An Exclusive Focus on Retirement Planning

Founded in 1988, our team has been dedicated to the unique and complex issues associated with retirement, having helped hundreds of clients navigate this process seamlessly and effectively. Most of our clients come to us about 10 years before retirement, while still enjoying successful careers and steadily saving and investing for the future. These are the clients we focus on serving. As long-time retirement professionals, we’ve encountered nearly every possible scenario among our clients, including a wide range of financial knowledge, income levels, career paths and backgrounds. We will apply this extensive experience to your particular needs and objectives, resulting in a suitable strategy customized just for you.
Services Include
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WORKING WITH YOU

While there are many ways to plan for retirement and beyond, most individuals have neither the time nor the expertise to plan for and implement a successful roadmap towards their future. At the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group, we have significant experience in helping people like you achieve their goals.

Specifically, we'll work with you to answer these vital questions:

  • Do I have enough money to cover my needs, my ambitions and unexpected expenses?
  • How do I deal with such uncertainties as taxes, inflation and health issues?
  • How do I monitor my retirement assets through rapidly changing market conditions?
  • When should I take Social Security?
  • What's the most effective spending strategy to meet my goals and minimize taxes?
  • How do I plan for my family legacy and charitable goals?

Our Process:
Unlike other teams who concentrate primarily on growing your investment portfolio, we have extensive knowledge in helping you transition to retirement as well as maintain your chosen lifestyle once in retirement. In other words, we help you with all three phases:

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    Planning

    We help develop, implement and track a custom-tailored goals based portfolio based on key criteria, including your spending needs, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs and return expectations.

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    Transitioning

    We help turn your life savings into a steady stream of income aimed at lasting your lifetime. It is our job to help you navigate the complexities of Social Security, Medicare, IRA distribution rules, and an array of other issues.

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    Maintaining

    We have the tools and knowledge to help you follow your passions, ensure your legacy and protect your family.

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    Client Questionnaire

    We have included a copy of a questionnaire that our clients and team uses to facilitate "Our Process" as we have just layed out. Please clink the link below to view the questionnaire.

    Client Questionnaire

Our Concierge Team

Today’s complex, global economy requires skill and vigilance when it comes to wealth management. It takes an experienced team to develop, implement, and monitor a plan for a strong financial future—a future that considers the needs and desires of family and others.

The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group's Concierge Team is a group of seasoned advisors and professionals that provides you with a convenient, high level of service that helps you to manage and implement your financial plan before and during your retirement years. The Concierge Team assists you with more basic needs like contact information updates, online enrollments, and fund distribution, as well as more complex items such as portfolio reviews, investment recommendations, and financial plan updates.
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    Shane M. Hefty, CFP®, CRPC®
    Vice President, Financial Advisor
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    Teri Craig
    Vice President, Director of Investments
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    Jennifer Butler
    Senior Client Service Associate
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    Kara Pryor
    Senior Client Service Associate
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    Hattie Sigler
    Client Service Associate

Documents & Resources

In line with our business mission, we pride ourselves in providing digestible resources for our clients for every step of their retirement journey; before, after, and between our meetings with you.
    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
    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
    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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    Total wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, as well as a complete view of your assets and liabilities whether they are held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere.
    Link Your External Accounts Within MSO
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    2025 Federal Income Tax Tables
    For help filing your taxes this year, our team has published the 2025 tax tables for your reference. Please click the link below to view them.
    2025 Tax Tables
    Global Investment Office - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Global Investment Office
    The Morgan Stanley Global Investment Office provides you with world-class thought leadership timely market commentary, and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
    Morgan Stanley Portfolio Insights
    Total Tax 365
    Total Tax 365
    Taxes can be a substantial drag on investment returns. Morgan Stanley Total Tax 365 offers access to a broad range of tax-efficient strategies to help you integrate tax planning into your investment process all year long, maximize portfolio after-tax return potential and help keep more of what you earn.
    Learn More
    Donor Advised Funds (DAF) - (icon) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
    A solution that may help you execute planned giving, offer an efficient way to donate complex and illiquid assets, and simplify charitable giving reporting while potentially mitigating taxes. Bring philanthropy into your wealth plan and help amplify the impact of your giving through the Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust (MS GIFT).
    MS GIFT

2025 Events

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    Morgan Stanley Webinar: Estate Planning | February 27th, 2025
    Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging, during a person’s life, for the management and disposal of that person’s estate during the person’s life and at and after death, while managing gift, estate, generation skipping transfer, and income tax. Join us for an informative webinar featuring Estate Planning Attorney, Christopher Gaughan.
    Register Here
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    Morgan Stanley Webinar: Social Security | April 10th, 2025
    As you approach retirement, it is more important than ever to understand the role that Social Security benefits can and should play in your overall retirement income plan.
    Register Here
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    Morgan Stanley Webinar: Medicare | May 15th, 2025
    If you are like most Americans, health care is expected to be one of your largest expenses in retirement, after housing and transportation costs. But unlike your parent’s generation, you won’t likely have access to employer or union-sponsored retiree health benefits. So, health care costs could likely consume a larger portion of your retirement budget - a plan can help you prepare for that.
    Register Here
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    Morgan Stanley Webinar: Estate Planning | September 11th, 2025
    Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging, during a person’s life, for the management and disposal of that person’s estate during the person’s life and at and after death, while managing gift, estate, generation skipping transfer, and income tax. Join us for an informative webinar featuring Estate Planning Attorney, Christopher Gaughan.
    Register Here
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    Morgan Stanley Webinar: Social Security | October 9th, 2025
    As you approach retirement, it is more important than ever to understand the role that Social Security benefits can and should play in your overall retirement income plan.
    Register Here

Location

4520 Main St.
8th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64111
US
Direct:
(816) 932-7856(816) 932-7856
Toll-Free:
(800) 821-6119(800) 821-6119
7733 Forsyth Blvd.
20th Floor
Clayton, MO 63105
US
Direct:
(314) 889-8148(314) 889-8148
5001 Spring Valley Road
Suite 900W
Dallas, TX 75244
US
Direct:
(214) 661-7143(214) 661-7143

Meet The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group

About Gordon H Hamilton III

Gordon Hamilton III is a Financial Advisor and a Managing Director with the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Kansas City, MO. He began his career in 1987 and has been with Morgan Stanley and its predecessor firms for his entire career. Gordon holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance from Southern Methodist University.

During his long, distinguished career, Gordon has addressed virtually all facets of retirement planning. In doing so, he has helped many clients accumulate assets for their retirement and create conservative strategies designed to generate steady income streams throughout their leisure years.

Given his decades-long focus on retirement planning, Gordon is highly sensitive to the many issues that concern retirees, such as outliving their assets, and is also extremely adept at uncovering needs and concerns that clients themselves are not even aware they will likely have later in life. He believes the closer a financial advisor listens to a client, the better he or she can craft a precise plan that appropriately aligns with the individual’s unique needs.

Gordon strives to form a close relationship with all of his clients, because he wants them to feel comfortable asking him anything about their personal financial situation. This approach often leads clients to form a personal relationship with him and seek his advice on a host of other financial topics – from buying a home to investing assets for a grandchild’s college education.

Gordon is also very proud of the team of honorable, hard-working investment professionals he has assembled at The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group. Many of the professionals have been with him for more than a decade.

Finally, he is most proud of his family. Gordon has been married to his lovely wife, Ann Marie, for more than 25 years, and they have four adult children. Gordon and Ann Marie enjoy spending time with family, traveling and staying active in their church.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Advisor
2020 – 2024
Barron’s Magazine, Top 1200 Financial Advisors
2014 – 2024
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Senior Investment Management Consultant
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2020-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2020-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html

2014-2024 Barron's Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron's Top 1,000 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2014-2024). Data compiled by Barron's based on 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: UT, AR, WY, WA, TX, OH, MS, TN, NE, ME, IN, OR, NV, MT, KY, KS, IA, CO, CA, PA, OK, ND, NC, LA, WI, SC, NM, NJ, MD, MA, IL, ID, DE, VA, MI, AZ, AK, HI, AL, NH, SD, MN, GA, FL, VT, NY, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1294040

About Thomas C Riordan

Tom Riordan is a Executive Director, Financial Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Kansas City, MO. He joined the Group in 2002 while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/Economics at Rockhurst University, a prestigious Jesuit university.

Tom offers a wealth of valuable advisory experience in helping clients seek their long-term retirement goals. He has spent his entire 23-year career at Morgan Stanley, during which time he has become extremely familiar about the firm’s broad spectrum of products and services and works to utilize them to help his clients.

Tom is passionate about forming strong business relationships with his clients – relationships that often-become enduring personal relationships with time. That’s because Tom makes his clients’ goals and concerns his main priority and is deeply committed to earn each client’s confidence and loyalty every business day.

Among his many attributes as a seasoned financial advisor, Tom is keenly focused on delivering a high level of quality service tailored to each client’s needs. He takes the time to educate investors about their unique financial plan, as needed, and is readily available to answer any questions they may have.

“I have the best interests of my clients in mind at all times,” he emphasizes. “I grew up in a family that espoused good Midwest values, and I come to work every day to practice those values in helping my clients get to where they need financially and enjoy the retirement they envision for themselves.”
Tom is married to his wonderful wife Kelly, and they live happily with their three boys in Leawood, KS. In his free time, He enjoys running, especially long-distance running. He has completed several marathons. He is an Eagle Scout and an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks’ basketball team, the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.

Awards and Accreditations:

2023, 2024, 2025 Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2020 Forbes, Next Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
2017-2018 Forbes, America’s Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors
2021 – 2024 Forbes, Best-in-State Advisors
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Senior Investment Management Consultant
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2017-2018 and 2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2018 and 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.

2021-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: CA, AZ, NE, NC, MO, MA, FL, TX, PA, OR, OH, NM, NJ, MI, KY, IL, WA, IN, ID, WY, KS, NH, MT, ME, MD, VA, NY, NV, WI, SD, OK, GA, SC, IA, CO, UT, HI, AR, AL, TN, ND, MN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1279594

About Benjamin J Panos

Benjamin Panos is a Executive Director, Financial Advisor, Senior Investment Management Consultant and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group of Morgan Stanley. He joined the Group in 2003 while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance/Economics at Rockhurst University, a prestigious Jesuit university.

Throughout his long tenure with Morgan Stanley, Ben has continually focused on helping clients seek to grow and preserve their wealth during all types of market and economic environments, regardless of their investment objectives, risk tolerance levels and personal concerns.

Ben is highly adept at listening to each client’s unique needs and concerns and creating a long-term holistic financial plan that meticulously addresses them. He is extremely familiar with the full range of Morgan Stanley’s global resources and seeks to maximize their potential to help clients achieve their long-term retirement goals.

Equally important, Ben takes the time to explain his carefully crafted recommendations in a direct and easy-to-understand manner.

Ben’s client-centric approach has helped numerous investors with varied financial goals and concerns navigate their retirement goals envisioned for themselves. This has given Ben great personal satisfaction.

Ben and his wife Ali reside in Leawood, Kansas with their four children. In his spare time, he’s enjoying one of his many hobbies, which include working out at the gym, golfing, boxing, hunting, rock-climbing, playing basketball, and participating in triathlons. He also likes taking on new challenges. Currently, he’s learning how to play the guitar.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025
Forbes, America’s Next Gen Advisors
2018
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Advisor
2021 2022 2023 2024
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Senior Investment Management Consultant
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation (WA-EC)

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018 ​Forbes Top 1,000 Next Gen Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jul 2018) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/17 - 3/31/18.

2021-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: TN, HI, NH, OR, KY, PA, MT, IN, IL, NC, GA, VA, PR, NY, NE, MN, MI, KS, AR, SC, FL, NJ, ND, CA, AZ, NV, NM, CO, WI, WA, TX, OH, MS, MD, ID, AL, WY, UT, SD, OK, MO, ME, MA, IA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278977

About Christopher Briley

Chris Briley is a Executive Director, Financial Advisor, Senior Management Investment Consultant and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. He joined the Group in 2004 after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Kansas, where he majored in both Communications and Psychology.

Chris works very diligently to build strong personal relationships with his clients. He is deeply committed to carefully analyzing each client’s total financial situation, including his or her specific needs and concerns, and creating custom strategies designed to help the client towards a comfortable retirement.

Chris uses an in-depth, detailed approach to help build unwavering confidence with clients. He focuses on providing reassurance that regardless of how the markets or economy performs, he will be there to provide the support and guidance that they need to help ensure their portfolio remains on track throughout their leisure years.

Chris’s focus of making his clients’ financial well-being his main priority has helped him and other Financial Advisors within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group build a following of loyal clients. Many clients, in fact, have been with him for years and have referred him to friends and family members, as well.

When he isn’t working with his clients, Chris enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Britton, their two sons and two dogs. He also volunteers as a coach for his boys’ teams. A proud third-generation Kansas Jayhawk, Chris is an avid supporter of the university’s basketball team. He also enjoys following the Chiefs and the Royals.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

Forbes, Next Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
2020

Forbes, Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors
2018

Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Advisors
2021 2022 2023 2024

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Senior Investment Management Consultant
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2018 and 2020 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018 and 2020). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued.

2021-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2021-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: SD, CA, OH, NY, ME, WY, NC, MD, FL, SC, KY, CO, AR, WA, MO, ID, HI, IN, GA, AL, UT, TX, MN, PA, NE, ND, KS, IL, IA, WI, VA, TN, OK, NM, NJ, MI, MA, AZ, NV, MT, OR, NH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278679

About Kyle R Hummer

Kyle Hummer is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Kansas City, MO. He joined the Group in 2007, while earning his Business Administration degree at Rockhurst University.

Since joining the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group, Kyle has developed specific experience in helping clients create comprehensive retirement plans to help meet their short-term needs and long-term goals. As a Financial Advisor, he works to provide value and insight into the many often overlooked pitfalls and nuances of working towards a confident retirement.

Kyle strives to exceed his clients’ expectations with regard to planning by posing questions that many may have never considered. He also seeks to engage them in conversation that can help uncovers needs that they themselves may not otherwise recognize until well into the future. He focuses on attention to detail to help provide a high level of quality personal service to every client. Kyle not only treats every client the way he would like to be treated himself; he is deeply committed to make every investor feel important.

When he isn’t working, Kyle spends time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys golf, traveling, coaching youth sports and staying active within the church.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

Kansas City Business Magazine, Five Star Wealth Manager
2016 – 2023

Forbes, Next Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisor
2022 2023 2024

Forbes, America’s Top Next Gen Wealth Advisor’s
2017 2018

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation (WA-EC)

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2016-2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2016-2023) These awards were determined through an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional, based on objective criteria, during the following periods:
2016 - 05/20/2015 through 10/15/2015
2017 - 03/26/2016 through 11/28/2016
2018 - 05/17/2017 through 11/30/2017
2019 - 05/11/2018 through 11/27/2018
2020 - 04/1/2019 through 11/13/2019
2021 - 04/20/2020 through 10/23/2020
2022 - 04/20/2021 through 10/15/2021
2023 - 04/18/22 through 10/21/22

2017-2018 and 2022-2024 Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors & Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State (formerly referred to as Forbes America's Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 1,000 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, Forbes Top 500 Next Generation Wealth Advisors)
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2017-2018 and 2022-2024 ). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month period concluding in Mar of the year the award was issued. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: NJ, CA, KY, ID, IA, NH, SC, OH, FL, CO, WI, TX, MT, MO, MI, MA, TN, NE, IN, NV, IL, GA, AL, OR, NY, MN, ME, VA, UT, NM, ND, MD, AZ, PA, NC, AR, WY, WA, KS, HI, SD, OK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282507

About Shane Hefty

Shane Hefty is a Vice President, Portfolio Manager, and Financial Advisor with the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Kansas City, Mo. He is also a Certified Financial Planner™ and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®).

In addition to advising high-net-worth clients, Shane’s responsibilities with the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group include leading the investment committee, overseeing financial planning, and serving on the Client Concierge Team.

Shane has nearly 20 years of experience in financial services. He began his career as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch in 2007 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017.

Before joining the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group in 2021, Shane was the Business Development Manager for the Missouri/Kansas Complex, where, in addition to serving a select group of clients working in the technology industry, he helped advisors and their teams work to improve client experiences.

Shane believes that the most important part of a financial plan is why a client is saving and investing, considering short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. Collaborating with a client’s tax and legal professionals is a key part of the planning process to help manage taxes and leave a legacy as intended.

Given this highly personalized approach, Shane gets to know clients in great depth while developing strong personal relationships with them. In fact, he considers his clients more as family members because he always has their best interests in mind.

Shane lives in Bettendorf, Iowa with his son, Aiden, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Becky. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in psychology from Iowa State University. In his spare time, Shane enjoys Iowa State athletics, the arts, reading and writing, traveling, good food and drink, and music.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation
Portfolio Manager (PM)

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: NV, WI, AR, SC, ID, AL, CA, SD, PA, OH, ND, MA, KS, WY, WA, TN, NY, ME, FL, VA, MN, MI, MD, NH, OK, NE, AZ, NJ, MT, IL, NM, NC, MO, TX, KY, IN, GA, CO, UT, OR, IA, HI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 909620

About Brad Welch

Brad Welch is a Financial Advisor, First Vice President and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. He joined the Group in 2011 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing at Rockhurst University, a prestigious Jesuit university.

Brad has a strong work ethic, a deep personal commitment to his profession, and great empathy for others. He immensely enjoys getting to know what’s important to people for the purpose of using his talent, knowledge and experience to help make a notable difference in their lives.

As an investment professional, Brad is highly skilled at helping clients identify their unique needs and making them feel comfortable with all facets of the financial planning process. He is keenly adept at providing easy-to-understand answers to complex questions and building and maintaining strong business relationships.
As an employee of Morgan Stanley, one of the world’s largest, most respected financial institutions, Brad has also invested a considerable amount of time to learn about the firm’s vast, far-reaching resources that he can utilize to help craft custom-tailored strategies for his clients.

When he isn’t helping his clients seek their long-term retirement objectives, Brad spends his free time enjoying the outdoors. He particularly enjoys golf and long-distance running. In recent years, he has competed in several half marathons. He also likes to travel.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

Kansas City Business Magazine, Five Star Wealth Manager
2021 2022 2023 2024

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

2021- 2024 Five Star Wealth Advisor Award
This award was issued in 2021-2024. The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from
2021 - 04/20/2020 through 10/23/2020
2022 - 04/20/2021 through 10/15/2021
2023 - 04/18/22 through 10/21/22
2024 - 04/10/2023 through 10/31/2023
Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: NH, UT, SC, GA, OK, AR, AL, SD, NE, MO, WI, TX, MT, MN, IL, ID, NC, MI, MD, IN, CA, WY, NM, ME, OR, TN, NV, ND, FL, WA, VA, OH, MA, HI, AZ, NY, NJ, KY, KS, IA, CO, PA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1608155

About Miles Gill

Miles Gill is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Dallas, TX. As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®), he helps clients confidently transition from working years to a fulfilling retirement by creating personalized strategies tailored to their unique goals.

Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2016, Miles has earned a reputation for being thoughtful, attentive, and deeply committed to his clients’ success. Drawing on Morgan Stanley’s resources, he delivers strategies that seek to help empower clients to manage their portfolios, plan for retirement, and work towards their financial futures.

Miles earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from the University of Kansas. He holds Series 7, 66, and 31 registrations, as well as insurance and long-term care licenses. His dedication has earned him accolades, including recognition as a Five Star Wealth Manager (Texas Monthly, 2023 & 2024) and membership in Morgan Stanley’s Pacesetter’s Club from 2018 to 2023.

Originally from Chicago and raised in Kansas City, Miles now calls Dallas home. Outside the office, he enjoys golfing, traveling with his fiancée Haley, and spending time with his Golden Retriever, Riggins. Whether he’s helping clients achieve their goals or cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks, Miles brings enthusiasm and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

Texas Monthly Magazine, Five Star Wealth Manager
2023 2024

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP)
Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Financial Planning Specialist (FPS)
Insurance Planning Director (IPD)
Portfolio Manager (PM)
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.
2023- 2024 Five Star Wealth Advisor Award
This award was issued in2023. The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five Star Professional based on objective criteria from 2023- 10/10/2022 through 05/05/2023. 2024- 10/10/23 through 4/30/24.
Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: PA, ND, TX, OR, NV, MO, ME, ID, WY, WI, UT, OH, MI, MA, AL, SD, NY, HI, DE, AZ, AR, VA, NE, IA, CA, NH, IN, IL, NJ, NC, MT, KY, CO, TN, OK, NM, MN, KS, SC, MD, WA, GA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1560674

About Jack Bahlinger

Jack Bahlinger is a Vice President and Financial Advisor within the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley in Clayton, MO. He joined the Group in 2013 while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance at Rockhurst University, a prestigious Jesuit university.

Easy-going by nature, Jack is primarily responsible for introducing the full range of retirement planning services offered by the Group to prospective clients. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Group’s far-reaching capabilities as well as the broad spectrum of global services offered by Morgan Stanley.

Jack also oversees the Group’s highly regarded Intern program. He carefully evaluates and selects exceptional college students with superior potential for a client-focused career in financial services. In fact, several of the Group’s most valued investment professionals began as college interns many years ago.

Thanks to his prior experience in accounting, Jack is extremely detailed-oriented and focuses on providing clients with detailed information to help them understand their situation and provide confidence.

Once Jack establishes a strong, confident relationship, he works diligently and pro-actively to maintain it. He stays in close contact regularly, answers questions in a timely and professional manner, and is always available to address any concerns or new investment goals that may arise.

Jack has returned to his hometown of St. Louis to expand The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group’s presence in the state. Jack is married to his wonderful wife Clare, and they live happily with their sons Louie and Charlie in Glendale, MO. In his free time, Jack enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching sports, playing golf and basketball and traveling.

Awards and Accreditations
Forbes, Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams
2023 2024 2025

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC)
Workplace Advisor – Equity Compensation

2023-2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023-2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award. Awards Disclosures: https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html
Securities Agent: CA, NV, VA, AZ, PA, MI, MD, AR, TX, TN, OH, NE, IL, HI, CO, WA, OR, OK, MO, MN, ID, IA, GA, NC, MT, WY, UT, NJ, KY, NH, SC, ND, MA, FL, AL, WI, SD, ME, IN, NY, NM, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1894353

About Teri Craig

Teri has been a vital member of The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group since joining the team in 2012. As a Senior Registered Client Service Associate, she is responsible for a variety of portfolio management and investment tasks, as well as helping clients execute daily transactions, properly take Required Minimum Distributions, and answer questions about long-term care insurance and annuities.

Starting her career in Operations at Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley) in 1999, Teri has continuously worked hard over the years, growing and learning the ins and outs of the financial services industry. She enjoys working directly with clients and strives to always provide an excellent service experience. As a Registered Associate with her FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities licenses, she is able to execute trades when the Group's Financial Advisors are not available.
Originally from San Clemente, California, Teri has been living in the Kansas City area for the past 18 years.  She currently lives in Leawood with her husband, Joe, their son, Dylan, daughter, Drew, and dog, Maddie. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, traveling and rooting on the Kansas City Royals.

About Jennifer Butler

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jennifer provides a wide range of services for the clients of The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group. She is responsible for all client service activity and overlooks the team's administrative and operational issues as they relate to client accounts, online services and regulatory compliance. Jennifer is highly skilled in onboarding new clients, while deepening relationships with existing ones. Her genius likes in her attention to detail, yet she is equally adept in handling client issues with both empathy and efficiency.

A graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in Marketing, Jennifer learned from an early age the importance of saving from her parents, who believed in investing for the long term. Soon after graduation, she joined Morgan Stanley, where she began her long and successful career in financial services.
Born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas, Jennifer currently lives in Lee's Summit, Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, reading and travel.

About Kara Pryor

As a Client Service Associate, Kara is often the first line of contact for clients on a wide array of administrative and marketing activities. She is always available to help with updates on daily account transfers, seminar and event planning and other related tasks.

A member of The Hamilton Retirement Planning Group since 2014, Kara assists in preparing reports for client appointments. She is also the lead on a number of aspects of the Group's business management and research activities, helping gain a deeper understanding of each client's priorities.

Originally from Hays, Kansas, Kara currently lives in Overland Park with her husband, Ben, and daughter, Boston. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travelling and Kansas University basketball.

About Hattie Sigler

Hattie was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. She is completing her BGS in Organizational Communications from the University of Kansas. Outside of the office, she enjoys getting outdoors with her dogs, traveling with friends, and watching KU basketball.

About Thad Blevins

Thad was born and raised in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Kansas in 2020 with a degree in finance. Thad currently oversees the Hamilton Retirement Planning Group's internship program and develops financial plans. In his free time, he plays in a men's soccer league and enjoys watching the the Kansas City Chiefs and KU basketball.
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1When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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3Morgan 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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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 and other legal matters.

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5Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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6When 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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7Municipal 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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8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)