Our Story

Based in San Antonio, TX and Austin, TX, The North Star Group at Morgan Stanley is a values-driven, credentialed private wealth team committed to delivering personalized guidance to a select group of clients across Texas and around the country.

Our mission is to be our clients’ most trusted partner, helping them navigate life’s most pivotal decisions and milestones. We achieve this by delivering a unique combination of deep experience, unwavering commitment, and conviction to every relationship.

At the heart of our approach is a dedication to helping clients not just achieve financial success, but to realize their “why?” in life, living out their values, passions and purpose.
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Wealth is a Tool, not a Trophy.

No one should find their sense of self-worth wrapped up in how much or how little they have. Your wealth should be the vehicle that allows you to explore and express your identity, not be the identity. All too often, clients get caught up comparing the return of their portfolio against that of others or an arbitrary index, as if they must "beat the market." In contrast, the most successful (and happiest) clients clearly define their financial goals and know how to achieve and subsequently protect those goals. Anything beyond that is, at best, simply unnecessary risk and, at worse, hubris.

As advisors, we first try to understand each client's unique interpretation of the term "wealth" and how it fits into who they are. In doing so, our team gains insight into the most valuable things to them. Only then can we identify how to best help that client use their wealth to maximize the essential things in their life.

We are convinced the relationship between a client and their advisor(s) should be grounded in trust and communication. So as advisors, we strive first to earn a client's trust, which comes from genuinely appreciating and connecting to the client as a person. From there, we can show our competency to craft and deliver the strategies they need. Over the years, planning and investing have grown exponentially more complex. As such, we believe client success is molding the dynamic intricacies of modern financial life into a clear, concise road map for the future. The actual dividend of a solid financial plan is peace of mind.

Within financial planning and portfolio construction, our team focuses, first and foremost, on managing risk. Our comprehensive approach to collaborating with a client is founded on four principal areas of focus: Tax Efficient Cash Flow Planning, Risk & Liability Management, Asset Management, and Legacy (Estate) Planning.

We judge success by forging quality relationships with our clients. We care about them as people, not as a pile of money or a source of income for us, never forgetting that it is a privilege to collaborate with a client, not an entitlement.

We are committed to always putting our clients' best interests above all other things. We try every single day to leverage our years in the industry, honing in on areas of comprehensive planning and investment emphasis to create the best client experience possible.

Experience
Our team brings a healthy mix of experience and youth to the table. It is comforting to our clients to know that in three decades of practice, we have navigated multiple market cycles and witnessed clients experience all the major financial milestones in a lifetime. And yet, at the same time, we are youthful enough that clients can expect us to be there to see them through their future financial stages. Ultimately, this means better decision-making and fewer mistakes, which can give clients more confidence and comfort.

Commitment
We embrace the responsibility of having clients entrust their life savings with us, regardless of the amount. And so, we do not have account minimums; instead, we look for relationships of mutual respect and value. This connectivity allows us to commit wholeheartedly to clients whether they have $1mm or $100mm.

Conviction
The long-term success of the advisor/client relationship is based on a shared set of values. Since values and money go hand in hand, it is essential for clients to find and collaborate with a financial advisor that is clear about what they believe in and has the conviction to follow through on those beliefs when collaborating with their clients. This begins with our mission statement and comes alive in our daily activities.

Location

8701 Bee Caves Rd
Ste 300
Austin, TX 78746
US
Direct:
(512) 370-0411(512) 370-0411
Toll-Free:
(800) 234-1940(800) 234-1940
7600 Broadway St.
Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78209
US
Direct:
(210) 277-4425(210) 277-4425

Meet The North Star Group

About William Spencer

Austin is a Financial Planning Specialist who began his career in the financial services industry in 1995. In 1999, Austin joined Smith Barney in Austin, TX. Austin received his B.A. from Austin College in Sherman, TX and his M.S. in History from the University of North Texas.  Austin and his wife Theresa have two daughters, Lily & Sydney and several pets. Austin enjoys hiking, cycling, and reading US history in his free time.
Securities Agent: CO, TX, IN, CA, NV, LA, KS, DC, AK, WI, WA, OK, MT, ID, MD, PA, NM, NE, TN, OH, MN, IL, AL, VA, SD, NJ, AZ, OR, NY, NC, MO, IA, AR, SC, MS, GA, FL; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1278666

About Christopher Stevenson

Despite being raised by proud Texans, it wasn’t until I enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas that I laid down my Texas roots. Our family’s commitment to military service meant my first twenty years were spent stationed across the country and throughout Europe. Interest sparked by my business classes (and a less-than-illustrious college football career) led me to apply for an internship at Merrill Lynch in my junior year. After one day in that role, I was hooked on the industry.

After finishing business school early, I immediately launched my financial services career at Bear Stearns in Dallas. Two years later, I accepted an offer to join Smith Barney, my legacy path to today’s Morgan Stanley.

Shortly after graduating college, I met an amazing small-town Texas girl and quickly begged her to marry me. Shonda not only said “Yes” but further blessed me with two talented, beautiful daughters, Gracie and Sophie.

Apart from church, family, and work, I have a few other passions. I love to hunt and fish and to listen to music – usually Christian or country. I am passionate about softball and football (both American and European). I strive to master the art & science of cooking and I’m obsessed with collecting fine bottles of whiskey.

But above all, I am eternally grateful for God’s salvation. He is my firm foundation. He has blessed me beyond measure with my family. My relationship with God, my wife, and my daughters matters more to me than any personal recognition or possession. Faith and family are my North Star.
Securities Agent: WV, WI, WA, VT, VI, VA, UT, TX, TN, SD, SC, PR, PA, OR, OH, NY, NV, NJ, NH, NE, ND, NC, MT, MS, MO, MN, MI, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, NM, KS, IN, IL, OK, ID, IA, HI, RI, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AR, AL, AK, WY; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2489821

About Alyssa Jones

Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, a fifth generation Texan, fourth generation farmer and rancher, and second generation Red Raider, you will be hard-pressed to find another person with a stronger agricultural background than me in the Financial Services Industry. Playing sports and growing up driving the tractor on the family farm and helping with the finances taught me about integrity, compassion, hard work, and good business. Transferring these skills into my roles as a Commodities Merchandiser for DeBruce Grain and later as Senior Vice President of a local bank were a key to my success there and remain vital to what I do for clients here at Morgan Stanley.

Generally speaking, finding someone you want to work with long-term and who you trust to discuss your goals & considerations for financial planning is a challenge. Whether planning for your retirement or legacy, crying together over the loss of a loved one, celebrating the birth of a newborn child, or working through the difficult choices of leasing or selling the family land, let me be the trusted person you call to navigate these difficult life stages. One of my greatest passions in life is helping people. Knowing I have our North Star Team behind me with over 60 years in this industry makes me all the more confident in what we are doing for clients and what can be done in the future.
Securities Agent: MN, KS, WA, GA, SC, PA, DC, CO, TN, LA, AK, WI, TX, NY, CA, OH, OR, NV, NC, IL, NM, IN, IA, FL, MD, NE, MT, MS, MO, ID, AR, VA, OK, AZ, AL, SD; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative

About V. David Adams

David Adams is a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley in San Antonio, Texas. He is part of a multi-generational team and focuses on investment analysis, alternative investments, and client education. David is a 3rd generation San Antonio native, receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University and MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio. With over 30 years of experience, David is a Vice President, Alternative Investment Director for Morgan Stanley, and a Financial Planning Specialist. He also earned his CPA license, although he does not currently practice. David loves the outdoors and enjoys golf, fishing, and working in his organic garden with his wife Donna. He is currently tracing his family tree for membership in Sons of the American Revolution. David enjoys working alongside his family and the lifelong relationships he has built with his clients.
Securities Agent: WI, NY, FL, TX, CA, MO, SC, IL, MI, AR, WA, AL, AZ, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Transactional Futures/Commodities; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1297973

About Leslie Mcentire

With over 30 years of financial industry experience, Leslie McEntire has worked for several firms including Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones and SWBC Investments. She began her career with Morgan Stanley in 2010 when she joined Smith Barney and remained through the merger. As a Portfolio Associate, Leslie brings a wealth of experience and passion in wealth planning, client service and account administration to the North Star Group. She has a Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Series 31 and General Insurance License.

Originally from Midland, TX, Leslie grew up in Memphis, TN and studied General Business at the University of Mississippi. She returned to Texas in 1998 and recently moved to Austin from Lubbock. She shares her life with her son, Peyton, two dogs and a cat. Her passions include live music, great food, a good bottle of wine, and taking her RV camper to beautiful fishing spots.

About Andrea Cotter

Life has taken me down many paths, and I have embraced each one as an opportunity to learn and grow. From teaching in a high school, being a part of the management team at a local coffee shop, event coordinating, and more. I have worn many different hats, but what ties it all together is my love for connecting with people and trying new things.

One of the most impactful seasons of my life was my time living on mission in Hawaii and Peru, where I got to share the love of Jesus and where I truly learned the importance of making people feel seen and valued, just as the Lord calls us to do. That experience helped shape my heart for connection, and it is something I hope to bring with me to my work here and in all that I do.

I am originally from El Salvador, a country I love so deeply, but I also consider myself a proud Texan at heart. I enjoy spending time with friends, diving into all thing’s coffee, taking my dog Kahlua on adventures, and any excuse to dust off my boots and head to a dance hall.

Each step in my journey has been unique and often unexpected, but walking through life with the Lord has taught me to embrace every twist and turn, and I’ve got to say, I am here for the ride!

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 Joe Saadi

Joseph Saadi is the Regional Trust Specialist for Morgan Stanley’s Central Region. Within the Trust Services Group, Joe is responsible for delivering the “Open Architecture” trustee platform, which consists of several unaffiliated third-party trust companies who serve in a fiduciary, agency or custodial role for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. Joe and the Trust Services Group help Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors, clients, prospects and the professional community understand the corporate trustee services available through Morgan Stanley and how their corporate trustee partners provide fiduciary services to clients. The process involves reviewing trust documents and statements as well as analyzing family dynamics. Joe then uses this information to help clients select one or more of the Firm’s corporate trustee partners to possibly serve as trustee, co-trustee or administrative agent for client trust accounts.

Prior to joining the firm, Joe’s 30 years of legal and comprehensive wealth planning experience include positions as Managing Director at TIAA Trust Company, Market Trust Director at JP Morgan Trust Company, Trust & Estate Specialist at Merrill Lynch Trust Company, and District Attorney General at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Joe obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from John Carroll University and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Joe is a member of the State Bar of Ohio and holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses.

About Elizabeth Chand

Elizabeth Chand leads the Family Office Resource Generalist team and also covers the Central Region. As a FOR Generalist Elizabeth provides specialized expertise to Financial Advisors and their UHNW clients, educating and advising across a broad spectrum of family wealth management concerns, including family legacy and governance, customized wealth education for the next generation, lifestyle advisory and concierge services, strategic estate and financial planning, and philanthropy management.

Most recently, Elizabeth worked with New York Life in their Advanced Planning Group. She worked with agents and their UHNW clients to advise them on issues of estate and legacy planning as well as business succession planning. Prior to New York Life she ran a boutique estate planning law firm in Southern California working with high net worth families and businesses. Her practice focused exclusively on trusts and estates, probate, trust administration and tax. She has over 15 years of experience as an attorney representing individuals and business clients in connection with the development and implementation of sophisticated estate planning strategies and techniques.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. degree from Chapman University School of Law where she graduated Cum Laude. Elizabeth also holds her Series 7, 66 and 24 securities licenses. Elizabeth lives in the Dallas, TX area with her husband, four daughters and dog Zoe.
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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
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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

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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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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
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

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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:
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  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

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

Mosaic

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A Change of Greenery

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Ready to start a conversation? Contact The North Star Group today.
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1Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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2Morgan 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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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 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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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.

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6Alternative 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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Awards Disclosures
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)