About Us...

The goal for our team is to help clients define their financial goals, put together a plan to achieve those goals while providing excellent service throughout the process. Our model includes a checklist of items that should be discussed and go beyond investing, from general education, asset allocation, proper estate planning strategies, tax efficient trade strategies and philanthropy. Our team will also help you identify risk, recognize how it could affect your portfolio and work toward minimizing its impact.
Working with us, you can expect:
• A detailed financial plan based on your goals
• An asset allocation strategy based on your financial plan
• Risk analysis to help you understand the amount of risk in your portfolio
• Constant monitoring of your plan
• Constant communication to discuss life changes and how that those can impact your plan
We work as a team so that when you call our office during business hours, you speak to a human, and any member of our team can handle your question or request. Our contact management system allows us to share information between us confidentially so we can accomplish that goal.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working With You

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Your goals, hopes and dreams are at the center of our work. That’s why we will plan to meet with you at length when you first begin working with us. We will ask meaningful questions and listen to what you say so that we fully understand what matters to you. Once we fully understand your situation, we will suggest ways to properly structure your portfolio.
Working with us, you can expect us to:
Develop a detailed financial strategy based on your goals
Set up a long-term, balanced wealth plan
Take the emotion out of money moves, so you can make smart decisions
Run a risk analysis so you know and understand the amount of risk in your portfolio
Be flexible - when changes come to your life, or in the market, we’ll tweak your financial strategy
Some of our work is best coordinated with your other key advisors. If you like, we can connect directly with your:
Tax specialist
Trust attorney
Insurance professional
Family office

Winter 2025 Newsletter

Read the latest from our team

Location

729 SW Federal Hwy
Suite 300
Stuart, FL 34994
US
Direct:
(772) 223-3217(772) 223-3217
Toll-Free:
(800) 325-0038(800) 325-0038

Meet S.E.E.K. Group

About James Howard Stern

Jim graduated from Stockton University in New Jersey in 1992. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in Finance, he took a position with Harris/3M as a Sales Representative. He then joined Morgan Stanley (formerly Smith Barney) in 1993 as a Financial Advisor. Jim still loves coming to work and getting to work with families that sometimes span five generations. In his spare time, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym, and traveling. Jim and his wife have become huge country music fans and love going to concerts along with other live entertainment shows. They spend part of the summer each year in Nashville with their son Michael, while the rest of the year in Florida they are able to see their daughter Brooke who lives in Brickell.
Securities Agent: CA, NY, IL, VT, TX, MO, WA, SD, SC, OK, CT, AR, MN, NH, KY, GA, OR, OH, NC, ME, AZ, AL, WV, MT, MD, DE, CO, WI, VA, MA, WY, TN, RI, PA, NJ, MI, IN, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265273
CA Insurance License #: 0B69856

About Rene Espinal

René graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and a minor in Accounting. After receiving his degree, René joined Morgan Stanley (formerly Smith Barney) as a Financial Advisor in 1993. In 2005, he obtained the designation of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. René is fluent in both English and Spanish. He holds his Series 7, 63, 65 and Insurance licenses. René is a member of the planned giving council for Place of Hope which is an organization supporting neglected and abused children. Rene has served on the board of directors for Jupiter Christian School, using his talents primarily on the finance committee. He enjoys coaching youth sports, playing pickleball, spending time with his family and being an active member of his local church. Rene and his wife JoEllyn live in Jupiter and have two adult children.
Securities Agent: OH, TN, CA, DE, RI, TX, OR, ME, IN, WA, NY, NH, GA, CT, VA, SC, PA, MO, MI, KY, CO, AL, WY, SD, OK, NC, VT, NJ, WV, MA, FL, AZ, WI, MD, MN, IL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1282463
CA Insurance License #: OB99247

About Jacquelyn Eckstein

Jackie has been with Morgan Stanley (formerly Smith Barney) as a Financial Advisor since 2011. Previously she worked for Jewish Braille Institute as their Assistant Director of Development and the American Cancer Society as the Special Events Manager. She managed large scale Relays For Life throughout Brooklyn, NY raising over $500,000 annually. Jackie graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a double minor in Hispanic Studies and Creative Writing. In 2021 Jackie obtained the designation of Chartered Divorce Financial Analyst and in 2024 she obtained her Certification for Long Term Care. She is an active member of The Town School Alumni Association, Hamilton College Alumni Association and Martin County Impact100. She resides in Stuart, Florida with her young son.
Securities Agent: KY, WI, AL, WV, VT, TN, SD, PA, OH, NC, DE, FL, CT, ME, IL, VA, OK, NY, NJ, NH, WY, TX, SC, OR, MO, MN, CA, MD, IA, MA, IN, CO, GA, AZ, WA, RI, MI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278627
CA Insurance License #: 0164312

About Carolyn R Kohn

arolyn has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously, she worked in New York for Bankers Trust (which became Deutsche Bank and Aubrey G. Lanston) in institutional sales and trading, developing domestic and global institutional accounts. Her focus was primarily on building relationships with Central Banks in fixed income products and risk management. She joined UBS in New York in 2001 as a Financial Advisor in private wealth management and in May 2009, she transferred to Smith Barney now Morgan Stanley. Carolyn relocated her business from New York City to Stuart, Florida in 2013. Carolyn received her degree from Dartmouth College, graduating in the first class of women, and holds a B.S. in psychology. She has taken graduate courses at NYU and NY Institute of Finance. She holds her Series 3, 7, 63, 65 and Insurance licenses. In 2011, she obtained her Certification for Long Term Care. She has served as the head of the board of trustees for the Storm King School, Dartmouth's Board of Overseers, and has been a member of the Blue Hill Troupe for over 45 years. She resides in Stuart, Florida but enjoys her homes at The Greenbrier in West Virginia and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Carolyn enjoys biking, water aerobics, pilates and tennis.
Securities Agent: ME, VA, CT, CO, CA, AZ, DE, WV, OK, OR, NJ, FL, TX, RI, PA, MA, WY, MI, IL, WI, NY, NH, KY, SC, OH, IN, MD, IA, GA, AL, WA, TN, SD, NC, MO, MN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1279010
CA Insurance License #: 0D65664

About Jessica Deakins

Jessica received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida. After receiving her degree, she went to work for The Bank of New York in Lake Mary, Florida, as an options trading associate. In 2009 she and her husband moved to Stuart to be closer to their families as her husband, David, is born and raised here. She has been with Morgan Stanley since 2010 and working with Jim and Rene since 2013. In her free time, Jessica enjoys outdoor activities, CrossFit, running and also helps coach her daughter’s cheerleading team. Jessica and David live in Palm City and have two young children, Bryn and Cole.

About Linda Montefusco

Linda has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. Previously, she has worked as a Registered Client Service Associate for E F Hutton, Prudential Securities, Legg Mason and UBS Financial Services. She has been with Morgan Stanley since 2016. Linda graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a minor in Communications. She resides in Hobe Sound with her husband, Bruce. Linda is Series 7 and 63 licensed.
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 S.E.E.K. Group today.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan 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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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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4Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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5Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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6Morgan 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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7An investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) involves risks similar to those of investing in a broadly based portfolio of equity securities traded on exchange in the relevant securities market, such as market fluctuations caused by such factors as economic and political developments, changes in interest rates and perceived trends in stock prices. The investment return and principal value of ETF investments will fluctuate, so that an investor’s ETF shares, if or when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the ETF. To obtain a prospectus, contact your Financial Advisor or visit the ETF company’s website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

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8Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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10Investors 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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11When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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12Morgan 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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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)