let us bring our experience and resources to the table to take this burden off of you.
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    Business Succession Planning
    A lot of thought and planning go into a successful succession strategy. We can help you navigate the requirements of working with other professionals in addition to us to achieve the results you want.
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    Asset Management
    Based on your goals, assets and input, we create an investment strategy tailored to your unique needs.
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    Business Planning
    We can help you by sharing our experience in helping other business owners just like you. We have ideas and strategies to help you grow or sell your business.

Modern Wealth Tools

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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of digital features that help you keep track of your finances. They include mobile check deposit, paying your bills online, sending money through Zelle®, and accessing current market data, research, company profiles and quotes.
    Morgan Stanley Online
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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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    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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    Spending & Budgeting Tool
    See where your dollars are going.
    Spending & Budgeting Tool
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault, available on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App, allows you to build a centralized document library where files are stored using encryption.
    Digital Vault
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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.
    Cyber Security Resources

THE CFP® PROFESSIONAL

Individuals certified by the CFP® Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate commitment and professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These four cornerstones set the foundation for the CFP® professional’s ability in helping clients achieve their goals. The Gemmell and Kurtz Group's diverse skillsets can help clients navigate the complicated financial factors in their life. See below for more information about the CFP designation and how we can help:
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    Education
    The CFP® professional must develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing 2 to 3 years of comprehensive coursework at an institution of higher learning approved by the CFP® Board. Once obtaining the CFP® trademark, their education does not stop, as continued education is part of the recertification process.
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    Examination
    The CFP® professional must pass the 7 hour comprehensive Certification Exam, which tests abilities to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
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    Experience
    All CFP® professionals are required to complete several years of experience related to financial planning services prior to earning the right to use the CFP® trademarks.
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    Ethics
    The CFP® professional is obligated to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence as outline in the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics. The Rules of Conduct require the CFP® professional to put the client’s interest first at all times.

RESEARCH AND INSIGHTS

We want to provide you with the most recent, timely, and important information so you can feel informed and educated during these difficult times. We will be periodically updating these links in order to keep the most important information top of mind.
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    2024 Global Macroeconomic Outlook
    Morgan Stanley Research expects slowing global growth as central banks walk a fine line between inflation and recession.
    Learn More
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    3 Technology and Media Investing Trends for 2024
    Investors and companies are watching key trends in IT spending, operational efficiencies from artificial intelligence and the battle for content among TV, streaming and big tech.
    Learn More
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    Megatrends: How to Invest in the AI Boom
    Artificial intelligence is set to become a $3 trillion industry in the next several years. Where can investors find opportunities?
    Learn More
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    2024 Tax Tables
    Make sure you're prepared for tax season by checking out the 2024 Tax Tables.
    Access the Tax Tables Here
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    529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
    Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save early can make a difference.
    Learn More
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    Millennial and Gen Z Guide to a Sweet Retirement
    Learn how the power of time can help savvy young investors grow an impressive portfolio.
    Learn More

Location

28 State Street
Fl
Boston, MA 02109
US
Direct:
(617) 570-9248(617) 570-9248

Meet The Gemmell and Kurtz Group

About Joseph W Gemmell

Joe has been helping families make informed financial decisions for almost three decades. He joined a Morgan Stanley predecessor in 1995.

As a Senior Vice President, he brings both tenured experience and the technical skills that high-net-worth families, business owners and corporate executives rely on in today’s challenging environments.

Joe began his career working with institutional clients at State Street Bank & Trust in Boston. He moved to GW & Wade Asset Management so he could work with individuals and families. Joe joined Smith Barney in 1995, a legacy firm of Morgan Stanley. In 2011, his partner Micah Kurtz joined his team and they later created The Gemmell and Kurtz Group.

Joe earned a B.S. in Finance from UMass Lowell, and an M.S. in Finance from Boston College.

Joe is an avid hiker and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
Securities Agent: TX, TN, NC, IL, IA, UT, ME, MD, LA, FL, NJ, MS, KS, PA, MN, GA, AZ, AL, WV, VT, OH, MI, DE, DC, CT, WA, OR, NV, NH, ID, CO, SC, VA, MA, AR, RI, NY, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1492050

About Micah O'Leary Kurtz

Micah began working for Morgan Stanley in 2011. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ he brings a wealth of knowledge to high-net-worth families, business owners and corporate executives. Micah spends the majority of his time designing financial plans and implementing their strategies.

Micah graduated from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts with a B.A. in Political Science. He later earned the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation, which demonstrates both his skills in areas like financial, tax and estate planning, investment management and insurance strategies, and a commitment to ethical service.

Micah is a board member, trustee and treasurer for the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museum, which preserves and restores the art within the Vatican Museum. He is a proud husband and father to two beautiful daughters.
Securities Agent: VT, VA, DC, SC, NY, ID, GA, AL, PA, WA, ME, FL, TX, NC, MD, IA, AZ, TN, NV, CA, UT, MI, IL, CO, LA, KS, NJ, MN, DE, WV, OH, MA, RI, OR, NH, MS, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1539481

About M. Riley Chapman

Riley is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ who has been dedicated to helping clients navigate their financial futures since 2019. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2020 and focuses on equity compensation, providing tailored financial strategies to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners. He takes great pride in his commitment to ethical service and dedication helping clients achieve their goals. With a strong foundation in finance, Riley holds both a Series 7 and Series 66 license, allowing for a comprehensive approach to wealth management.

A graduate of Saint Anselm College, Riley earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. This diverse academic background enhances his understanding of client needs and behaviors.

In his personal life, Riley is based in Clearwater, FL, and enjoys golfing and spending time at the beach with his girlfriend, Kayla, and their rescue dog, Ella.

NMLS ID: 2660264
Securities Agent: MO, IN, AZ, SD, RI, NV, NE, HI, FL, SC, PR, WY, VT, VI, ND, ME, MD, KY, GA, DE, NY, MA, LA, DC, OR, NC, MI, KS, CT, WV, MT, ID, AK, NM, NH, IL, IA, AR, TN, PA, MN, CO, WA, CA, AL, VA, UT, TX, OK, OH, NJ, MS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2660264

About Jessie Earls

Jessie manages all servicing matters for the team, to deliver top-tier client service, while maintaining positive client relationships. These functions include handling administrative duties, client service & team support

Jessie joined Morgan Stanley in September of 2021. Prior to joining our team, she worked in the Mortgage Industry as a Mortgage Operations Specialist. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance & Marketing, from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

In her free time, she is an avid skier, aspiring golfer, soccer player and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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 Ian Weinberg

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

Ian earned his undergraduate degree from Monmouth University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Ian is originally from Florida and currently resides in New Jersey.
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

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.

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.

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 Gemmell and Kurtz Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.

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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 (“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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4The 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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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 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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6Morgan 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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7Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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8Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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9Morgan 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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10Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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11Physical precious metals are non-regulated products. Precious metals are speculative investments, which may experience short-term and long-term price volatility. The value of precious metals investments may fluctuate and may appreciate or decline, depending on market conditions. If sold in a declining market, the price you receive may be less than your original investment. Unlike bonds and stocks, precious metals do not make interest or dividend payments. Therefore, precious metals may not be appropriate for investors who require current income. Precious metals are commodities that should be safely stored, which may impose additional costs on the investor. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) provides certain protection for customers’ cash and securities in the event of a brokerage firm’s bankruptcy, other financial difficulties, or if customers’ assets are missing. SIPC protection does not apply to precious metals or other commodities.

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12Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
Morgan Stanley does not assist with buying or selling art in any way and merely provides information to clients interested learning more about the different types of art markets at a high level. Any client interested in buying or selling art should consult with their own independent art advisor.

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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)