Laney Bryan
Vice President, Wealth Management
Phone:
(404) 266-5991(404) 266-5991
The Merriwood Group at Morgan Stanley
(404) 266-5991(404) 266-5991
Our Mission Statement
We provide a personal and caring experience, empowering you to make smart financial decisions as you pursue your passions, enjoy your retirement, and leave a lasting legacy.
The Merriwood Advantage
At the Merriwood Group, we strive to empower families to achieve and maintain financial independence. As your team of seasoned wealth management professionals, we commit to helping you preserve and grow your assets, so you can spend less time managing your finances and more time enjoying your life. We focus on what is most important to you as we help guide you in making more informed and confident decisions about your wealth. Our commitment is demonstrated through three key strengths we believe set us apart from other advisory teams.
1. A Deep Passion for Helping Others
Our clients believe, as we do, in the importance of building enduring relationships with their financial advisors. We take great pride in our "high touch" service that has become the hallmark of our practice. Above all, our true passion is to identify and implement financial solutions to each client's specific life challenges.
2. Goals-Based Process
Our disciplined approach focuses on helping you articulate your needs and aspirations as we work with you to review virtually all aspects of your life. We then customize a financial plan to navigate today's markets and tomorrow's uncertainties. Finally, we adjust your strategy to accommodate various situations that may evolve over time, all while helping you stay on track to achieving your long-term goals.
3. World-Class Solutions in a Boutique Setting
We combine the vast resources of a global powerhouse with the personalized service you expect from a small investment boutique. You can benefit from our access to research, yet you will never feel overwhelmed by technical jargon or complicated processes. We make it easy to understand the details of our recommendations. Above all, our service model focuses on proactive, ongoing communication with the highest dedication to accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness.
Getting started is easy. It begins with a conversation. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Our Services Include:
- Wealth Management
- Financial Planning
- Professional Portfolio Management
- Lending Products
- Planning for Education Funding
- Financial Analysis
- Retirement Planning
- 401(k) Rollovers
- Long Term Care Insurance
- UGMA/UTMA
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
How We Can Help
Our practice thrives by fostering long-lasting relationships and proviidng a wide range of comprehsive wealth managemnet services. We are committed tro leveraging our experience, knowledge, and skills to assit our diverse clientle in achieving their many goals, some of which include:
- Managing a life-changing event with confidence
- Funding educational expenses for children and grandchildren
- Planning for an enjoyable retirement
- Financing a major acquisition, like a second home
- Minimizing taxes, while enhancing investment performance
- Preparing the next generation to manage wealth effectively and carry family values forward
We provide perspective and financial guidance as you take on new challenges. As we work together, we are confident you will come to regard us as trusted advocates, helping you make informed decisions on any financial issue you face – both today and down the road.
Who We Work With
- Women Seeking Guidance for Themselves and Their Families
- Professionals and Business Leaders
- Retirees and Individuals Planning for Retirement
- Families Spanning Generations
- Referrals from Existing Clients and Industry Professionals
Helping Achieve Your Goals
Chances are, the goals you set today will evolve over time. Our process is designed to evolve with your goals, as well as the changing circumstances of your life. Thoughtful and thorough in its approach, our planning process aims to incorporate virtually all the elements of your financial and personal life, making sure they align with your current goals and your tailored wealth management plan.
Introduction
We begin with an informal discussion to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value. If we all agree to move forward, we’ll schedule our next meeting and forward you a comprehensive questionnaire that helps us collect important information about your finances.
Discovery
We continue the dialogue by fostering an in-depth conversation where we learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify any unique circumstances. We also review the document you’ve filled out and define your priorities.
Analysis
In this step, we study your situation to recommend the best possible strategy to help achieve your short- and long-term goals. We utilize a variety of planning and risk analysis tools to identify appropriate solutions before formalizing a plan that is uniquely yours.
Plan Presentation
Here, we present your plan in detail. Your plan will include personalized strategies aimed at reducing risk, minimizing taxes, and achieving your estate planning goals. Based on our discussions, we will revise your plan accordingly. We will then prepare and present appropriate asset allocation and investment recommendations for your review and approval.
Implementation
As your assets begin to transfer to Morgan Stanley, we initiate the disciplined process of implementing your plan. We collaborate with your CPA and estate attorney to help ensure a cohesive execution. We believe in full transparency and will keep you involved each step of the way.
Ongoing Service & Care
We oversee your progress through ongoing calls and meetings, based on a communication strategy that works best for you. We may recommend adjustments over time, due to changing market conditions or changes in your personal circumstances, striving to keep you on track towards achieving your goals.
How We Help Women
At The Merriwood Group, we understand that women face unique challenges and complexities when it comes to managing their financial needs. That's why our team, comprised entirely of women, is passionately committed to providing comprehensive guidance and support, tailored specifically to women's financial journey.
Whether you are going through a life-altering event like a divorce, balancing the demands of running a business, or seeking effective strategies to secure your family's financial well-being, our team is here to help. We recognize that these situations require specialized expertise, empathy, and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Below, we have shared a few resources to help provide insight and advice for women during the various stages of their financial journey.
Whether you are going through a life-altering event like a divorce, balancing the demands of running a business, or seeking effective strategies to secure your family's financial well-being, our team is here to help. We recognize that these situations require specialized expertise, empathy, and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Below, we have shared a few resources to help provide insight and advice for women during the various stages of their financial journey.
Women Without Limits
We understand that the path to financial empowerment isn’t only different for women—it’s also different among women. Our experience and passion working with and for women of different backgrounds, life stages and financial goals drives us forward. Check out our Women Without Limits Homepage for insights, articles, podcasts specifically for women.
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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.
Learn MoreNavigating Divorce: Planing for a New Beginning
If you find yourself in the midst of a divorce, it's important to evaluate the impact it could have on both your personal and financial matters. We've provided a helpful resource on how to build a solid financial strategy that may help provide you with greater security and flexibility in the future.as you "plan for the new beginning."
Learn MoreCareer Tips for Inspiring Women
When leaders share inspirational stories and advice, it can have a powerful impact on young people and their future. As the corporate world seeks to address and fix the gender gap, especially at top levels, it’s important for girls to get visibility into varied workspaces and be offered opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Learn MoreLocation
3280 Peachtree Rd NE
Suite 1900
Atlanta, GA 30305
US
Direct:
(404) 266-5991(404) 266-5991
Meet The Merriwood Group
Stephanie Meeks
Vice President, Wealth Management
Phone:
(404) 266-5992(404) 266-5992
Phone:
(404) 266-6496(404) 266-6496
Jennifer Borus
Client Service Associate
Phone:
(404) 266-6801(404) 266-6801
About Laney Bryan
A Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner of The Merriwood Group, Laney has dedicated her longstanding career to serving the unique needs of individuals and families who have accumulated a higher level of wealth. She leads many of the team’s investment activities, with an emphasis on asset allocation and risk analysis. Laney empowers clients to think more strategically, leveraging their current assets to help achieve new levels of success.
A lifelong resident of Georgia, Laney always had an interest in finance and enjoyed helping others. Pursuing a career in financial services was the perfect opportunity to bring these two passions together. Her mother, a dedicated schoolteacher, and her maternal grandfather, a former marine who enjoyed a long career in mergers and acquisitions after leaving the service, both supported her in following her dream. In fact, it was her grandfather who encouraged her to take an internship with A.G. Edwards, while she was earning her Finance degree at Georgia Southern University. This led to a full-time opportunity after graduation to join the firm’s advisory training program. Today, nearly 30 years later, Laney remains committed to helping others make their dreams come true, as she continues to live hers.
With Laney’s extensive investment experience, she has developed a strong understanding of economics and is well versed in the equity and fixed income markets. Over the years, she has cultivated distinct and insightful skills in portfolio construction and investment selection. Laney believes the most important aspect of investing is understanding each client’s goals and tolerance for risk. Once this is well understood, she works diligently to select investments commensurate with a client’s personal risk profile and specific short- and long-term goals.
Laney now calls Atlanta her home, where she lives with her husband, Dan, along with her son and three daughters. Like many of her clients, she balances both personal and professional responsibilities, while taking care of her family. She is a member of Morgan Stanley’s Diversity and Inclusion Board and the North Atlanta Lacrosse Board. Laney was also a “Distinguished Clown” with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In her free time, Laney enjoys supporting her children’s many sports games and activities. She also likes to travel, bike, hike, and play Alta tennis.
A lifelong resident of Georgia, Laney always had an interest in finance and enjoyed helping others. Pursuing a career in financial services was the perfect opportunity to bring these two passions together. Her mother, a dedicated schoolteacher, and her maternal grandfather, a former marine who enjoyed a long career in mergers and acquisitions after leaving the service, both supported her in following her dream. In fact, it was her grandfather who encouraged her to take an internship with A.G. Edwards, while she was earning her Finance degree at Georgia Southern University. This led to a full-time opportunity after graduation to join the firm’s advisory training program. Today, nearly 30 years later, Laney remains committed to helping others make their dreams come true, as she continues to live hers.
With Laney’s extensive investment experience, she has developed a strong understanding of economics and is well versed in the equity and fixed income markets. Over the years, she has cultivated distinct and insightful skills in portfolio construction and investment selection. Laney believes the most important aspect of investing is understanding each client’s goals and tolerance for risk. Once this is well understood, she works diligently to select investments commensurate with a client’s personal risk profile and specific short- and long-term goals.
Laney now calls Atlanta her home, where she lives with her husband, Dan, along with her son and three daughters. Like many of her clients, she balances both personal and professional responsibilities, while taking care of her family. She is a member of Morgan Stanley’s Diversity and Inclusion Board and the North Atlanta Lacrosse Board. Laney was also a “Distinguished Clown” with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In her free time, Laney enjoys supporting her children’s many sports games and activities. She also likes to travel, bike, hike, and play Alta tennis.
Securities Agent: OR, OK, OH, TN, MI, MS, KY, DC, MD, GA, NC, IN, CA, NY, AL, SC, FL, DE, CO, WI, VA, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1868570
NMLS#: 1868570
About Stephanie Meeks
Stephanie Meeks
Vice President, Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Stephanie is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner at The Merriwood Group, a highly skilled advisory team located in Atlanta, GA. With 30 years of industry experience, she combines her deep analytical skills with an educational approach seeking to guide clients towards the achievement of their specific financial goals. Stephanie is committed to delivering exceptional service as she works with each client to develop a customized financial plan to help guide them to – and through – their retirement years.
Growing up in Canton, OH, Stephanie earned her B.B.A. degree from Ohio University, paying for her degree by working at the school’s financial aid and scholarship office and back home during holiday and summer breaks. She enjoyed helping students one-on-one evaluate their cost of education and financial need and advising them on various loans, grants and available scholarships. The satisfaction Stephanie received by helping others achieve their goals inspired her to pursue a career in financial services.
After graduation, Stephanie joined Smith Barney, a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley, in 1991. She worked there 10 years as a Financial Advisor before joining Wells Fargo in 2009. Stephanie later returned to Morgan Stanley in 2019 for the opportunity to team up with colleagues Laney Bryan and Beth Porter and formally establish The Merriwood Group.
Stephanie’s desire to help others achieve their goals is equaled only by her dedication to her family and her community. She and her husband, David, live in Atlanta with their three daughters. Throughout the years, Stephanie has volunteered at her daughters’ schools, leading various activities from school dances to the teacher appreciation program to taking care of the middle and high school campus landscape curb appeal. She is a former PTA Vice President and co-President and most recently co-captained the junior Alta team. Outside of the office, Stephanie loves to travel, paint, and enjoy nature. Favorite outdoor activities include hiking, biking, walking, and paddle boarding.
Vice President, Wealth Management
Financial Advisor
Stephanie is a Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner at The Merriwood Group, a highly skilled advisory team located in Atlanta, GA. With 30 years of industry experience, she combines her deep analytical skills with an educational approach seeking to guide clients towards the achievement of their specific financial goals. Stephanie is committed to delivering exceptional service as she works with each client to develop a customized financial plan to help guide them to – and through – their retirement years.
Growing up in Canton, OH, Stephanie earned her B.B.A. degree from Ohio University, paying for her degree by working at the school’s financial aid and scholarship office and back home during holiday and summer breaks. She enjoyed helping students one-on-one evaluate their cost of education and financial need and advising them on various loans, grants and available scholarships. The satisfaction Stephanie received by helping others achieve their goals inspired her to pursue a career in financial services.
After graduation, Stephanie joined Smith Barney, a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley, in 1991. She worked there 10 years as a Financial Advisor before joining Wells Fargo in 2009. Stephanie later returned to Morgan Stanley in 2019 for the opportunity to team up with colleagues Laney Bryan and Beth Porter and formally establish The Merriwood Group.
Stephanie’s desire to help others achieve their goals is equaled only by her dedication to her family and her community. She and her husband, David, live in Atlanta with their three daughters. Throughout the years, Stephanie has volunteered at her daughters’ schools, leading various activities from school dances to the teacher appreciation program to taking care of the middle and high school campus landscape curb appeal. She is a former PTA Vice President and co-President and most recently co-captained the junior Alta team. Outside of the office, Stephanie loves to travel, paint, and enjoy nature. Favorite outdoor activities include hiking, biking, walking, and paddle boarding.
Securities Agent: MI, OK, NY, CO, CA, FL, NC, MS, DE, SC, OR, MD, AL, VA, TX, KY, GA, DC, WI, TN, IN, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2150348
NMLS#: 2150348
About Elizabeth H Porter
Beth brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, and founding partner of The Merriwood Group. With nearly 40 years of experience, she strives to empower clients to live a better life and aims to be their first call for anything financial. Her extensive background enables her to provide a broad array of services – from college funding and retirement planning to investment management and long-term care insurance. She loves building relationships with clients, understanding their particular challenges and strategizing together to help achieve their goals. For Beth, professional achievement is measured in terms of client well-being and goal achievement.
Born in Pennsylvania, Beth moved to Brussels with her family at an early age. After graduating from the International School of Brussels, she returned to the U.S. to pursue a double major in Finance and Management from Virginia Tech. After earning her degree, she immediately began her career as an Account Executive Trainee at Prudential Bache Securities, which led to new and expanded responsibilities over time that included Account Executive, Financial Advisor and Vice President at Bank of America Securities. Beth joined the Morgan Stanley family in 2001.
Today, Beth draws upon her vast industry knowledge to provide clients with customized financial plans and tailored investment portfolios. She enjoys helping solve problems with clients and sharing insights from others who have experienced similar challenges in life and business. Above all, she excels at simplifying the complexities of wealth management, effectively articulating each recommendation in a way her clients can easily understand.
Beth believes balance is vital to a happy life. She and her husband, Phil, have been married for 36 years and have two adult children. A long-time advocate of supporting and helping children grow and learn, Beth chaired multiple committees, and was co-Vice President, co-President and Board Advisor for the Wesleyan Parent Club. Beth is also a former member of the Junior League, the National Charity League, and currently supports various charities, many of which focus on children. Outside of the office, Beth enjoys a broad array of activities that include exercising, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Born in Pennsylvania, Beth moved to Brussels with her family at an early age. After graduating from the International School of Brussels, she returned to the U.S. to pursue a double major in Finance and Management from Virginia Tech. After earning her degree, she immediately began her career as an Account Executive Trainee at Prudential Bache Securities, which led to new and expanded responsibilities over time that included Account Executive, Financial Advisor and Vice President at Bank of America Securities. Beth joined the Morgan Stanley family in 2001.
Today, Beth draws upon her vast industry knowledge to provide clients with customized financial plans and tailored investment portfolios. She enjoys helping solve problems with clients and sharing insights from others who have experienced similar challenges in life and business. Above all, she excels at simplifying the complexities of wealth management, effectively articulating each recommendation in a way her clients can easily understand.
Beth believes balance is vital to a happy life. She and her husband, Phil, have been married for 36 years and have two adult children. A long-time advocate of supporting and helping children grow and learn, Beth chaired multiple committees, and was co-Vice President, co-President and Board Advisor for the Wesleyan Parent Club. Beth is also a former member of the Junior League, the National Charity League, and currently supports various charities, many of which focus on children. Outside of the office, Beth enjoys a broad array of activities that include exercising, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Securities Agent: CA, CO, FL, GA, KY, MD, MI, NC, NY, OH, OK, OR, SC, TX, VA, WV, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1262073
NMLS#: 1262073
About Jennifer Borus
As a Client Service Associate, Jen is committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Her day-to-day management of client relationships includes everything from account opening to operational matters.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Jen worked at J.P. Morgan, Morgan Keegan and Wachovia/First Union. She began her career in 1994 as operations manager of a local Atlanta firm.
Jen earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Jen worked at J.P. Morgan, Morgan Keegan and Wachovia/First Union. She began her career in 1994 as operations manager of a local Atlanta firm.
Jen earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Contact Laney Bryan
Contact Stephanie Meeks
Contact Elizabeth Porter
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
Matt Edwards
Private Banker
Jay Zaffos, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
Bill Burnett
Trust Specialist
About Matt Edwards
Matt Edwards is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Georgia and Tennessee.
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate. Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Master’s in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
Private Bankers partner with Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.
Matt began his career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as a Private Banker Advisory Associate. Matt is a graduate of the Georgia Southern University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, and Valdosta State University, where he received his Master’s in Business Administration. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Outside of the office, Matt is an enthusiastic fly fisherman and artist. Most recently, he served as liaison with Junior Achievement, a program that develops entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace readiness in undeveloped communities.
NMLS#: 763106
About Jay Zaffos
Jay Zaffos is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
Jay began his career in financial services in 2012, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to his current position, he supported a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in a financial planning role.
Jay graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors degree in English and holds his Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional® designations. Jay lives in Marietta, Georgia with his spouse and three children. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family, playing electric guitar in the worship band at his church, running, and playing chess.
About Bill Burnett
As Executive Director and Trust Specialist, Bill is responsible for helping Financial Advisors, clients, prospects and the legal community to understand and utilize Morgan Stanley’s Trust Services and its “open architecture” corporate trustee platform. He’s available to meet with clients, conduct conference calls, review trust documents and explain to estate planning attorneys the numerous fiduciary solutions our platform can provide. Bill covers the Southeast region and is based in West Palm Beach, FL.
Bill has over 25 years of experience as a comprehensive wealth advisor developing trust and investment management relationships with families, business owners, executives and institutions. Bill cultivated this experience at firms such as Northern Trust, BNY Mellon, The Private Bank at Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) professional designations. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communications and Public Address and earned his way through college on a soccer scholarship. He has lived in Florida since 1994.
Bill has over 25 years of experience as a comprehensive wealth advisor developing trust and investment management relationships with families, business owners, executives and institutions. Bill cultivated this experience at firms such as Northern Trust, BNY Mellon, The Private Bank at Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch. He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) professional designations. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communications and Public Address and earned his way through college on a soccer scholarship. He has lived in Florida since 1994.
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth ("UHNW") Specialists, PBG Market Managers, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Regional Mortgage Specialist, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
Morgan 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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
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.
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 trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley 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.
Trusts are not necessarily appropriate for all clients. There are risks and considerations which may outweigh any potential benefits. Establishing a trust will incur fees and expenses which may be substantial. Trusts often incur ongoing administrative fees and expenses such as the services of a corporate trustee, attorney, or tax professional.
Trust services are provided by third parties who are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates are the provider of such trust services and will not have any input or responsibility concerning a client’s eligibility for, or the terms and conditions associated with these trust services. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates shall be responsible for any advice or services provided by the unaffiliated third parties. Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may participate in transactions on a basis separate from the referral of clients to these third parties and may receive compensation in connection with referrals made to them.
Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.
Morgan 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
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan 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.
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.
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 trusts, estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Morgan Stanley 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.
Trusts are not necessarily appropriate for all clients. There are risks and considerations which may outweigh any potential benefits. Establishing a trust will incur fees and expenses which may be substantial. Trusts often incur ongoing administrative fees and expenses such as the services of a corporate trustee, attorney, or tax professional.
Trust services are provided by third parties who are not affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates are the provider of such trust services and will not have any input or responsibility concerning a client’s eligibility for, or the terms and conditions associated with these trust services. Neither Morgan Stanley nor its affiliates shall be responsible for any advice or services provided by the unaffiliated third parties. Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may participate in transactions on a basis separate from the referral of clients to these third parties and may receive compensation in connection with referrals made to them.
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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
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A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
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Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
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Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
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Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
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529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
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Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
- Succession Planning
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Philanthropy
Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
- Endowments
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- Impact Investing
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Merriwood Group today.
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The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
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The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025)
