Our Story and Services

Prior to the Massaux group joining Morgan Stanley, Richard Massaux began his career in wealth management in 1996 with Prudential Securities, which later became Wells Fargo Advisors. After 22 years as a Managing Director and principal of an investment group at Wells Fargo, Richard transitioned his business to Morgan Stanley and established his own investment group with Amanda Wasson and Christopher Funkey

The Massaux group strives to build long term relationships; therefore, we focus on long term financial plans. We believe this is the framework to maintain a successful practice where our clients’ daily needs are met and can attest to being our number one priority.

Our clients deserve a hands on, focused, forward thinking group of advisors and assistance. Each request is promptly carried through to their upmost satisfaction and comfort level. Richard and his team pride themselves on trust, dedication and professionalism. The Massaux group is devoted to obtaining an efficient process and consistent overall communication with clients.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Working with You

In the vast landscape of wealth management offerings, we feel what sets us apart is our dedicated approach to service. We encourage our clients not only to lean on us to share the responsibilities of managing their often-complex everyday financial needs, but to come to us for guidance in aspects all of life. Things that may not be of current financial concern one day might, and the strong foundations we build allow us to stand ready to step in and face the challenge of the expected or unexpected.

The Step by Step Process

Discovery
Knowing our client and their family situation is imperative to financial planning. Our clients are guided throughout the process to determine the level of risk and long term goals. From concept to completion of your financial plan, we look forward to getting acquainted at our Center City Philadelphia location or if preferred, in the comfort of our clients home.

Setting Your Goals
In this step, we will request specific financial information and statements to help us better understand your current financial picture in detail so that we can begin to identify any unique circumstances and thus, set your financial goals.

Asking the Right Questions
After our initial meeting, we will begin to develop a tailored wealth management strategy that is centered around your concerns and needs. By asking you the right questions, we will be able to fully understand the bigger picture and start taking the steps towards the future you want to see.

Constructing your Unique Plan
Through a fully customized approach, we will assist you in determining the appropriate asset allocation and investment strategy that can help reach your goals. We consider your current situation, long-term goals, legal and regulatory constraints, liquidity needs, expected tax status, risk and other variables towards the construction of your portfolio.

Implementation
The Massaux group applies thirty-five years of combined experience to execute a plan to accomplish our clients' goals. With the vision of a secure retirement supported by the immense resources of Morgan Stanley, we will leverage the firm's tools to help achieve your objectives in education, retirement, insurance, lending, and charitable contributions.

Monitoring
We understand that plans change. It is imperative to make sure that we are in constant communication with our clients, because the aspects of our client's plans will need to be adjusted. Our typical relationship has at least one in-person meeting per year, along with quarterly conference calls. We want to be available for you with any questions you may have and handle the necessary changes to keep your portfolio on track.

The Evolution of an Investor’s Life Cycle

Wherever you, or your family are in the Investor Life Cycle, we are here to guide you and as a multi-generational team, we will be with you and your family every step of the way.
Starting your Career
After graduation, there are a few elements that any young professional should be focused on financially. Some of these include: making sure that you have a liquid emergency fund, a balanced budget (accounting for necessary expenses, saving & investment and discretionary spending), learning about your company sponsored retirement plans, and potentially setting up Individual Retirement Accounts.
Watch a Video on Budgets
Starting a Family
Starting a family comes with many capital expenditures that young individuals and families want to be prepared for. Many young families end up asking themselves, “How do we budget for…our wedding, a down payment on our first home, a new car, etc.?”. These are milestone moments for any young family, and we all want to feel prepared when they come up. Our goal is to help you feel confident when this time comes.
A Conversation Guide
Expanding your Family
Every parent wants to give their child the best opportunity to succeed in this world, and upon the birth of a child, many find themselves asking, “How do we do that?”. There are many ways that parents and grandparents can help give a child a head start. We are here to help plan for this, whether it be education funding, gifting, or transferring securities. We are here to answer any questions you may have and to do everything in our power to help prepare your child for their future.
Gifting Considerations
Building your Career or Business
As your career or business grows, so too will your compensation. This can come in many different forms, increased revenue from a business, Incentive Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Bonuses. Additionally, at this stage of life it is not uncommon to also see some sort of inheritance come to you from a loved one. It is crucial to have a financial plan in place to make sure that your money is working towards the goals and objectives that you and your family have set out to accomplish.
Financial Literacy Resources
Preparing for Retirement or the Sale of a Business
Getting ready for retirement and winding down your career can bring numerous questions to the forefront of anyone’s mind. Questions like: When is the right time to retire? Will I have enough? What do I do with my 401k? And so many more. This can be a concerning time for anyone. It is our goal explain financial complexities in a practical manner and work with you to build a comprehensive financial plan that helps you to make decisions and answer these questions with confidence.
Strategies to Prepare for Any Retirement Style

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 plan for 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.
    Icon Image
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Thoughts On The Market Podcast
    Icon Image
    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 Research Report
    Global Investment Office - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Global Investment Office
    The Morgan Stanley Global Investment Office provides you with world-class thought leadership timely market commentary, and portfolio ideas to help guide your investment decisions.
    Morgan Stanley Portfolio Insights
    Private Markets - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Private Markets
    Many of today’s companies stay private longer, with more of their valuation being created before they become publicly traded. Morgan Stanley Private Markets connects a broad network of potential private investors in an accessible ecosystem, allowing eligible clients to buy and sell securities of private companies.
    Morgan Stanley Private Markets

Financial Resources & Tools

Our goal is simple: to be the firm where the most talented, trusted advisors in the industry leverage cutting-edge technology and deliver customized wealth management solutions to their clients and their families to enable them to achieve their goals. The below modules are a pallet of financial resources and market-leading technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, smart, fast, and flexible.
    Icon Image
    Total Wealth View
    It’s hard to see the complete picture with only half of the details. As a Morgan Stanley client, you can now conveniently view your accounts from other financial institutions in one location to give you and your financial advisor a full picture of your financial wealth and health. Log into Morgan Stanley Online or download the Morgan Stanley Mobile App to link and add external accounts
    Total Wealth View
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    Securely access your Morgan Stanley account–from virtually anywhere.
    Morgan Stanley Mobile App
    Morgan Stanley Online (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
    Security Center (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Security Center
    Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
    Visit our Security Center
    Alternative Investments - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Alternative Investments
    Our leading alternatives platform offers 200+ third-party and proprietary funds, including first look and exclusive opportunities, that may help qualified investors enhance returns, reduce volatility, manage taxes and generate income—while maintaining a goals-based approach for asset allocation.
    Morgan Stanley Alternative Investments
    Icon Image
    Reserved Offers
    Exclusive offers to keep Reserved Clients and their families safe and engaged. Offers span across such categories as Dining, Health & Wellness, Travel, Entertainment, and more.
    Learn More
    Financial Planning - (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Financial Planning
    Morgan Stanley Financial Planning can show you a single, comprehensive snapshot of your finances. We can help you create a wealth plan that’s adaptable to the different stages of your life using our award winning tools- Goals Planning System (GPS) and LifeView.
    Morgan Stanley Goals-Based Wealth Management
    Portfolio Risk Platform (photo) - DO NOT EDIT CONTENT - MUST USE AS IS
    Portfolio Risk Platform
    Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio’s exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
    Portfolio Risk Platform

Location

1650 Market St
42nd Fl
Philadelphia, PA 19103
US
Direct:
(215) 963-3933(215) 963-3933

Meet The Massaux Group

About Richard J. Massaux

A 25-year native to the financial services industry, Richard J. Massaux strives for excellence in both performance and service to his clients. Richard believes having a close connection with his clients is crucial in establishing long term relationships. Aside from focusing on investment strategies, Richard and his team assist their clients by establishing and monitoring their long-term financial plans.

Representing Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors in 2021, and Morgan Stanley's President's Club from 2020-2023, he displays insurmountable dedication to his clients, his business, as well as his family. He and his wife, Donna, reside in Voorhees, New Jersey with their three sons, Chase, Brody, and Landon. A devoted family man, when he isn’t coaching or watching his boys play soccer or basketball, Richard enjoys time with his family at their home at the Jersey Shore in Margate. Born and raised in Central New Jersey, Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and philosophy from Rutgers University where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Over the last two decades, Richard has worked closely with the American Cancer Society on several different boards as he is personally dedicated to help raise awareness for an important cause close to his heart.

2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors
​Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Feb 2021) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/19 - 6/30/20.
Securities Agent: WY, TN, MO, MN, FL, WA, VA, PR, PA, NC, LA, DE, UT, NV, OH, MS, IL, GA, OK, NY, NJ, VT, MI, MD, DC, CO, KS, RI, WV, SC, NM, MA, CT, TX, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 345606
CA Insurance License #: 2102539

About Christopher Funkey

Christopher is a financial advisor with The Massaux Group at Morgan Stanley. He began his career in the financial services industry with Lord Abbett & Co. Asset Management before joining Morgan Stanley. Christopher's desire to use his knowledge of and experience in capital markets to help individuals, families, and organizations meet their financial goals, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative team environment is what drove him to pursue a career as a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley.

Christopher is focused on designing comprehensive financial plans that are tailored to each individual client and family to ensure that they are on track to reach their financial goals. He takes a great deal of pride in understanding that every person and family he has the privilege of working with is unique, and therefore, every financial plan he creates is unique. Additionally, Christopher strives to present his clients with complex financial information in a practical manner that is easy to digest so that financial decisions can be made with confidence.

Prior to entering the financial services industry, Christopher attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a focus in Accounting. While at Penn State, Christopher spent four years playing on the Division 1 Men’s Ice Hockey Team. He helped the team to a Big 10 Championship and led the program’s community outreach efforts in his time at the university. Christopher is originally from Chicago, IL, and he currently resides in Center City Philadelphia with his fiancé, Rachel. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, playing ice hockey, and spending time with his family.
Securities Agent: WY, VA, WV, WA, VT, UT, TX, TN, SC, RI, PR, PA, MO, NV, NJ, MS, NM, MI, OK, MD, MA, NY, LA, IL, GA, FL, DE, DC, CO, CA, AZ, CT, OH, NC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2405319

About Amanda Wasson

Amanda has been a member of the Massaux Group since 2015, and transitioned with the team to Morgan Stanley in 2017. Amanda’s pivotal role with the Massaux Group is providing organizational strategies, streamlining the onboarding process, and instituting technological efficiencies. In addition to her accuracy and work ethic, she contributes a comfortable and reliable level of first class service to the Massaux Group’s clients.

Amanda graduated from Jefferson University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. As lifelong residents of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, both Amanda and her husband currently reside in Swarthmore, PA. She enjoys exploring new cities, golfing, spending time outdoors, and cooking.
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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
Article Image

Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

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 Massaux Group today.
1Morgan 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.

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

Back to top



2Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

Back to top



3Alternative 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.

Back to top



4The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

Back to top



5Morgan 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.

Back to top



6Morgan 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



7When 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.

Back to top



8Morgan 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.

Back to top



9Insurance 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.

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)