About Us

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

We work one-on-one with our clients to develop a personalized, comprehensive plan to help them achieve their most important priorities and goals with the greatest amount of certainty. Cornerstone elements of our approach include:

• We utilize our decades of experience, combined with the intellectual capital of Morgan Stanley to develop personalized portfolios.

• We help to simplify complex situations and strategies.

• Our customization includes a focus on sustainable investing.

• We combine the global resources of Morgan Stanley with the intimacy of our one-on-one approach.

• Work with families to develop comprehensive legacy plans and manage family dynamics.

• We work closely with the other important professionals in your life, helping craft comprehensive and integrated strategies.

The 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.
Below is a broad view of our approach, the ordering may vary based on our discussions.
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We have extensive experience working with corporate executives, particularly within the Pharmaceutical industry, helping them to potentially optimize their compensation by aligning with their life priorities and goals throughout their career phases.

Our primary areas of focus include:
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    Executive compensation, including restricted stock and options
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    Strategies for managing the potential risks of concentration in one security
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    Comprehensive planning strategies, including benefits optimization and transition planning
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    Coordinate strategically with network of tax, legal, banking, etc., advisors

We work with wealthy families, including business owners and professionals.

We believe that we are positioned to relate to wealthy families and work with them throughout their lives. We understand family dynamics and their impact on wealth management and goals-based planning. Our generational and gender diversity also provide us with insights and perspectives to help families identify and prioritize what is most important to them.
We help them:
  • Preserve & Build wealth
  • Maintain their lifestyle through life’s transitions
  • Develop a meaningful and lasting legacy

Morgan Stanley Digital Tools

The firm strives to ensure it serves clients on market-leading technology platforms that are resilient, safe, efficient, smart, fast and flexible.
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    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) has a variety of features beyond viewing your account balance and activity that you should take advantage of. A few of them include...

    1. Approve wire transfers online after you enroll in eAuthorization.

    2. See your total net worth (including assets and liabilities) in one place when you add external accounts.

    3. Managing your everyday finances such as paying bills online, sending money or transferring funds.
    Register For MSO
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    Digital Vault
    The Digital Vault is a document delivery, storage and collaboration space for Morgan Stanley clients and Financial Advisor teams.

    Clients have integrated access to the Digital Vault through the Morgan Stanley Online portal and the Morgan Stanley mobile app. Financial Advisor teams can access and review their clients’ Digital Vault content seamlessly.

    Benefits include easy document sharing between clients and FA teams, secure repository to store important client documents, fully integrated into existing client and FA platforms, more efficient exchange of information encryption, virus scans and multi-factor authentication for security.
    Check Out The Digital Vault
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    E-Delivery
    Morgan Stanley Online has a variety of features that can enhance your digital experience and provide a deeper level of security. One of those tools, eDelivery, allows you to securely save, print, send or receive documents at any time from both Morgan Stanley Online and the Morgan Stanley Mobile App.
    Learn More and Enroll in E-Delivery
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    Asset Aggregation
    We've launched the Total Wealth View tool that allows you to link information from your accounts at other financial institutions directly to your Morgan Stanley Online or Morgan Stanley Mobile App profile.

    The ability to view all of your assets together provides the opportunity to advise on your Morgan Stanley accounts with your entire financial picture in mind.
    Set Up Total Wealth View

Location

340 Mount Kemble Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
US
Toll-Free:
(866) 274-3409(866) 274-3409

Meet The Bernards Group

About Nicholas Moretti

Nicholas has more than 35 years of experience providing financial and wealth management advice and services. He has his undergraduate and MBA from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University. Prior to entering the wealth planning industry, he served as a Senior Officer and Vice President for one of NJ’s leading banks. He has continued his professional education earning the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. He also has a degree in Financial Studies for Senior Bank Management from Fairfield University. He seeks to offer affluent clients the kind of honest, professional counsel and in-depth planning necessitated by complex challenges and opportunities facing today’s multi-generational families.

Nicholas also has many Civic Associations having served on different Boards of Trustees: the BEV Foundation, Aquinas Academy, St. Philomena’s Parish, the Marian Manor Corporation, the Executive Board of Livingston Soccer and Little Leagues. Nick and his wife Jean reside in Basking Ridge, NJ. They have two children and five grandchildren. Michael is a member of the team at Morgan Stanley*.
Securities Agent: CA, IA, MA, KY, IL, HI, CT, WA, NY, NJ, MO, AZ, WV, TX, DC, SC, RI, AK, TN, OK, NC, ME, ID, CO, VA, MT, DE, SD, NV, MI, PA, OH, MD, GA, FL, VT, UT, OR, NH, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1273061

About Michael Nicholas Moretti

Michael joined Morgan Stanley* in 2009 as a registered Financial Advisor helping clients to develop objective-based investment strategies and asset allocation models. Prior to Morgan Stanley*, Michael worked for one of the leading publishing companies in the world, as a marketing manager covering six online properties. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Rutgers College in 2000 with a B.A. in English. He has continued his professional education earning the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation in 2012 and Family Wealth Advisor and Alternative Investment Director designation in 2019. In 2015 and 2016, he was named to the Morgan Stanley Pacesetter’s Club and in 2019 he was named to the Morgan Stanley Master’s Club. Michael, his wife Deirdre, and their three children currently reside in Basking Ridge, NJ.
Securities Agent: AK, ID, DE, CT, WY, WV, TX, PA, ME, MD, FL, CO, AZ, WA, UT, OH, NH, MO, IA, NY, CA, MI, HI, DC, SD, NV, KY, IL, GA, SC, NC, VT, VA, RI, OK, MT, MA, TN, OR, NJ; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278697

About Suzanne Balian

Securities Agent: NJ, CO, MA, IL, SC, MD, CT, TN, NY, MO, ME, AZ, WA, DE, OR, NC, MI, KY, CA, WI, PA, IA, AK, NV, GA, FL, SD, ID, VA, UT, TX, OH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1279143

About Ryan Conklin

Ryan Conklin earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The College of Charleston then quickly began working for Merrill Lynch in his chosen career path as a Financial Operations Associate. His newly realized passion for client servicing led him to pursuing licensure and joining Morgan Stanley where he is now thriving in the wealth management and financial planning realm.

Continuously emulating Morgan Stanley’s standard, Ryan’s utmost goals are to ensure that his client’s best interests are being preserved and secured at all times, that their requests are listened to, and that details are not overlooked. As the resident technology guru, Ryan is the first point of contact for clients for whom he uses his operational expertise to make it easier for them to actively monitor the growth of their assets. When asked about his favorite aspect of the business, Ryan credits the swift efficiency of the team and their ability to execute timely on behalf of clients as a massive competitive advantage.

Ryan lives in Morristown, New Jersey in a cozy townhome with his family. As a Social Committee Member of the Madison Golf clubhouse, he spends his free time on the green and enjoys other outdoor activities such as biking, live music, and sporting events.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

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.

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
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Bernards 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 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.

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

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2Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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3Morgan 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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4Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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5Alternative 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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6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.

Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.

The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.

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

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.

The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.

*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney.  The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)