Our Story

As the financial world becomes more complex, careful planning and tailored, objective advice become even more important to achieving your life goals. Having a seasoned advisory team on your side can help simplify your financial life, so you can spend more time enjoying the wealth you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

At The MSSG Group, we focus on building deep relationships with our clients that span generations. This has become the cornerstone of our business and the underlying principle that has guided our growth as a family advisory practice.

For more than 60 collective years*, we have been serving the specialized needs of high net worth families, professionals and business owners in the New York City metro area and across the country. As a family-focused team of professionals, we offer the continuity and balance of perspectives that help you, your parents and your children make more informed, confident decisions about your wealth now and in the future.

We believe wealth is about more than investments and how you manage your money. It’s about your life and the people and interests that give your life meaning. Our comprehensive and consultative approach focuses on your full financial picture – from putting your children through college and preparing for retirement to caring for aging parents and legacy planning.

When you work with us, you experience a fully-engaged standard of care that prioritizes your best interests and reflects your family values. We are committed to earning your trust and confidence every day through a powerful combination of experience, education and empathy.

* John Spada became a Financial Advisor in 1993; Arnold German became a Financial Advisor in 1980; Anthony Marino became a Financial Advisor in 1987; Paul Spada became a Financial Advisor in 2022.

* John Spada has been recognized as a "Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor" for 2022 and 2023

2022-2023 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2023). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Our Clients

Our practice is built on the development of deep and enduring relationships and the delivery of comprehensive wealth management services to a broad range of clients who live in the New York City Metro area, South Florida, and across the country.

While each client has a unique set of goals and circumstances, they all have one thing in common: They need help developing a comprehensive and cohesive wealth strategy.

Our role is to help you effectively manage and preserve your assets, so you may enjoy your wealth and leave the legacy you desire.
    Icon Image
    Multi-Generational Families
    While all multi-generational families face complex financial issues, each has its own challenges, opportunities and aspirations. Based on a holistic understanding of these factors, we can customize a comprehensive plan to help you attain a successful life and legacy.
    Icon Image
    Professionals in the Medical, Technology, and Finance Industries
    Whether you work at a Hedge Fund, hospital, or home of the newest popular app, we are here to help. Through our experience knowing and working with individuals in your field, we understand the complex compensation structures you may face.
    Icon Image
    Retirees and Pre-Retirees
    The uncertainty of retirement can be daunting. Our solutions aim to build confidence in your financial future and provide peace of mind to focus on your work and your family.
    Retirement Checkup
    Icon Image
    Business Owners
    By combining the corporate resources of Morgan Stanley and our team expertise, we are able to support you and your business, from creation to sale, as well as your personal life and goals.
    Preparing for the Transaction of a Lifetime

Working With You

Our comprehensive process begins and ends with listening. We ask questions about your goals, your dreams and what keeps you up at night . . . and then we listen. Through each step, we provide objective advice and investment insights to construct a wealth management plan that is uniquely yours.
    Icon Image
    Step 1 - Introductions
    We begin with an informal conversation to understand your financial concerns and determine how we can add value to your situation. This is your opportunity to interview us, as we get to know you. If we agree to move forward, we’ll schedule our next meeting and request important financial information.
    Icon Image
    Step 2 – Discovery
    We continue the dialogue by fostering an in-depth conversation where we listen carefully to what is important to you. We learn about the values that shape your decisions and identify any special circumstances. We also review the documents you’ve prepared and begin to define your priorities.
    Icon Image
    Step 3 – Analysis
    Here, we begin to prepare your wealth plan. We also discuss important investment concepts and provide details on our investment philosophy.
    Icon Image
    Step 4 – Strategy Development
    Utilizing our experience, knowledge and world-class resources, we develop a personalized wealth management plan that addresses all your financial priorities. We present our recommendations along with key action steps that serve as a guide to implementing your plan.
    Icon Image
    Step 5 – Implementation
    As we execute your plan, we set up tools to provide convenient access to your accounts. We provide ongoing updates and follow up on key items to ensure your plan is implemented efficiently.
    Icon Image
    Step 6 – Ongoing Service
    We apply a strict due diligence process to evaluate investment performance and set up regular calls, based on your preference and personal needs, to discuss progress towards your goals. In these discussions, we’ll determine if any adjustments are needed, since personal goals and market conditions can change over time.

Outlooks, Updates and Family Wealth Resources

This tab is a consolidated representation of the resources we believe are timely and relevant for our clients. We update this regularly to support you in staying informed about the latest market trends, outlooks, and breakdowns.

Executive Director and Family Wealth Director, Anthony Marino, leverages the versatile resources of Morgan Stanley and professionals to help our clients and their families maximize the value of their human capital by driving family wealth education, making it more likely that all members of the family will have the foundation and support they need to potentially lead meaningful, fulfilled and engaged lives.
    Icon Image
    The Global Investment Committee Weekly
    Weekly insights into global markets, asset classes and economic trends from the Global Investment Committee, Morgan Stanley’s team of seasoned investment professionals.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Global Investment Committee: On The Markets
    A monthly publication that summarizes the Global Investment Committee’s market outlook and contains thought-provoking essays that examine the forces shaping the investment landscape. Check out the latest edition below.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Asset Class Returns
    The latest Wealth Management perspectives on investment returns by asset class. The article below gives data on the returns on certain asset classes and highlights why diversified portfolios can help manage risk.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Total Tax 365
    My clients value the benefits of tax-smart investing strategies. Please watch the brief video below to learn about the full spectrum of our tax smart offerings and how we can help you achieve this over time across all of your portfolios.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Art Advisory
    Art is an asset and it can be made to work for you. Amid one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history, The Morgan Stanley Art Resources Team explain how collectors can plan for the future.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    2024 Federal Income Tax Tables
    To better assist you with this year's tax filing, please find below the 2024 Tax Tables for your reference.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Our Team's Family Wealth Capabilities
    A Family Wealth Director (FWD) is a rare distinction, earned by less than 4% of Morgan Stanley’s Financial Advisors as of February 2021. The designation is given to advisors who have undergone distinctive training to complement their extensive experience working with ultra-high net worth families.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Family Governance & Wealth Education
    The Family Governance & Wealth Education group helps ultra high net worth families strive to maximize the value of their human capital by addressing sensitive family issues, facilitate communication and manage your family dynamic in an effort to achieve a shared sense of common direction in coordination with your outside advisors.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Legacy & Estate Planning Strategies
    We engage with our Executive Planning Director and Wealth Planning Center to provide a fully integrated, comprehensive analysis of your balance sheet, estate plan, and investment strategy through a collaborative process. At your request we will coordinate with your legal tax advisors as well.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Philanthropic Planning
    Your set of philanthropic objectives is as personal as your vision of a better world. Determining your objectives however, can be challenging when there are so many worthy causes and so many unmet needs.
    Learn More
    Icon Image
    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams

    In 2024 and 2025, The MSSG Group at Morgan Stanley was recognized on the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list.

    The Forbes ranking takes into account a host of qualitative and quantitative factors, but we believe that the driving force behind our success is the relationships we have built with you and all of our clients. This recognition serves as a testament to our team's dedicated commitment to providing our clients with world-class financial advice and guidance along with a high level of service.

    2024, 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024 and 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in March of year prior to the issuance of the award.

    Icon Image
    Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors

    From 2022-2024, John Spada was recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor.

    2022-2024 Forbes Best-In- State Wealth Advisors
    Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2022-2024). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based 12-month time period concluding in June of year prior to the issuance of the award.

Location

333 S Tamiami Trail
Suite 199
Venice, FL 34285
US
Direct:
(941) 486-2207(941) 486-2207
Toll-Free:
(866) 637-7271(866) 637-7271
15 Independence Blvd
Warren, NJ 07059
US
Direct:
(908) 626-8606(908) 626-8606

Meet The MSSG Group

About John Spada

A seasoned professional for more than 25 years, John Spada enjoys working with financially successful individuals and families, providing highly personalized advice through a disciplined approach. His extensive experience enables him to help clients understand the intricate details of their wealth. He focuses on listening carefully to what is most important, so he can develop a customized plan designed to address their unique set of circumstances.

Throughout his career, John has remained committed to professional development. A graduate of Drexel University where he earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineer, John continued his studies, receiving his M.B.A. in Finance from the New York Institute of Technology and his Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation from the College for Financial Planning. John began his financial services career in 1993 at Merrill Lynch. He joined Morgan Stanley in 2008 and has been a valuable member of the firm ever since.

Over the years, John has acquired a diverse set of skills to help guide and advise his clients on achieving their particular financial goals. His process begins with asking the right questions and actively listening. This information then serves as the foundation for the development of a custom plan. He prides himself on delivering personal warmth and care with a strategic approach to help families and business owners nurture and pursue considerable wealth, so they may pass it along to future generations.

Originally from Port Washington, NY, John now lives in Tewksbury, NJ with his wife of 25 years, Kelly, and their three children, Julia, Paul and Emilia. Outside of the office, John is active in boy scouts and his local church. Favorite leisure activities include offshore fishing, restoring cars and working towards his pilot’s license.
Securities Agent: NM, AL, UT, VT, TX, RI, NV, GA, CT, SC, NY, MO, AZ, CO, FL, ID, KS, ME, WI, WA, IL, DC, NC, NH, MD, CA, DE, NJ, OH, OR, PA, VA, HI, MA, MI, TN; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 862583
CA Insurance License #: 4272869

About Anthony Marino

Anthony Marino attended the College of Staten Island and joined Morgan Stanley in 1995. He became a Financial Advisor because of his desire to help people. He now draws on 35 years of experience in the financial services industry to assist clients in realizing both their long and short-term goals. Ultimately, Anthony aims to help clients achieve financial independence and minimize anxiety around their finances.

Anthony assists clients in navigating major financial transitions in life. He works with them to create a customized and comprehensive financial plan designed to address financial blind spots. Anthony elevates his service offerings with the rare Family Wealth Director designation, which distinctively positions him to provide access to experiences, resources, products, and services to high-net-worth families. In addition, he also assists in the group's life insurance, long term care, and annuity help.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys fishing, boating, golf and spending time with his family as he is a father of two. He also spends time with his communities at the Great Kills Yacht Club, Fiddlers Elbow Country Club and Sarasota National Golf Club.
Securities Agent: SC, ME, MA, ID, FL, CA, MN, MI, DC, CO, RI, VT, MO, IL, KS, MD, NC, NV, OR, CT, NM, NY, TN, DE, GA, UT, AZ, NJ, TX, WI, PA, AL, OH, VA, WA, NH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1253241
CA Insurance License #: 0E84858

About Paul Spada

Due to his inherent love of math and analysis, Paul Spada pursued and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Miami. While preparing to graduate and begin a career in engineering, Paul recognized that his skills and interests may add value in a more fulfilling, client-facing role like his father’s.

Paul witnessed his dad, John Spada, enjoy the daily processes and activities of being a financial advisor, as well as receive fulfillment from the distinctive relationships John develops with clients. Paul loved the consistent client engagement that Wealth Management offered, so he joined his father’s practice in 2022.

Paul aims to improve other people's lives through measurable returns and confidence in their financial future. His unique interactions with clients include his genuine attempt to understand clients' investments and why/how they do things. Paul has a high attention to detail and is eager to connect activities and nuances in the industry to future situations.

Outside of the office, Paul is actively involved in a few alumni associations: The Delbarton Alumni and Young Alumni associations, the New York Canes and the Miami Young Alumni Committee. He continues to lead an active lifestyle after playing football in high school and sprinting for the track team in college. In his free time, Paul enjoys cooking, fine dining, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Securities Agent: MO, MN, MA, NH, RI, NJ, IL, CT, ME, VA, CA, NV, OR, TN, WI, SC, NM, ID, PA, FL, DE, CO, UT, VT, DC, NY, MD, AZ, GA, HI, KS, NC, OH, WA, MI, TX, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2445560

About David "Russell" Cromwell

Russ Cromwell is a Portfolio Associate at The Spada Group. A results-driven professional with nearly 20 years of industry experience, he is committed to building strong client relationships. Russ not only understands how to address each client’s concerns, he knows how to anticipate them as well. His industry knowledge and reliability help provide clients with confidence, as he works to find solutions to their financial challenges.

Russ is often the first line of contact on a wide array of service, sales and operational issues. He enjoys troubleshooting each inquiry by leveraging access to the firm’s management and compliance teams. He uses his strong organizational skills to help solve problems, reducing stress and achieving overall financial success for the clients of The Spada Group.

A graduate of the University of Maine, Russ began his career in 1999 at Fidelity Investments. Two years later, he joined Merrill Lynch, where he first met John Spada and Malcolm Macpherson. He has been an integral member of John’s team ever since, joining them in the move to Morgan Stanley in 2008.

Born in Hammersmith, London, Russ currently lives in Rockaway, NJ with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Madeline and Marshall. Strong believers in giving back, Russ and Michelle both coach youth sports and are active member of their community. In his free time, Russ enjoys gardening, gathering with friends and family and cheering on his children who are very active in many sports activities.

About Lisa Morse

Lisa Morse joined the team in May of 2022. She transferred from a highly respected Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team in San Jose, CA, bringing with her over 20 years of financial industry experience.

Lisa is often the first line of contact and handles the day-to-day operations. She is very skilled in onboarding new clients, while deepening relationships with existing ones. Lisa strives to provide exceptional client service with her breadth of knowledge, attention to detail and anticipation of our client’s needs.

Born in Boston, Lisa spent her childhood in New Hampshire. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, she moved to Northern California where she and her husband raised their two daughters. Lisa is an avid Boston sports fan and also enjoys exploring her new home state of Florida, biking, and reading.

Lisa currently holds her Series 7, 66 and her Life and Health insurance designations.

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
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

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

4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

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

Investing

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

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

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

Family

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

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
Article Image

Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

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

Philanthropy

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

Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

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

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 MSSG 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.

1Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.

Back to top



2Morgan 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.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



4Morgan 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.

Back to top



5Morgan 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.

Back to top



6Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.

Back to top



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.

Back to top



8Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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.
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 and other legal matters.

Back to top



9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Back to top



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)