Our Story and Services

As your Financial Advisors, we can help you define and strive to meet your goals by delivering a vast array of resources to you in the way that is most appropriate for how you invest and what you want to achieve. Working together we can help you to preserve and grow your wealth. You’ll have access to some of the world’s most seasoned and respected investment professionals, a premier trading and execution platform and a full spectrum of investment choices.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

We believe that identifying the proper financial solutions begins with a solid understanding of each client’s situation, goals, objectives and risk tolerance. We follow a disciplined process that enables us to work with you to craft a solution that helps to meet your individual financial needs:

•Develop a thorough understanding of your financial goals and objectives
•Review and analyze your current financial situation
•Identify and tailor solutions that can help you meet your individual needs
•Implement your customized strategy, including personalized services and benefits
•Review your strategy, meeting periodically to discuss your goals and needs

Whatever your financial goal—whether to grow your wealth, preserve it or pass it on to others, you can count on us to help you with a strategy that is:

•Personal
Highly individualized and committed to helping you achieve financial success
•Flexible
Responsive to changes in your life and in your priorities over time
•Comprehensive
Covering a broad array of investment products and services, with preferred benefits tied to your valued status with us

    Our Suite of Digital Tools

    Morgan Stanley's suite of financial wealth management technology makes it easier for my clients to view and manage their finances. It allows for a more in-depth view of a client's financial circumstances, allowing me to provide more customized advice and better service so you can make better decisions.
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      Morgan Stanley Online and MS Mobile
      Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond simply viewing your account balance and activity. They include:

      - eAuthorizations: Authorize transactions securely, with a single click on Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
      - Manage everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
      - Access to Morgan Stanley's current market research, as well as our financial education center.
      Morgan Stanley Online Registration
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      eDelivery
      An average of 7 people touch your paper mail on its way to your mailbox. Our secure eDelivery protects your personal information from falling into the wrong hands, allowing me to provide you with a faster response, more securely.
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      Total Wealth View
      Total Wealth View allows you to link your financial information from other accounts at other institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Mobile App profile.

      The ability to view all your assets in one place allows me to deliver advice based on your entire financial picture, rather than just based on the piece here at Morgan Stanley.
      Learn More
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      Digital Vault
      No more searching for vital financial documents. The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption, guarded by Morgan Stanley's industry-leading cyber-security tools and team.

      Keeping important documents and financial records organized and readily available is one of the best gifts you can give to those you love. In the event of catastrophe or serious illness, your Family Records Organizer can immediately provide vital, timely information to both your family and professional advisors.
      No more searching for vital financial documents. The Digital Vault on Morgan Stanley Online and the Mobile App allows you to build a central, shared document library where all documents are stored using encryption, guarded by Morgan Stanley's industry-lea

    Media and Research

    Morgan Stanley seeks to make complex financial ideas more digestible so that our clients understand what is being done on their behalf to safeguard their financial future, and why. The links below provide in-depth analysis on interesting topics that are affecting the worlds of business and finance not only now, but in the future.
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      Thoughts on The Market Podcast
      Our Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist Michael Wilson and his colleagues break down the forces shaping the market. Join in for a quick summary on the latest trends in the financial marketplace from some of the top minds at Morgan Stanley.
      Thoughts on The Market Podcast
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      On The Markets Research Report
      Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy, and more.
      On the Markets
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      Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
      From the use of satellite data technology to solve some of the world's most complex problems, to learning how to outsmart the crowd when making decisions, the Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast brings you revealing stories about the world of business, finance, technology and beyond. Click the link below for more information and to access our podcast library.
      Morgan Stanley Ideas Podcast
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      Global Investment Committee Weekly Research Report
      The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income
      GIC Weekly Research Report

    Recent Team Awards

    2023, 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Team
    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023 & 2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

    "Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) for the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC, for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.
    © 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. "
    Click here to learn more

    Location

    1200 Third Ave
    Suite 100
    Huntington, WV 25701
    US
    Direct:
    (800) 624-3490(800) 624-3490
    7755 Montgomery Road
    Suite 200
    Cincinnati, OH 45236
    US
    Direct:
    (800) 543-2665(800) 543-2665

    Meet The Karnes Ashworth Group

    About James E Karnes

    James joined Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor in 2002 after an 18 year career at City National Bank. Having earned a B.B.A. in Economics and MBA in Management from Marshall University, James understands the importance of being a student of the financial services industry. Planning is the cornerstone of his engagement with clients and he has earned the Financial Planning Specialist designation as a result of his continued pursuit of knowledge. By combining his education and 30+ years of financial services experience, James is able to best identify the financial needs of his clients and work with them to meet their financial goals.

    James appreciates being a contributing member of the Huntington community. Along with his family, he understands the importance of giving back. James is involved in the mentoring and leadership of young people as a soccer coach with St. Joseph High School and the YMCA. He is a former board member with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a past participant with the Huntington Estate Planning Council, former member of Marshall University's Big Green Foundation, the Huntington Regional Commerce, he and his family are proud parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

    When Jim is not serving his clients or serving the community you can find him enjoying a round of golf, exercising, fishing, or spending time with his family.
    Securities Agent: TX, IL, WI, OH, GA, AZ, NY, KY, FL, WA, NC, WV, TN, OR, LA, NJ, MI, IN, ID, VA, CT, PA, SC, NM, MD, CO, CA, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1279344

    About Stephen Ashworth

    Stephen joined Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor in 2013 and has been in the industry since 1999. Stephen earned his Bachelors of Social Science degree from Xavier University, thus providing him with the knowledge and educational background to start his career in the financial services industry.

    Stephen manages investment portfolios for individuals and act as an advisor on qualified retirement plans, as well as trusts, foundations, endowments and large, medium and small companies in the Cincinnati area as well as around the United States. His past experience has also provided him the knowledge and experience needed to understand the complex needs and challenges of advising college and professional sports coaches and professional athletes in various stages of their career. He strongly believes in the team approach to servicing his clients. His belief that having the Financial Advisor, Staff/Board Members, Attorney, CPA, Agent and other interested parties working together as one allows the client to feel as though their investment program is being tailored and monitored in a way as to provide flawless adherence to their investment objectives. He also provides in-depth personal attention, financial and estate planning strategies and service to his clients.

    When Stephen is not serving his clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two golden retrievers as well as traveling, golf and supporting Xavier University athletic teams.
    Securities Agent: WI, WA, OR, IL, MD, NM, NC, MN, AL, SC, ID, CA, OK, NJ, CO, LA, FL, AZ, TN, VA, TX, OH, CT, PA, NY, IN, GA, WV, MO, KY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
    NMLS#: 1279112
    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 
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    Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

    There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
    Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Karnes Ashworth 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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    2When 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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    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.
    Morgan 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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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    4Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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    5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not accept appointments nor will it act as a trustee but it will provide access to trust services through an appropriate third-party corporate trustee.
    Morgan 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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    6Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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    7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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    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)