Our Story and Services

With almost 75 years of combined experience in wealth management The MPJ Group utilizes a comprehensive and proactive planning approach to help families, entrepreneurs, and individuals manage, grow, and ultimately distribute their wealth. Our team is dedicated to providing a full suite of world class advisory services and customized strategies that help our clients fulfill their personal and financial goals. Our group focuses on a variety of concentrations that include discretionary fee-based portfolio management, alternative investments, wealth planning, cash management, lending services, gifting solutions, insurance and estate planning strategies.

We invite you to learn more about our team by reading our biographies below and to reach out with any questions. We look forward to meeting with you, learning about your goals and aspirations and discussing how we can help achieve them.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

OUR CLIENTS

We address a range of client circumstances across generations. Many of our clients are successful, professional women and men and their families. In addition many of our clients are in the prime of their careers and seeking to accumulate as much as they can for retirement, their family, or simply to enhance their lifestyles. They want to make sure they will not outlive their money while gifting to family and causes that are important to them. For these clients it’s hard to have perspective in a vacuum, so we collaborate on their investments and plans to provide information for effective decision making. We take the time to educate our clients on the issues they face.
Individuals and Professionals
Whether you are planning for retirement, looking to exit your business, or understand your company stock options, we are there every step of the way providing a holistic approach to all of your options with in depth financial planning and analysis.
Advantages of personalized financial planning
Multi-Generational Families
Our practice is committed to addressing the needs of all generations within the families we serve. Whether you are considering retiring from your job or transitioning your business to your family, or if you are concerned about ensuring that your family is financially savvy with the wealth they may be gifted or inherit, we are here to help. We work across generations to guide, educate and service everyone to ensure that your legacy continues.
Talking to your kids about money
Blended Families
Blended families come with unique financial dynamics that arise from merging families with different financial values, spending habits, and money philosophies. We take the time to understand you and your situation and look to provide solutions that are right for your family and your long term wealth goals.
The Depth of Real Advice
Family Offices
Our team works with ultra high net worth individuals and families who are tasked with handling a significant amount of wealth. Working in tandem with our family office resources team at Morgan Stanley we are we are well prepared to help protect the wealth you have created while generating the income needed to support your desired lifestyle and charitable endeavors.
Family Office Resources
Women
Part of our practice focuses on the financial needs of women. We have found that independent women often feel as though they have been underserved, and finding simple, objective and trustworthy information can be overwhelming. Our team brings a multitude of resources and experience in financial planning and investment strategies for entrepreneurial, single, divorced and widowed women.
Women and Wealth
LGBTQ+
We work with LGBTQ+ couples, families, and individuals, take the time to understand their situations, emotions, and goals. We understand the different financial circumstances and look to provide resources and advice in order to help our clients reach their financial and personal goals.
Wealth Planning for LGBTQ Individuals, Couples and Families

OUR SUITE OF SERVICES

As your life changes, so do your needs, goals and financial plans. Throughout the process, we will always be there to answer your questions, implement our financial approach and help you reach your goals.

BUSINESS OWNERS AND PROFESSIONALS

Our team applies decades of experience and a vast array of world class resources to help you navigate each stage of your professional life. Whether that is starting a new business, selling your business, exercising a large accumulation of company stock options or figuring out the best retirement plan for your company. We are here every step of the way.
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    Solutions for Existing Businesses
    By using Morgan Stanley at Work we help businesses maximize the efficiency of their workforce by incorporating innovative workplace offerings for companies and employees across Equity Compensation, Financial Wellness and Retirement Solutions. See our At Work homepage below where you can watch a short video to learn more.
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    Starting Your Business
    As a new business owner, you face a number of critical decisions that will have an enormous impact on the future success of your company. Questions about day-to-day cash flow, attracting and retaining talented employees, and balancing finances at work and at home are just some of the challenges you must consider.
    Financial Strategies For Growing Your Business
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    Exiting Your Business
    Creating and growing a successful business is seldom just about money, nor is the decision to exit the business, whether that exit is through an IPO, merger with another company, private sale or succession within the family. The process is intense, the details are complex, and the decisions are often an unexpected combination of personal and financial.
    Developing Your Exit Strategy
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    Understanding Your Equity Awards
    • How performance shares work.
    • The difference between incentive and non-qualified stock options, as well as restricted stock awards and units.
    • How you can use certain securities based lending solutions to cover the various costs associated with
    exercising stock options.
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    Executive Financial Services
    Morgan Stanley’s Executive Financial Services team (“EFS”) is a dedicated team that specializes in helping key corporate insiders effectively navigate the complex landscape of insider trading regulation and reporting requirements. Our experience and service has translated to a #1 market share for over the last 13 years in both overall Rule 144 and 10b5-1 Trading Plans.
    Executive Financial Services

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS

We leverage our unique position and our affiliates to source innovative strategies from among the most knowledgeable investment minds in the business, Employing rigorous due diligence to identify, evaluate and select each alternative investment product on our platform, we work to identify the managers that we believe are highly qualified to help our clients meet their objectives. Your choices will depend on your goals, objectives, and risk tolerance.

Location

1030 Broad Street 3rd
Floor
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
US
Direct:
(732) 389-5163(732) 389-5163

Meet The MPJ Group

About Rich Miranda

Rich Miranda is a Managing Director with Morgan Stanley and is based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in June of 2009 he worked as a Vice President with Merrill Lynch at their corporate headquarters in New York City. Rich spent 11 years at Merrill Lynch where he was a part of the Private Wealth Management Group where he focused on financial planning and investing for high net worth families. Rich focuses on all aspects of wealth management with a focus on investing.

Rich received his Certified Investment Management AnalystSM, CIMA®, designation in 2007 from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to beginning his career in financial services, Rich graduated from Harvard University where he received the degree of Master in Business Administration in 1998. Rich is a graduate of Providence College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He worked for the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation based out of New York City as an International Corporate Auditor for five years after graduating from college. He also was a Corporate Controller at National Semiconductor Corporation in Santa Clara, California for four years before moving back to the east coast to pursue his MBA. In 2024, he was named to Forbes Magazine’s list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Rich resides in Middletown, NJ and is married to his wife Jessica and is the proud father of four children (two sets of twins). Away from the business he enjoys skiing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors 2024
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Apr 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23. For criteria & methodology, go to https://www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/awards-disclosure.html.
Securities Agent: CA, CT, NY, MA, TN, NJ, WA, NV, NH, NC, MD, CO, FL, GA, WY, VA, IL, SD, KY, AZ, SC, PA, OH, DE; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1255671
CA Insurance License #: 0C75814
AR Insurance License #: 2232556

About Lisa Pizzella

Lisa has been helping families and individuals plan for and execute their retirement and estate planning goals since 1983 when she first began in the financial industry. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2001 Lisa worked for Merrill Lynch and Dean Witter, she came to Morgan Stanley and became an associate Vice President. She also earned the title of Financial Planning Specialist, as well as being in the Portfolio Management Program where she earned the title of Senior Portfolio Manager, Lisa is currently a Vice President. Since building her practice at Morgan Stanley Lisa has developed a passion for helping women in business and women in transition as well as providing comprehensive financial and estate planning strategies to all generations of her client’s families.

Lisa has been dedicated to volunteering her time to Unico, a charitable service organization that she has been a member of since 2003. She has served as president for the Brick, NJ chapter and as district governor for the Ocean county chapters. Lisa currently resides in Brick, NJ. Outside of work she takes up ballroom dancing as a favorite hobby.
Securities Agent: NH, CA, MA, CT, CO, SD, SC, PA, WA, MD, GA, IL, TN, FL, NY, NV, VA, OH, KY, DE, NC, NJ, AZ, WY; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1295497

About Anna Jasicki

Anna has been serving financially successful individuals and families since 2007. In her role as Business Development Associate, she is responsible for preparing performance reports, developing meeting agendas, and analyzing clients' portfolio allocations to ensure they their investment objectives are current. She also works to develop marketing strategies that support the team's business plan goals. She evaluates and implements various marketing methods designed to develop business opportunities with clients and prospects.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Anna worked as a Financial Analyst at Bloomberg. She also served as a Client Associate and Branch Manager Assistant at Merrill Lynch. Anna earned her M.B.A. and B.S. degrees in Finance from Rider University. She holds her Series 7 and 66 registrations and maintains her state life, health annuity licenses.

Anna currently lives in Tinton Falls with her son, Jakub, and enjoys an active lifestyle. She supports a number of charitable organizations, including Lunch Break, Task Force Dagger, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County, through participation in a variety of local athletic events. Favorite free time activities include cooking, hanging out at the beach, playing sports, and taking her son on adventures.

About Maureen Butler

As a Registered Client Service Associate at The MPJ Group, Maureen plays a crucial role in ensuring our clients receive exceptional service and support. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for helping others, Maureen manages the day-to-day operations, assisting clients with their inquiries, account management, and ensuring seamless communication between clients and our advisory team.

Maureen brings her experience in financial services to the team, ensuring that each client’s experience is personalized and efficient. Her commitment to excellence and proactive approach helps our clients stay informed and confident in their financial journeys.

Maureen started her career in the financial services industry at Merrill Lynch. She then moved to Barclays Private Banking working alongside the Portfolio Management team. Maureen left the industry for a while to raise her children. Upon returning, she worked with independent RIAs as a service associate before joining Morgan Stanley. Maureen has an MBA as well as the Series 7, 63 and 65. Maureen is originally from Brooklyn, NY and now lives in Hazlet, NJ with her husband and children.

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 Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New Jersey.

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.

Michael began his career in financial services in 2010 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Citigold Relationship Manager for Citibank in Queens, NY. Michael was also a Private Client Banker with JP Morgan Chase Bank in New Jersey.

Michael is a graduate of Ramapo College where he received a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Law and Society Studies. He lives at the Jersey Shore, with his family. Outside of the office, Michael donates his time to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He enjoys playing golf, skiing, the beach, and spending time with his family.
NMLS#: 600637
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Financial Advisers can conduct their business in several ways: individually, as a member of a team of Financial Advisors, or through the formation of a Strategic Partnership with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors. A Strategic Partnership is an arrangement between a Financial Advisor or a team of Financial Advisors with another Financial Advisor or team of Financial Advisors that has a unique focus or knowledge regarding a specific business concentration, product area, and/or client type. If your account is with an individual Financial Advisor, that Financial Advisor services all facets of your account. If your account is with a Financial Advisor who is a member of a team, any Financial Advisor on the team can service your account. If your Financial Advisor is part of a Strategic Partnership, his or her role in that Strategic Partnership may be limited to a specific business and/or product area and may not cover all facets of your account. The use of the terms “Partner” or “Strategic Partner” and/or “Partnership” or “Strategic Partnership” are used as terms of art and not used to imply or connote any legal relationship.

Wealth Management
From Our Team

The GIC Weekly


Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
Are You Prepared for Tax Day?
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Are You Prepared for Tax Day?

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The MPJ Group today.
1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
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.

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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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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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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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5Structured Investments are complex and not appropriate for all investors. An investment in structured investments involves risks. These risks can include but are not limited to: fluctuations in the price, level or yield of underlying asset(s), interest rates, currency values and credit quality, substantial loss of principal, limits on participation in appreciation of underlying asset(s), limited liquidity, credit risk, and/or conflicts of interest. Many structured investments do not pay interest or guarantee a return above principal at maturity. Investors should read the security’s offering documentation prior to making an investment decision.

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6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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7Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

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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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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), 3582895 (6/2024)