About Us

The Milestone Financial Group is a team of seasoned financial advisors providing sophisticated counsel to a select group of individuals, families and businesses within Bradenton, Sarasota and the surrounding areas.

Our “Milestone” name reflects our passion in supporting what is most important to you through major life events and times of transition. Whether it is making a significant career move, entering or exiting a relationship, planning for your retirement, simplifying your tax liabilities or finding the best way to leave a legacy for your loved ones, we can help you meet each of the milestones of life with confidence.

Our practices are grounded in decades of experience as well as some of the most advanced credentials in the financial services industry. Together, we translate your goals into specific investment strategies to guide you every step of the way - through times of prosperity and times of uncertainty - toward your ultimate definition of investment success.

We are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Bradenton, at 1401 Manatee Avenue West, Suite 1110. Please feel free to call our office for more information at 941-714-7915 or toll-free at 866-263-0388.
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Working With You

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It is our job to unravel the complexities of your financial circumstances, to help you understand your choices, to establish a comprehensive financial plan and to recommend solutions to help you achieve a better financial future.  Keeping your short-term and long-term goals in mind, we leverage the best thinking at Morgan Stanley to advise on appropriate asset allocations.  Then we select best-in-class investment strategies to comprise your portfolio.

Our investment committee meets weekly to ensure your overall portfolio is on course with your investment strategy.  We consistently monitor your portfolios and when necessary, re-balance your asset allocations.  Our staff makes sure that you hear from us directly each month and we sit down with you regularly to review your portfolio and ensure that your financial plan remains aligned with your evolving life and objectives.

We know that trust takes time.  We are committed to creating an alliance of trust with you by delivering service, communication and care that aims to exceed your highest expectations.  We put your interests first by developing a deep understanding of your aspirations and by pursuing your goals and dreams with the same vigor as we do our own.

Our professional investment credentials demonstrate a deep level of knowledge and the ability to collaborate easily with your attorney and CPA.

CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™). The rigorous accreditation process requires CFP® practitioners to act in their clients’ best interests, using in-depth knowledge of the financial planning process, investment tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning strategies. (Ryan Denton, Richard Morris)

CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor). The CRPC® designation is arguably the nation’s foremost retirement planning credential, demonstrating mastery of pre-and post-retirement needs, asset management, estate planning strategies and the entire retirement planning process. (John Vita)

CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst®). This prestigious designation signifies expertise in investment management and consulting. Holders are equipped with advanced skills in portfolio construction, risk management, and client-centric consulting. (Bobby Latessa)

ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant®). Chartered Financial Consultants have completed an educational program required for any financial services credential. (Ryan Denton)
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    John Vita -
    • Kiwanis Club of Bradenton Foundation, President
    • Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, Past President
    • HCA Blake Hospital, Board Co-Chair
    • Manatee Family YMCA, Past President
    • Manatee County Children’s Services Advisory Board, Past Co-Chair
    • City of Bradenton Planning and Community Development, Past Board Member
    • Manatee High School Alumni Association, President
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    Chris Vining -
    • St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Board of Directors, Executive Committee
    • Manatee County Sheriff's Advisory Board, Past Member
    • Youth for Christ Advisor, Past Board of Directors
    • West Point Football Parent’s Recognition Committee
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    Gary Plum -
    • Coastal Conservation Association, State of Florida Advisory Committee, State Advisory Board
    • Gulf Coast Chapter FHFH, Local Chapter Founder
    • Manatee County Chapter American Heart Association, Past President
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    Ryan Denton -
    • Take Stock in Children, Former Mentor
    • Manatee County Estate Planning Council
    • Bradenton Yacht Club Long Range Planning Committee, President
    • START (Solutions to Avoid Red Tide), Past President
    • Sarasota Bay Watch, Founding, Past Member
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    Rich Morris -
    • Manatee County Gator Club, President
    • Manatee High School Alumni Association, Vice President
    • Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, Member
    • Bayside Community Church, Member, Safety Team Member
    • Legacy Business Leaders
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    Bobby Latessa -
    • Ivy League Club of Sarasota, Former President
    • Harvard Club of Sarasota, Member
    • Manatee High School Alumni Association, Board Member
Check out the below videos to meet our team.

2025 STAR Investor's Conference

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Location

1401 Manatee Ave West
Ste 1110
Bradenton, FL 34205
US
Direct:
(941) 714-7915(941) 714-7915
Toll-Free:
(866) 263-0388(866) 263-0388
Fax:
(941) 714-7958(941) 714-7958

Meet The Milestone Financial Group

About John R. Vita

John Vita is a founding member of The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley and is responsible for the strategic leadership of the team. He is also accountable for creating long-term diversified investment strategies and designing portfolio solutions to meet the needs of the group’s clients.

John is one of less than 4% of Morgan Stanley Advisors who has achieved the designation of Family Wealth Director. Designated Family Wealth Directors must demonstrate professional knowledge and experience in a range of wealth management solutions including estate planning strategies, alternative investments, control and restricted securities, lending, hedging and monetization, and business succession planning.

John is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. The CRPC® designation is arguably the nation’s premier retirement planning credential. Individuals who hold the CRPC® designation have completed a course of study encompassing pre- and post-retirement needs, asset management, estate planning and the entire retirement planning process using models and techniques from real client situations. John was named a “Best in State Advisor” by Forbes in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

John has been meeting the needs of high net worth investors and their families since 1988 in southwest Florida. Prior to forming The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley in 1995, he worked in Government Securities and the Federal Reserve’s treasury auction.

John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 1988 from St. Leo University in St. Leo, Florida. He is extremely active in his community and devotes his talent to many area organizations. John lives in Bradenton with his wife, Tompie, and has two adult children, Reese and April. In his free time, John enjoys fishing, visiting Tennessee and is a high-performance driving instructor for the Porsche Club of America.

2018-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2018-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: ID, HI, DC, AL, NV, LA, AR, WA, TX, FL, NY, MO, MN, MA, IN, MS, MD, KY, DE, CA, TN, SC, MI, UT, PA, WI, NM, NC, KS, IL, CT, CO, VT, VA, OH, GA, AZ, RI, OK, NJ, ME; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1279581

About Chris Vining

As a founding member of The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley, Chris brings nearly 28 years of experience in both investment management and business planning. He works closely with the outside attorneys and accountants of the group’s clients to ensure coordination of all estate planning, alternative investments and taxes. Chris is an Executive Director, Financial Advisor and Alternative Investment Director.

Chris, who is also a nonpracticing Certified Public Accountant (CPA), began his career as a CPA and has spent more than twenty-five years counseling clients on the entire range of their investment needs and goals.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida before returning to school at the University of South Florida where he earned an additional bachelor’s degree in Accounting and his master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA).

Chris and his wife, Dana currently live in Northwest Bradenton and they have 3 children in college. He enjoys traveling to and watching his sons play football in college, playing tennis, golf and exploring the world of fine wines.
Securities Agent: KY, IN, NC, AR, TX, SC, OK, NM, DE, CO, VT, UT, ID, DC, NY, NV, VA, MN, KS, IL, GA, CA, AL, WI, OH, NJ, MD, FL, CT, TN, ME, AZ, PA, MO, MI, LA, WA, MS, MA, RI; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1290544

About J. Ryan Denton

Ryan brings over 20 years of experience, focusing on wealth planning strategies and investment analysis for our team and clients. He is a Senior Vice President and Alternative Investments Director at Morgan Stanley and chairs the Investment Committee for the Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley.

As a Certified Financial Planner®, Ryan possesses in-depth knowledge of the financial planning process, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

As a Chartered Financial Consultant®, Ryan has achieved what is considered one of the highest standards of knowledge and trust in financial planning.

Ryan began his career at Merrill Lynch in 2004 after receiving a degree in Finance and Accounting from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is the former President of the Manatee County Estate Planning Council, a 2008 graduate of Leadership Manatee, a founding member of Sarasota Bay Watch, a former Mentor with Take Stock in Children, and President of the Bradenton Yacht Club Long Range Planning Committee.

A native to Manatee County, Ryan lives on Terra Ceia Bay with his wife, Leah, and their children: Wyatt, Marin and Emilie. In his free time, he enjoys saltwater fishing and coaching youth sports.
Securities Agent: NV, CT, VT, VA, TX, TN, OH, NY, KS, SC, MI, AK, WI, RI, MO, MD, MA, IN, GA, ID, MS, HI, AR, WA, UT, PA, NJ, NC, CO, CA, MN, KY, DC, LA, IL, FL, OK, DE, AZ, AL, NM, ME; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1272747

About Gary W. Plum

Gary uses a sophisticated and balanced investment approach to help clients of The Milestone Financial Group to achieve their financial aspirations and, ultimately, the lifestyle they desire. His knowledge and experience running a family business allow him to understand and find solutions for the financial needs and concerns of small business owners. His investment experience in areas such as options trading provides his clients with access to a wide range of potential opportunities. Gary enjoys working with clients that have a diverse set of needs and finding balanced solutions to fit each unique situation.

Gary started his career at A.G. Edwards and Sons in 1997 and has spent his entire life working and living in Manatee County. He was elected vice president of his senior class at Palmetto High School before moving to Tallahassee, Florida, where he attended Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University. He has served on the boards of Manatee County Girls Club, American Heart Association, Care Net Manasota, Coastal Conservation Association Manatee County, past chairman Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament and is the past treasurer of the Bradenton Yacht Club.

A third-generation native of Manatee County, Gary lives in Palmetto with his wife Laura and enjoys spending time with his five children in the outdoors.
Securities Agent: AZ, VT, PA, VA, GA, MT, ME, ID, AL, WI, MO, MD, MA, CA, AR, TN, NM, UT, TX, MI, LA, KS, IN, IL, CT, CO, RI, OK, SC, OH, MN, WA, NY, NV, MS, NJ, NC, KY, FL, DE, DC; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1268278

About Rich Morris

With over 15 years of experience, Rich focuses on portfolio analysis and investment implementation for new and existing client relationships.

After graduating from the University of Florida with his Bachelor of Science degree, he began his professional career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During this time with the organization, he worked in the Florida Operations department and aided in the establishment of the Bradenton Marauders minor league franchise. In 2010, he decided his real passion was helping others attain financial security and he joined Morgan Stanley and The Milestone Financial Group.

In 2018, he achieved the designation of Family Wealth Advisor (FWA). The FWA designation is granted to those Financial Advisors who have successfully completed an accreditation program which trains them to work with families across generations to help define their goals and develop a financial plan. With this specialized knowledge, Family Wealth Advisors are able to provide strategic guidance to families and deliver wealth management strategies that put families – and their collective values and goals – first.

In 2024, Rich achieved the designation of CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER (CFP®) from Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies. This significant milestone highlights his dedication to mastering comprehensive financial planning, including investment strategies, retirement planning, tax optimization, and estate management. Obtaining this designation demonstrates Rich’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in serving his clients and passion for helping families secure their financial goals.

Rich is a native of Manatee County and resides in Bradenton. He is very active in the community, serving on the board of Manatee High School Alumni Association and the University of Florida Alumni Association. He enjoys Florida Gator sports, live music and spending time with his wife, Amy, son, Parker and daughters, Paxton, and Payton.
Securities Agent: UT, FL, MN, LA, IL, GA, RI, ME, ID, VA, PA, NV, NM, NC, KY, AR, MS, NJ, MO, CA, AZ, AL, WI, WA, MI, MA, KS, DE, CT, IN, DC, TX, OK, OH, VT, TN, HI, CO, SC, NY, MD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1383183

About Bobby Latessa

Bobby serves the individual and family clients of The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley with solution-based wealth management strategies and exceptional client service.

Bobby graduated from Manatee High School, where he excelled as a student and as an athlete. As a four-year starter on the wrestling team, he became the third two-time state wrestling champion in school history.

Bobby furthered his education at Harvard University, graduating with a degree in government. After graduation, he worked in litigation support in Philadelphia. In 2012, Bobby moved back to his home state of Florida to pursue his passion for helping others by joining Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor. Most recently adding "Dedicated Equity Plan Specialist" to his skill-set.

Bobby has close ties to Manatee and Sarasota Counties, and remains actively involved in many local organizations. He enjoys coaching wrestling, playing guitar, being outdoors and spending time with his wife, Bridgette, and daughters, Meredith and Josephine.
Securities Agent: FL, WA, HI, VA, SC, NM, MI, MA, TN, PA, OK, NY, NC, IL, ID, DC, CA, MS, RI, NJ, MN, IN, DE, CO, AZ, UT, TX, CT, AR, OH, NV, LA, GA, ME, AL, WI, VT, MO, MD, KY, KS; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1274540

About Reese Vita

The newest member of the Milestone financial group, Reese Vita, joins us after returning home from a five year stint at Morgan Stanley in New York City. A native to the Manatee/Sarasota area, Reese attended Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, where he was a standout quarterback for the football team and named most outstanding senior upon his graduation in 2015. This talent translated to college, where he played Division 1 Football for the Paladins at Furman University and found his passion for finance, double majoring in Economics and Business Administration.

At the culmination of his studies, he completed an internship at Skybridge Capital and started his career at Morgan Stanley. He began as a Virtual Engagement Associate, where he helped financial advisors with their digital engagement strategies and client outreach. This team, where he helped initiate, started with 10 employees and now has over 200. Reese was promoted internally to the Consulting Group, Morgan Stanley’s advisory team. He successfully collaborated with financial advisors throughout the United States to help build their advisory practices. He quickly advanced to Assistant Vice President, reflecting his dedication, talent and ability to work with others. In 2024, Reese returned home to join The Milestone Financial Group as a Third Generation Financial Advisor. In this role, he is focusing on client analytics, data management, communications and investment strategies.

As a native of the community, Reese cares deeply about the area and especially our young people. He has participated in countless service activities around the city with various organizations including the Saint Vincent De Paul Society, Kiwanis Club, and Boys and Girls Clubs. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, going to live concerts and sporting events, and, most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.
Securities Agent: OR, IN, MS, LA, AL, SC, MD, DC, KS, CO, CA, KY, AZ, AK, TX, PA, MO, OK, ID, DE, WI, WA, VT, VA, TN, RI, NV, NJ, MT, MN, GA, FL, NM, MI, AR, UT, NC, MA, IL, CT, OH, ME, NY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2615459

About Jamie Shapiro

Jamie joined The Milestone Financial Group in 2008. She enjoys assisting our clients with the myriad of transactional needs that arise on a daily basis. She ensures that our clients’ needs are met in the most pleasant and expeditious manner possible.

Jamie began her career at Morgan Stanley in 2002 after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Investment Banking. After a year in the Financial Advisor Trainee Program, she joined the Bassett Team as a Registered Client Service Associate, proceeding to join our team thereafter.

She lives in Sarasota with her husband, Matt and their daughter Ariella. She is an active member of the Junior League of Sarasota. In her free time, she enjoys reading, sewing and crafts.

About Kristina Pino

Kristina has been serving high net worth clients for over 35 years. Prior to moving to Florida, and joining the Vita-Vining Group at its inception in 1990, she attended business school in New York City and worked as a Client Assistant at Goldman Sachs for one of their top partners. Kristina earned her Series 7, 66 and Health-Life Insurance licenses. She delivers first-class customer service for all our clients' needs, and assists advisors incepting portfolios and fulfilling unsolicited security transactions.

Kristina has two children, Ethan and Grace, who are successfully attending Florida State University and Clemson University. She enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering at church and living in beautiful Manatee County.

About Sharon McGlynn

Sharon has a diverse array of responsibilities on the team. Her background in business and the non-profit sector give her incredible experience in delivering an excellent client experience.

Sharon was born and raised in Edison, New Jersey, but has lived locally for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she owned and operated a successful family business for 22 years, learning all aspects of financial responsibility. She also served as executive director of a non-profit organization, The Hernando De Soto Historical Society for more than 10 years. She is now delighted to be a part of the Morgan Stanley family as a Client Service Associate. Sharon provides excellent service to clients and enhances the client experience through event and seminar coordination. She is also responsible for creating and producing client performance reports.

Sharon is currently studying to obtain her license as a registered associate. She is the proud mom of her daughter, Alison, and when not working, enjoys outdoor activities and listening to live music.

About Cari Eanes

Cari assists our clients and prospects in transitioning their portfolios to our Team. She also enjoys the daily contact with our clients to help them with their unsolicited trading, online activities and transaction inquiries. Cari is originally from Chicago Illinois and started her career with Shearson Lehman/American Express 31 years ago after moving to Ruskin area with her family. Cari has held a variety of roles in the financial industry, including wire operator, new accounts clerk and Operations Manager before joining our team in 2019. Cari holds her Series 7, 9, 10 and 63 security licenses and continues to study for future opportunities to enrich her knowledge. In her spare time, Cari enjoys volunteering at her church, gardening, crafting, and cruising.

About Zachary Brown

Zach, a native of the Sarasota-Bradenton area, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology. During his time at USF, he actively participated within Student Government, holding multiple positions within the Executive Branch. Zach also attended Furman University, where he was the President of the Sigma Nu Chapter. Prior to joining The Milestone Financial Group in 2023, Zach was about to attend medical school before realizing his passion lies in finance.

Zach is responsible for all things marketing, including events, social media, communications, and business strategies. Zach holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses and looks forward to his
future at Morgan Stanley.

Zach is active within his church and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his free time, Zach enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and spending time with his fiancé, Jennifer, and his dogs, Luka and Simon.

About EmmaLee Holmes

EmmaLee assists with a variety of daily activities, including speaking with clients and helping to make sure their needs are met in a timely manner. She also supports the financial advisors through discussions pertaining to certain clients and their goals. She has her Series 7 and 66 license and is currently working towards expanding her knowledge. She joined The Milestone Financial Group in 2023 after graduating from the University of South Florida with a degree in Business Management. EmmaLee lives in Bradenton and is a member of Manatee Young Professionals. In her free time, she enjoys boating, going to concerts, and spending time with her family.

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

About Justine Smale

Justine Smale is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Florida.

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.

Justine began her career in financial services in 1992, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, she spent 21 years at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America and held many positions including Wealth Management Banker, Premier Client Manager, and Branch Manager.

Justine is a graduate of Florida International University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Business Management, and
International Business with Magna Cum Laude distinction. She lives in Sarasota, Florida with her family.

Outside of the office, Justine donates her time volunteering for different organizations. She also enjoys being active, gardening, spending time outdoors, entertaining at home and spending time with family and friends.
NMLS#: 641860

About Lisa Simms

Lisa Simms, CFP® is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in SW Florida. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Lisa began her career in financial services in 1999 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2002. Prior to working for Morgan Stanley, she began her career as a financial advisor for PaineWebber and Charles Schwab.

Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM designation. Lisa lives in Sarasota with her husband Marc. Outside of work Lisa enjoys horseback riding, snow skiing, and the beach.
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.

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.

Financial Wellness

Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
  • Reduce employee stress,
  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Milestone Financial Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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 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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2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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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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4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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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, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.

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

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8Morgan 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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9Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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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.

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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.

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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024), 3582895 (6/2024)