

The Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley
Direct:
(516) 683-3165(516) 683-3165
Toll-Free:
(866) 299-8257(866) 299-8257

Our Mission Statement
We listen. We care. It’s who we are.
Our Story and Services
To understand our group, it’s imperative to know who we are, what we believe and how we practice our craft.
To begin, there’s no algorithm. There’s no overreliance on technology. There’s no proprietary investment product invented by people whom you’ll never meet.
Rather, The Harbor Group is a small team of seasoned investment professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving the needs of individual investors. We do this by crafting customized investment solutions based on your particular situation and long-term objectives. We prefer to serve our clients under the Investment Advisor Act of 1940, which, among other things, means that we act as a fiduciary at all times. Beyond that, we have never—and will never—lose sight that the decisions we help our clients make may have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. A sobering thought.
Our process begins with a conversation in which you’ll do most of the talking—and we’ll do most of the listening. Typically, our clients are asking a somewhat abstract question: “Am I going to be alright?” Everything we do is an attempt to answer that question in the affirmative. Ultimately, it drives us. For those who aren’t concerned about their future today, we ask how they might feel a year from now. Unexpected life events can dramatically alter the financial path for those who aren’t prepared.
Only when we have a clear, incisive understanding of who you are and what you wish to achieve, we’ll craft a plan and lay the groundwork for what will hopefully ensure a favorable outcome for you.
Yet, a plan is not a process. Our belief is that no investment strategy exists in a vacuum, and we need to adapt your plan within the ultimate context in which it’s constructed. Namely, your life.
Toward that end, a principal of Harbor meets with every client on a periodic basis to review progress, and make modifications based on market factors and your evolving life. If you’re unable to meet with us in our offices in Garden City, Long Island, or in Morgan Stanley’s conference center in Manhattan, we’ll come to you. We also welcome the opportunity to confer with your other trusted advisors to better ensure all components of your financial world are working together for you. If you prefer, we’ll even meet jointly in person with you and your advisors.
The Harbor Group. We listen. We care. It's who we are.
To begin, there’s no algorithm. There’s no overreliance on technology. There’s no proprietary investment product invented by people whom you’ll never meet.
Rather, The Harbor Group is a small team of seasoned investment professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving the needs of individual investors. We do this by crafting customized investment solutions based on your particular situation and long-term objectives. We prefer to serve our clients under the Investment Advisor Act of 1940, which, among other things, means that we act as a fiduciary at all times. Beyond that, we have never—and will never—lose sight that the decisions we help our clients make may have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. A sobering thought.
Our process begins with a conversation in which you’ll do most of the talking—and we’ll do most of the listening. Typically, our clients are asking a somewhat abstract question: “Am I going to be alright?” Everything we do is an attempt to answer that question in the affirmative. Ultimately, it drives us. For those who aren’t concerned about their future today, we ask how they might feel a year from now. Unexpected life events can dramatically alter the financial path for those who aren’t prepared.
Only when we have a clear, incisive understanding of who you are and what you wish to achieve, we’ll craft a plan and lay the groundwork for what will hopefully ensure a favorable outcome for you.
Yet, a plan is not a process. Our belief is that no investment strategy exists in a vacuum, and we need to adapt your plan within the ultimate context in which it’s constructed. Namely, your life.
Toward that end, a principal of Harbor meets with every client on a periodic basis to review progress, and make modifications based on market factors and your evolving life. If you’re unable to meet with us in our offices in Garden City, Long Island, or in Morgan Stanley’s conference center in Manhattan, we’ll come to you. We also welcome the opportunity to confer with your other trusted advisors to better ensure all components of your financial world are working together for you. If you prefer, we’ll even meet jointly in person with you and your advisors.
The Harbor Group. We listen. We care. It's who we are.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
Personalized Solutions
Our team believes we best serve our clients when we work in conjunction with their other trusted advisors. Doing so can improve their immediate and long-term financial well-being, as well as relieve the burden of needing to coordinate communications among their advisors.
If you’re a CPA or attorney with whom we share a mutual client, we encourage you to have a conversation with us about developing a professional relationship that could benefit the client. Additionally, if you’re interested, we could explore a peer-to-peer, revenue-sharing program offered by Morgan Stanley that may add value to your existing client relationships, expand your offerings, strengthen your client retention efforts and enhance your market competitiveness.
Please reach out to Michael Cohen at (516) 683-3165 or Michael.J.Cohen@morganstanley.com for more information.
If you’re a CPA or attorney with whom we share a mutual client, we encourage you to have a conversation with us about developing a professional relationship that could benefit the client. Additionally, if you’re interested, we could explore a peer-to-peer, revenue-sharing program offered by Morgan Stanley that may add value to your existing client relationships, expand your offerings, strengthen your client retention efforts and enhance your market competitiveness.
Please reach out to Michael Cohen at (516) 683-3165 or Michael.J.Cohen@morganstanley.com for more information.
Location
1200 Franklin Avenue 2nd
Fl
Garden City, NY 11530
US
Direct:
(516) 683-3165(516) 683-3165
Toll-Free:
(866) 299-8257(866) 299-8257
Meet The Harbor Group
About Paul Skydell
Paul Skydell has been helping individual investors achieve their goals for three and a half decades. At The Harbor Group, he is responsible for all fixed income investing, primarily utilizing U.S. government bonds, agency paper and municipal bonds. In addition, he closely collaborates on all customized client portfolio solutions with partner, Harold Cohen.
He began his career at Butcher and Singer, Inc. in Philadelphia, training under the firm’s chief technical analysts, serving the fixed income needs of small-to-mid-sized pensions, primarily in the healthcare field.
In 1990, he was recruited by Hartford-based Advest, Inc., and in 1993, was elected to the firm’s board of directors, then the youngest person to have served in that capacity. At Advest, the foundational plans for what is today The Harbor Group were formed.
In 2005, Advest, Inc. was acquired by Merrill Lynch. Prior to closing, Paul shifted Harbor’s affiliation to UBS Financial Services. In 2011, Harbor joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where it resides today.
Active philanthropy is an important part of Paul’s life. As such, he chairs his family’s private foundation, which is dedicated to solving food security issues in his home state of Maine. In addition, he is a Corporator of Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine, and a Director of Trout Unlimited’s Cold Water Conservation Fund, which applies techniques normally associated with private equity investing to conservation projects nationally.
An avid fly fisherman when not working, he can be found stalking the elusive bonefish in the Bahamas, or chasing big trout while camping in an Airstream trailer in the wilds of Montana. He is the Secretary of The Anglers’ Club of New York, a member of The Flyfishers’ of London, and a member of The Lotos Club. Paul divides time between residences in Bath, Maine and Manhattan.
Paul is a graduate of the College of William and Mary.
He began his career at Butcher and Singer, Inc. in Philadelphia, training under the firm’s chief technical analysts, serving the fixed income needs of small-to-mid-sized pensions, primarily in the healthcare field.
In 1990, he was recruited by Hartford-based Advest, Inc., and in 1993, was elected to the firm’s board of directors, then the youngest person to have served in that capacity. At Advest, the foundational plans for what is today The Harbor Group were formed.
In 2005, Advest, Inc. was acquired by Merrill Lynch. Prior to closing, Paul shifted Harbor’s affiliation to UBS Financial Services. In 2011, Harbor joined Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, where it resides today.
Active philanthropy is an important part of Paul’s life. As such, he chairs his family’s private foundation, which is dedicated to solving food security issues in his home state of Maine. In addition, he is a Corporator of Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine, and a Director of Trout Unlimited’s Cold Water Conservation Fund, which applies techniques normally associated with private equity investing to conservation projects nationally.
An avid fly fisherman when not working, he can be found stalking the elusive bonefish in the Bahamas, or chasing big trout while camping in an Airstream trailer in the wilds of Montana. He is the Secretary of The Anglers’ Club of New York, a member of The Flyfishers’ of London, and a member of The Lotos Club. Paul divides time between residences in Bath, Maine and Manhattan.
Paul is a graduate of the College of William and Mary.
Securities Agent: OR, IL, FL, KS, CT, VA, NH, IN, DC, AR, AL, MN, IA, AZ, CA, ME, GA, TX, NY, NJ, MD, MA, SC, RI, PA, NM, NC, CO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1272959
NMLS#: 1272959
About Harold Cohen
Harold Cohen has been solving complex investment problems for large corporations and individuals for close to 40 years. Today he is responsible for all equity investing at The Harbor Group, including overseeing the relationships with, and due diligence on, the equity managers utilized to help Harbor’s clients achieve their financial goals. In addition, he oversees all client portfolio analysis and projections.
After being awarded his CPA, Harold began his career in the consulting division of Deloitte & Touche. He spent the next decade traveling the country on a multitude of assignments, primarily helping to rehabilitate companies which were in danger of foundering. His work with distressed companies gave him the ability to analyze a set of numbers and convert them to a real life action plan leading to a successful outcome.
In 1998, with a growing family, and a desire to not travel three to four thousand miles per week, he was recruited by Paul Skydell to form what is today The Harbor Group. Over the past twenty plus years, working with individuals, as opposed to corporate entities and boards, has been extraordinarily gratifying for him.
When not at work, Harold is a voracious reader of books on American and European history, which allows him to travel to far off places in both location and time without having to get on a plane, of which he has had enough.
Harold enjoys time spent with his sons and wife of 35 years, Peri. He resides in Hewlett Harbor, New York.
Harold is a graduate of Hofstra University.
After being awarded his CPA, Harold began his career in the consulting division of Deloitte & Touche. He spent the next decade traveling the country on a multitude of assignments, primarily helping to rehabilitate companies which were in danger of foundering. His work with distressed companies gave him the ability to analyze a set of numbers and convert them to a real life action plan leading to a successful outcome.
In 1998, with a growing family, and a desire to not travel three to four thousand miles per week, he was recruited by Paul Skydell to form what is today The Harbor Group. Over the past twenty plus years, working with individuals, as opposed to corporate entities and boards, has been extraordinarily gratifying for him.
When not at work, Harold is a voracious reader of books on American and European history, which allows him to travel to far off places in both location and time without having to get on a plane, of which he has had enough.
Harold enjoys time spent with his sons and wife of 35 years, Peri. He resides in Hewlett Harbor, New York.
Harold is a graduate of Hofstra University.
Securities Agent: AR, MD, AZ, AL, IL, PA, ME, TX, NJ, FL, NY, NH, CA, VA, NM, NC, IN, OR, MN, MA, KS, IA, CT, RI, GA, DC, CO, SC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1252963
NMLS#: 1252963
About Michael Cohen
Michael J. Cohen is a Financial Advisor at The Harbor Group. His primary area of responsibility is the coordination of all financial planning and modeling at the group. He works closely with new and existing clients during the onboarding process to ensure that the data utilized to craft long term solutions is both comprehensive and accurate, thereby helping to create the best work product possible. In addition, he is responsible for Harbor’s digital outreach.
Michael came to the investment world quite naturally, and some would say unavoidably. His interest in the financial markets and the wealth accumulation process was stimulated as a young child while listening to dinner table conversations between Harold Cohen, his father, and Paul Skydell. High school internships at Harbor fed this natural curiosity, and so it is no surprise that at university he gravitated towards finance as course of study. He was subsequently accepted to the prestigious Rauch School of Business at Lehigh University.
After graduation in 2019, he successfully competed for a position in Morgan Stanley’s financial planning training program, and in 2021, joined Harbor.
While not working, Michael takes pleasure in outdoor sports, particularly skiing, tennis, and golf.
Michael came to the investment world quite naturally, and some would say unavoidably. His interest in the financial markets and the wealth accumulation process was stimulated as a young child while listening to dinner table conversations between Harold Cohen, his father, and Paul Skydell. High school internships at Harbor fed this natural curiosity, and so it is no surprise that at university he gravitated towards finance as course of study. He was subsequently accepted to the prestigious Rauch School of Business at Lehigh University.
After graduation in 2019, he successfully competed for a position in Morgan Stanley’s financial planning training program, and in 2021, joined Harbor.
While not working, Michael takes pleasure in outdoor sports, particularly skiing, tennis, and golf.
Securities Agent: SC, SD, TX, VA, VT, IA, KS, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2437507
NMLS#: 2437507
About Paula Tudor
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Paula Tudor seamlessly manages the many aspects of client service activity at The Harbor Group. In particular, she is responsible for insuring that every client of The Harbor Group is scheduled to meet with one of the principals on a regular basis, and prepares the analytics reports for the meetings.
Community service is an important part of her life. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she volunteers a lot of her time with at- risk youth in her home town of Queens, New York.
When not at work, Paula enjoys spending time with her family, yoga and is also an avid film buff.
Paula is a graduate of St. John’s University and holds her Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.
Community service is an important part of her life. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she volunteers a lot of her time with at- risk youth in her home town of Queens, New York.
When not at work, Paula enjoys spending time with her family, yoga and is also an avid film buff.
Paula is a graduate of St. John’s University and holds her Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.

Contact Paul Skydell

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3Morgan 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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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
3Morgan 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.
4When 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.
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)