About the North Bay Group

The North Bay Group is a highly experienced team that strives to help individuals and small business owners achieve financial independence. We believe when investors achieve financial independence, they can afford to live the lives they want and create the legacy they desire.

To achieve that objective, we listen attentively to your needs and concerns, provide thoughtful, strategically sound advice, and manage wealth prudently. We place as much importance on protecting your wealth as we do on growing it over time for you and future generations.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

A Personalized Approach

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    Step 1: Introductory Meeting
    During your initial meeting with us, we devote extensive time to listening carefully to your concerns and identifying your goals, risk considerations, and time horizon, among other important factors required to deliver personalized, prudent advice.
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    Step 2: Discovery Meeting
    To ensure personalization, we meticulously consider every financial issue as well as frequently overlooked ones. We conduct a detailed analysis of your existing financial situation such as your spending, debt, savings and risk along with any other issues that you may encounter over time.
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    Step 3: Goals Analysis
    Prior to plan implementation or any investment recommendation, we dedicate a great deal of time on methods to achieve a specific goal, such as choosing an investment vehicle for 401(k) contributions, identifying the most appropriate long-term care insurance policy, or gifting wealth to a loved one or a favorite charity.
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    Step 4: Plan Implementation & Ongoing Review
    Once your financial plan is finalized and implemented, our work together has only just begun. We will communicate with you regularly to keep you well-informed and to ensure you remain comfortable with the progress of your plan. As your needs and goals change, we will carefully reevaluate your plan and confer with you to make necessary adjustments to keep your plan working towards your goals.

An Enhanced Client Experience

We have included resources and education pieces that are meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. We are always looking to provide our clients with not only market and finance resources, but also with other helpful resources that can have a huge impact on you and your loved ones.
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    Thoughts on the Market Podcast
    With perspectives on the forces shaping the market, join Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer and Chief US Equity Strategist for Morgan Stanley, as he and his colleagues discuss a variety of viewpoints regarding the latest trends in the financial marketplace.
    Watch the Latest Episode
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    On The Markets Research Report
    Detailed market commentary from Morgan Stanley's thought leaders on topics such as global equities, fixed income, monetary policy, and more.
    Read the Latest Report
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    What Should I Do With My Money?
    Managing our money is one of the most important aspects of our lives, and yet, many people don’t have someone they can depend on for help when they need it.

    On this podcast, we match real people, asking real questions about their money, with experienced Financial Advisors. You’ll hear answers to important questions like: Is now the right time to buy a house? How should I be saving to cover the cost of college? How much do I really need to retire and am I on track?
    Click Here to Listen
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    On The Markets Weekly Research Report
    The Global Investment Committee's Lisa Shalett headlines this weekly look at markets, asset class performance and fixed income.
    Read the Latest Report
Client education is an integral part of our practice. We strive to keep our clients well informed on a variety of key topics across economic, financial, cyber and political landscapes. Below is information that we feel is helpful and relevant for our clients and their families. We welcome you to attend, learn, and enjoy!
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    Cybersecurity
    What does it mean to be cyber smart in a rapidly evolving digital age? How can we protect ourselves and our families online? Who are cyber criminals and how can we identify them?

    Morgan Stanley’s cybersecurity experts tackle these questions and more in our Cybersecurity Webinar Series. Learn about the basics and walk away from these sessions with actionable insights and best practices.
    View the Webinar Series on Demand
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    Social Security
    Knowing how and when to begin collecting Social Security benefits is an important step in your retirement process.
    Get Your Social Security Questions Answered
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    Retirement
    While saving for a retirement is an important topic, it’s at least as important as what comes next: Your plan of action once you enter retirement.
    Read More
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    Fraud and Scams
    Cybercriminal activity continues to evolve. Stay up-to-date about common schemes you might encounter so you can help prevent fraud.
    Learn More
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    Geopolitical Perspectives with Sec. Condoleezza Rice & Sec. John F. Kerry
    We’re pleased to present a timely event featuring two former U.S. Secretaries of State.

    In case you missed it, we invite you to watch the replay from our conversation recorded on Tuesday, December 10, with Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th Secretary of State, and John F. Kerry, the 68th Secretary of State.

    The discussion was moderated by Ellen Zentner, Chief Economic Strategist and Global Head of Thematic and Macro Investing, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

    Replay of the conversation will be available through January 10, 2025.
    Learn More
Our comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial life. Below are a few of the technologies we have to offer our clients.
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
    Get Started Today
    eDelivery
    eDelivery
    Sign up for eDelivery today and start receiving email notifications as soon as your account documents are available on Morgan Stanley Online or the Morgan Stanley Mobile App. It's quick, convenient & secure.
    Enroll Today
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online
    Morgan Stanley Online allows you to seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place.
    Register for Morgan Stanley Online Today
    Security Center
    Security Center
    Learn about our latest security measures, how we are safeguarding your assets and personal information and find actionable insights and resources on important cybersecurity topics to enhance your own online security.
    Visit our Security Center
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    Total Wealth View
    Complete your financial picture with Total Wealth View. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
    Total Wealth View

Location

1101 5th Avenue
Ste 275
San Rafael, CA 94901
US
Direct:
(415) 482-1505(415) 482-1505
Toll-Free:
(800) 505-1220(800) 505-1220

Meet The North Bay Group

About Catheryne Diprete

Catheryne is a Certified Financial Planner® and a Certified Investment Management Analyst CIMA®. Catheryne also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Cornell University and two Master’s degrees, one in Business Administration, another in Taxation. She has more than three decades of experience in finance.

Prior to joining a predecessor firm of Morgan Stanley’s in 2002, she worked 13 years in Finance and Accounting for a Fortune 500 company (Hewlett-Packard) and spent one of those years working for the company in France. In effect, she offers experience and expertise as a seasoned financial advisor and as a former multi-national finance manager.

When she isn’t serving the needs of her clients, Catheryne enjoys swimming, wake surfing, and other water sports in the San Francisco Bay area. She swam the length of Lake Tahoe in 2007 and across the English Channel in 2009. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Ignacio and she and her husband foster dogs for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Catheryne has been happily married for over 20 years and has three stepchildren.
Securities Agent: NM, NJ, HI, AR, OR, MI, MA, AK, VA, NC, ME, GA, MT, AZ, WA, KS, TX, MO, MD, FL, NV, IN, CO, AL, KY, CA, WI, NY; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282458
CA Insurance License #: 0D89946

About Henry Choi

Henry has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, which he applied towards consulting and Business Development roles for mostly technology companies before transitioning successfully to his current advisory role with Morgan Stanley. Henry uses his business knowledge, relationship skills, and resources available at our firm to help his clients plan and achieve their lifetime financial goals.

He lives in Novato, California with his wife, Nicole and their twin children. Henry enjoys volunteering in his community, serving on not for profit boards (currently on the board of Novato Horsemen which promotes horse riding activities), and educating himself on a variety of topics including economics, science, and history. He also enjoys hiking with his wife, playing guitar, and camping whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Securities Agent: WI, NV, NC, FL, CA, VA, ME, AR, AK, PA, NM, MI, MD, KS, HI, NY, KY, GA, AZ, AL, OR, CO, MT, MO, WA, TX, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1629338
CA Insurance License #: 0L71164

About Sara Farner

Sara Farner, CFP® is a First Vice President at Morgan Stanley with over 20 years of experience in the securities industry. Sara began her career at Prager, McCarthy and Sealy, a municipal bond underwriting firm in San Francisco. She left Prager to work at Lazard’s west coast office which handled mergers and acquisitions for the tech, telecom and media sectors. Sara joined Morgan Stanley in 2000.

Sara is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, earned a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Golden Gate University, as well as a degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

Sara currently resides in Moraga with her two boys. Sara is involved with giving back to the community through the Junior League of San Francisco, Moraga Education Foundation and the Assistance League of Diablo Valley.

Everyone’s economic and life situation is unique, and she keeps that in mind when providing financial advice. Sara believes that personalized services are essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. As a Financial Advisor, Sara is dedicated to learning about your personal goals. Together you will use them to build a financial plan focused on your specific needs.
Securities Agent: VA, NV, NC, MO, ME, MD, KY, ID, WA, MI, CA, WI, CO, NM, HI, MT, MA, KS, FL, OR, NY, GA, TX, AK, PA, IL, AZ, AL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1285225

About Jyoti Sharma

Jyoti Sharma brings a holistic perspective to financial planning, encompassing a 360-degree view of all aspects of a client’s financial life, to help formulate a customized, values-based strategy and guide each client toward confident, educated decisions. Based in our Pleasanton office, Jyoti frequently works with key employees and executives in the technology sector, and is fluent in the complex language of equity compensation and stock options. She also has a wide range of experience in working with women facing transitional situations.

Since 2006, Jyoti has earned clients’ trust though close collaboration with them on investments, tax harvesting, estate planning strategies, life insurance and long-term care, in coordination with their attorneys and tax advisors as needed.

Jyoti earned a B.S. in Business, magna cum laude, from CSU East Bay. She and her husband Jai Kumar, a tech executive, have two children: Ayushi, a Plastic Surgery Resident and Karan, a data scientist. An avid traveler, Jyoti also loves bicycling and cooking world cuisines. She is an active supporter of the nonprofit organization Narika and Blackhawk Community Cares Foundation.
Securities Agent: ME, FL, AZ, NY, IN, OR, OH, ID, HI, KY, GA, CA, AL, WI, NV, NM, NC, MO, MN, IL, CO, WY, PA, WA, MI, MA, AK, NJ, SD, MT, KS, ND, MD, VA, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2119647
CA Insurance License #: 0F48494

About Cassandra Pate

A Dominican University of California graduate and former retail manager, Cassandra has outstanding communication skills, enjoys problem solving and brings an empathetic outlook to her interactions. She is detail-oriented and strives to be a step ahead of any obstacles that might be encountered in her work. She is deeply committed to delivering the highest level of exceptional client service in a pleasant, easy-going manner every day. She is truly integral to the team in her role as client service associate and has enjoyed working with our clientele since she joined the firm in 2018.

Outside of work, Cassandra’s hobbies include cross-stitching, miniature painting and playing a variety of video games. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad, visiting local breweries together and going to the movies. She completed her first half marathon in 2015, which was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco and continues to stay active with indoor cycling and strength training.

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 Farbod Farman

Farbod Farman is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in California.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and 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.

Farbod began his career in financial services in 2015, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Associate Banker at Citi Private Bank. He also served as a Brokerage Associate at Wells Fargo.

Farbod is a graduate of the Hawaii Pacific University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, and Missouri State University – West Plains, where he received his Associate in Arts degree in General Studies. He lives in San Rafael, California with his spouse. Outside of the office, Farbod enjoys working out, playing video games, watching movies, spending time with his family, volunteering and traveling. Farbod played basketball in college in the US, and for the Iranian National Team and represented them in many international tournaments including Asian Championship Cup and the World Cup.
NMLS#: 1619986
Wealth Management
From Our Team

6 Financially Smart Ways to Start 2025


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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The North Bay 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 Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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2Morgan 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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3Morgan 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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4When 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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5When 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 always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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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)