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.

A Financial Plan Made for You

Our wealth management process is centered around you, focusing on your investment objectives and financial goals. With a holistic approach, we integrate all aspects of your financial life, including investments and cash management, to ensure alignment with your goals and wealth management plan. Our clients, who lead active and rewarding lives, rely on our expertise for sophisticated wealth management and streamlined financial decision making. We have designed our practice to meet these needs and to adapt as our clients navigate various life changes.
    Icon Image
    LifeView- Intelligent Planning
    We'll help you understand the fundamentals of finance and put your resources to work so you can plan, invest and ultimately transition to retirement with confidence.
    Complete Questionnaire Here
    Icon Image
    Estate & Legacy Planning Strategies
    Guiding families with legacy planning and collaborating with external tax & legal advisors to execute estate planning strategies and integrate investment solutions.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Business Owners
    Helping business owners with key strategic needs such as access to capital, plan administration and a variety of exit strategies.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Debt Management
    A comprehensive wealth management plan often includes prudent borrowing to compliment your investment portfolio. Our lending services can help provide the necessary funding and flexibility as you manage potential opportunities or liquidity needs.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Charitable Gifting
    No matter what your philanthropic ambitions, a Financial Advisor can help you translate good intentions into an impactful strategy by utilizing a variety of trusts, charitable vehicles and wealth management tools.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Insurance Analysis
    A sound wealth plan requires more than seeking returns. It involves mitigating and managing risks to help protect you when the unexpected occurs. Insurance, as part of your overall wealth plan, can help you get closer to achieving your retirement and legacy planning goals.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Divorce Planning
    Separating from a spouse is tough emotionally and financially. We help guide you through this difficult time, coordinating with your attorney to navigate complex financial decisions and help avoid the many pitfalls that can arise.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Your Guide to Life & Money
    Your guide to making smart decisions in life and money. Providing clarity, confidence, and strategies for a stronger financial future.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Investment Management
    We manage your investments in accordance with a holistic investment strategy tailored to you, and we review your portfolio with you on a regular basis.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Tax Optimization
    Tax-smart investing and withdrawal strategies can help you mitigate exposure to current taxes in your portfolio and keep more of what you've earned.
    Learn more

MODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES

We are confident that financial education enhances understanding of our investment strategy and discipline, ultimately leading to improved long-term outcomes. As such, we are committed to providing you with essential information to manage your wealth more effectively in today's global markets.
    Icon Image
    Maximum Benefit and Contribution Limits
    Planning for retirement is vital, understanding the limits for your retirement contributions empowers you to best prepare for retirement.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    2025 Tax Tables
    For help preparing for your 2025 taxes, view the tax tables below.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Understanding Social Security
    Identifying income sources for your future spending needs can be a helpful exercise when planning for retirement.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Long Term Care Planning
    Health care costs are rising, especially for retirees, and some may need long-term care. Prepare with these moves.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
    Your investments and everyday finances are always just a few clicks away with Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) and the Morgan Stanley mobile app! Access your finances and invest in an instant with the help of this handy resource that is available 24/7.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial profile with Total Wealth View. By linking your external account information, you will benefit from more educated and holistic wealth planning, and convenient connectivity.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Online Security Center
    Safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our extensive security measures and take advantage of our vast array of resources and ideas that are geared towards helping you stay protected on the World Wide Web.
    Learn more
    Icon Image
    Spending and Budgeting Tool
    Track spending habits, categorize expenses and create budgets across your Morgan Stanley and external financial accounts. Our Spending and Budgeting Tool makes it easy for you and your Financial Advisor to see your complete financial picture.
    Learn more

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: MT, MS, MN, NJ, WV, OH, MD, CA, OK, MA, ID, PA, GA, AK, VA, SC, NM, NC, MI, KY, IL, FL, UT, NY, CO, IN, AZ, AR, TX, LA, NV, KS, WA, OR, TN; 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: WV, OK, GA, CA, UT, NC, MA, MI, KS, WA, SC, VA, MN, LA, ID, NM, NJ, FL, AR, AK, TX, TN, NY, MT, KY, MS, MD, CO, AZ, PA, OH, NV, OR, IN, IL; 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 Rachel Cappola

Rachel Cappola is a Registered Client Service Associate with the Hanna/Stern Group at Morgan Stanley. She focuses on providing high-quality and timely support for each advisor in the Hanna/Stern Group and their clients.
A graduate of Indiana University Southeast, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in economics & public policy. Originally starting her professional career in data analytics, Rachel found that working face-to-face with clients and helping them reach their financial goals was where her passion lay.
Rachel began her career in the financial industry in 2022 at an independent RIA where she quickly obtained her licenses. She joined the Hanna/Stern Group in hopes of mastering the service-side of the industry before becoming an advisor. When not at work, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, as well as riding horses.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

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

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

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

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
Article Image

Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty

When it comes to investing, even the most savvy of us fall prey to bias and emotional trades. So what triggers should you watch for?

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

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

Business Planning

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

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. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC.

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

Back to top



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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



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

Back to top



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

Back to top



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.

Back to top



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

Back to top



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

Back to top



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.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque 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 | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)