Our Process and Beliefs

Clarity and confidence. That’s what you aim for when making life’s important financial decisions. Whether you’re growing a business, building a family legacy, or saving for a child’s education, you face a range of issues that can be challenging and complex. Reaching your goals requires a solid plan and a clear understanding of the financial landscape.We want a deep understanding of you and your goals. We ask questions, and we listen carefully. Then we create a financial plan tailored to fit your unique needs—a virtual road map that we monitor and adjust as needed.Our process, your outcome.We believe in making financial planning clear and simple. We want you to be comfortable with the process and confident about the decisions you make each step of the way—today, tomorrow, and beyond.Knowledge is power.We hold quarterly meetings to review objectives, mitigate risks, and help ensure that your financial plan stays aligned with your vision for the future. We believe it’s important for you to understand where your money is invested and why those investment vehicles were chosen.We work hard, but not alone.We coordinate with your other trusted advisors for a truly comprehensive wealth management strategy that includes attorneys, agents, and CPAs as needed. We treat you like family. With families of our own, we understand the financial issues people face during all stages of life. You want the best for everyone, and need to balance today’s interests with the well-being of your family’s financial future. Our philosophy is simple: we approach each client’s financial plan with the same respect and care we give to our own family members.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

Our team of advisors has the depth of experience and insight to understand your aspirations and the financial complexities that come with them. And with over 40 years of combined experience in the industry, we’ve seen all kinds of markets – the bear, the bull, and everything in between. Whether we’re helping you with asset allocation, education planning, or trusts, we offer a steady approach because wealth is built over time. And we’re in this for the long haul.

Our Clients

Our clients are discriminating professionals, business owners, and families who need help managing and ultimately transferring their assets. Many have been with us for a long time. In fact, we’re honored to serve the 2nd and 3rd generation of many clients, guiding them through important life stages with an intimate knowledge of their family’s shared values and legacy goals.

Location

4969 US Highway 42
Suite 1200
Louisville, KY 40222
US
Direct:
(502) 394-4000(502) 394-4000
Toll-Free:
(800) 966-4617(800) 966-4617

Meet The Hanna/Stern Group

About Phillip Hanna

Phil Hanna is a First Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner of The Hanna Stern Group at Morgan Stanley. He focuses on wealth management and financial planning for professionals, business owners, and families. 

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Phil earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and membership into the business honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma. He began his career in insurance, but quickly realized he wanted to provide clients with a broader range of services. He began his financial advisor career at UBS (and its predecessor firm) in 1999 and moved to Morgan Stanley in 2015. Phil has been working with Brent Stern, co-founder of The Hanna Stern Group, since 2000.

Phil draws on his extensive knowledge in estate planning and investment strategy to help clients identify and achieve their financial goals. He then carefully crafts wealth management strategies to meet each client’s unique needs, objectives, and risk tolerance. Committed to a high level of communication with clients, Phil holds quarterly face-to-face meetings to ensure that clients’ strategies stay aligned with their goals. 

Outside of the office, Phil resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, son, and daughter.
Securities Agent: MA, NV, OK, ID, PA, GA, AK, KS, WA, OR, CO, VA, SC, NM, NC, MI, KY, IL, FL, UT, NY, NJ, IN, AZ, AR, TX, LA, TN, MS, MN, WV, OH, MD, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1406594

About Brent Stern

Brent Stern is a First Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner of The Hanna Stern Group at Morgan Stanley. He focuses on providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management to individuals, families, and business owners.

A graduate of Miami University (Ohio), Brent earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business after the unique experience of studying European economics in Luxembourg. He began honing his finance skills at an early age – building stock portfolios in his high school business club – before becoming a financial advisor in 1999. Brent has been working with Phil Hanna, co-founder of The Hanna Stern Group, since 2000.

Brent has extensive experience designing financial plans and investment portfolios. He builds plans from the ground up, starting with a keen understanding of his client’s goals and aspirations. When it comes to investing, he offers a patient, steady approach. Throughout this process, he maintains a high level of communication with clients to ensure that their financial plans stay aligned with their vision for the future.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Brent has a wife and three children.
Securities Agent: AR, AK, UT, NC, NJ, MA, OH, MI, KS, NM, NV, OR, IN, IL, WV, OK, GA, CA, WA, SC, VA, MN, LA, ID, TX, TN, NY, KY, MS, MD, CO, AZ, PA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1406595

About Alexander Blair

Alex Blair is a Financial Advisor with the Hanna/Stern Group at Morgan Stanley. He focuses on providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management to individuals, business owners, professional athletes, and families.A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Alex earned his Bachelor of Business Administration. He began refining his finance skills at an early age by building stock portfolios as a member of the Investment Club during his Trinity High School days. Alex maintains an active role within his alma mater as the Assistant Golf Coach.Alex joined the Hanna/Stern Group in 2018 with a background in insurance & financial planning. Leveraging his senior partner’s experience, Alex assists his clients by building financial plans with their goals in mind. When it comes to investing, he offers a comprehensive, well balanced approach. Throughout this process, he maintains a high level of communication by holding quarterly reviews with clients to ensure their plans stay aligned with their goals. .
Securities Agent: AR, SC, NE, MN, OK, OH, ID, TX, TN, KY, NY, UT, OR, NM, VA, MD, IN, GA, AZ, PA, FL, CO, NV, NC, MI, MA, LA, KS, WV, WA, NJ, CA, AK, MT, MS, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About Tracy Harper

Tracy has over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. She began her career in 2004 with Morgan Stanley in Louisville where she earned her securities licenses. Tracy joined the Hanna/Stern Group in 2021 as a Senior Registered Associate where she is responsible for the day-to-day operations and client service experience. Tracy resides in Louisville, KY. When Tracy is not in the office providing excellent client service, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, working in her garden or reading a good book.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

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

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

Investing

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

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

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

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 
Article Image

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Hanna/Stern Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
1Morgan 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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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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3When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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4Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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

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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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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:
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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.

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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)