About Us

Striving to Making A Difference

Behind every action of The Polaris Legacy Group at Morgan Stanley is a transparent desire to help make a difference in the lives of clients. This team truly lives their responsibility to serve and help clients live their life’s purpose through experienced family wealth planning, retirement planning, and investment management services.

Recognized nationally for service to clients, The Polaris Legacy Group is focused on offering a financial experience delivered by a team of smart, driven individuals who are solely committed to serving every aspect of the clients’ financial needs. Our team strives provide advocacy, education, and experienced guidance to clients.

A Mentored and Empowered Team

The Polaris Legacy Group is an assembly of highly educated, multi-generational professionals. The team name derives from the early days of sea exploration where sailors would utilize the North Star, or Polaris, as a navigational tool through open waters.

The Polaris Legacy Group dedicates their careers to consistently deliver a high level of investment service and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through guidance during every stage of the journey. From continuing education courses to industry conferences, reading and research, the team is fully prepared to serve the complex needs of clients and their ongoing planning and investment management needs.
Services Include
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Financial Planning Resources

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    Goals-Based Planning
    Are you on track to meeting your financial goals? Take a look at your personal financial plan, with a focus on what’s most important to you. Asking yourself some key questions can help you better prepare for the path ahead.
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    LifeView Portal
    LifeView is a suite of planning tools that includes goal-specific analysis that we can use with our clients to create a realistic, holistic strategy that integrates the various aspects of an individual’s financial life, including investments and cash management needs.
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    Tax Management Strategies
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
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    Financial Literacy
    Financial literacy means being equipped with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions during every stage of your life. No matter your current priorities, a strong financial literacy foundation can help you meet your goals.
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    Planning for 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.
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    Planning for Healthcare
    Health care costs are rising—especially for retirees, and some may need long-term care. Learn the moves you can make to help prepare yourself.
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HELPFUL RESOURCES & UPCOMING EVENTS

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    2024 Election Insights: Perspectives for Investors
    Join us on Thursday, November 7, for an insightful conversation with Morgan Stanley’s Global Head of Government Relations, Michael J. Stein; Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Head of U.S. Public Policy, Monica Guerra; and Global Head of Fixed-Income and Thematic Research, Michael Zezas, as they break down the general election results and discuss the possible implications for investors.
    Register Here
    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
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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.
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    Online Security Center
    At Morgan Stanley, safeguarding your assets and personal information is among our highest priorities. Learn about our security measures and use our resources and ideas to help protect yourself online.
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    Digital Vault
    Digital Vault allows you to easily manage and share your important documents. All files are scanned for viruses and malware, and are encrypted while transferred and stored. Access is limited to you and anyone you designate.
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    Cash Management
    Morgan Stanley has a full suite of cash management solutions for your cash needs. Our Active Assets Account allows you to manage your investments and cash in one place.
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Tax season is approaching!

As we approach tax season, we wanted to provide some resources you may find helpful.
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    Tax Management Services
    Taxes can make a big difference over the long run in helping meet financial goals – so you need a tax-smart edge. Learn how Morgan Stanley Tax Management Services can help efficiently manage your capital gains with a complimentary and fully personalized experience.
    Learn More Here
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    Consider Tax-Loss Harvesting
    What is tax-loss harvesting, and how do some investors use it to opportunistically reduce their tax bills? Check out the link to learn more.
    Read Here
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    Understanding Tax Alpha
    It is important to understand how taxes can affect after-tax results on a basic level. It is widely understood that the realization of gains and payment of taxes will ultimately have an impact on the ending value of the investment portfolio, but by how much? Learn more by reading below.
    Learn More Here
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    Tax Efficient Investing
    The tax decisions you make today can help you save for years to come. Consider these smart tax strategies for your financial plan.
    Learn More

Location

1065 Highway 315
Suite 401
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
US
Direct:
(570) 821-1828(570) 821-1828
Toll-Free:
(800) 342-2393(800) 342-2393

Meet The Polaris Legacy Group

About Tricia Zelinka

Tricia A. Zelinka, CFP® is a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor with over two decades of experience and personal client service. Tricia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University with a major in Sociology and a minor in Chemistry. Upon graduation she found an opportunity to enter the world of finance, and as a financial advisor found her true calling. Here, she is able to combine her analytical and thinking skills with her sincere desire to serve the needs of individuals and families.

Tricia’s ongoing commitment to learning lead her to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) both with continuing education requirements. She holds her Futures Managed Funds License (Series 31) and her General Securities Representative License (Series 7), Uniform Securities Agent (Series 63).

In the community, Tricia became an Advisory Board Member for the Salvation Army Wilkes Barre Chapter in 2022. She is also an active member of the Wilkes-Barre Academy Parent Teacher Organization.

Tricia and her husband Jack enjoy travelling, especially to wineries, breweries, and concerts. Together with their children Ava and Ryan, they spend their Saturdays cheering on college football specifically Alabama (Roll Tide!) and the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Securities Agent: DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY, DE, NH, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 2042360

About Chris Prater

Chris is passionate about building lasting relationships with his clients and helping them achieve their financial goals. Growing up, his parents were financially knowledgeable but didn't have a trusted advisor to give them guidance needed to maximize the potential on their savings. Chris wants to be this person for his clients.

Chris encourages clients to involve him and his team in every aspect of their financial lives - asset, liability and cash management. By involving them in every decision, big or small, it naturally strengthens their relationships and helps in the pursuit toward client goals.

In 2019, Chris earned the Financial Planning Specialist and Insurance Planning Director designations. He has been named to the Pacesetter’s Club (2019-2025), which acknowledges those who demonstrate high professional standards and first-class client service early in their career. Chris has also been named to Morgan Stanley’s Century Club, which recognizes consistent creativity and excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and services to our clients. He holds the General Securities Representative license (Series 7), the Uniform Combined State Law examination (Series 66), and Life, Variable, and Health Insurance License.

Chris graduated from King’s College, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. While at King’s College, he was recognized by several prestigious organizations for his academic success.

Chris lives with his wife, Amanda, their dogs-- Winnie, Enzo and Alfredo-- and their cats--Churchill and Polly. Outside of work, Chris enjoys running and as well as other outdoor activities. Above all, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

For the past 5 years, Chris has spearheaded Morgan Stanley’s community involvement in the Northeast Reginal Cancer Institute’s C.A.S.U.A.L. Day (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives).
Securities Agent: IA, NV, TX, PA, WA, MI, WY, VT, VA, UT, TN, SC, RI, OR, OH, NY, NJ, NC, MO, ME, MD, MA, LA, KY, IN, IL, GA, FL, DE, DC, CT, CO, CA, AZ, AL, NH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1647630

About Rebecca Wychock

“I learned from a very young age that I like working with others, helping people, and continuously improving myself. In my role I am able to blend all three. I love the contact I have with our clients and satisfying their needs. With the financial service industry and our clients’ needs evolving, I am always improving my skills. ”

Rebecca has been committed to helping and serving others over her career. Her driving force is to continuously improve upon our team’s client experience. She holds the General Securities Representative license (Series 7) and the Uniform Combined State Law examination (Series 66) as well as her Financial Planning Associate designation.

Rebecca brings a background of education to her position as Business Development Associate. For many years she has taught children and adults in dance and brings this experience in education when communicating and servicing clients.

She graduated from The Pennsylvania University with a degree in Business Marketing/ Management. Rebecca was a Dean’s List Student, as well as held leadership positions in both the Business Club and THON organization.

In the community, Rebecca is a charity athlete for Ryan’s Run, an organization that raises money for Allied Services through participating in the New York City Marathon. She is an avid runner and cyclist. Rebecca comes from a very close-knit family and spends as much time as possible with her 9-year-old son, Karson. Together they love going on adventures and cheering on Philadelphia teams (Go Birds!).

About Ryan Hinkle

Ryan Hinkle, known to most as "Hinkle," is a Client Service Associate at Morgan Stanley, where he combines military experience with a passion for financial literacy. Believing that the highest quality investments should be accessible to everyone, Ryan is dedicated to learning about the financial industry and sharing his knowledge with others. His military background has instilled in him discipline, time management, and critical thinking, which he applies daily in his role.

Ryan's approach to finance is centered on critical thinking and hard work. He is passionate about understanding the financial markets and helping clients navigate their financial futures. Ryan values the foundation of finance in facts, numbers, and statistics. His commitment to providing exceptional service is guided by a philosophy that emphasizes accuracy and client satisfaction.

Outside of work, Ryan is heavily involved in his local community. He volunteers at the Salvation Army, coaches a local little league baseball team that his son Adrian plays on, and mentors freshmen students at King’s College. A proud father, veteran, and student, Ryan also enjoys golfing, snowboarding, and football.

Ryan is currently a senior pursuing dual major in Finance and Accounting at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. His academic achievements, complemented by his membership in multiple honor societies, reflect his commitment to excellence in both his studies and professional development as he works toward his ultimate goal of becoming a Financial Advisor.

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 Tony Gist

Tony Gist is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Pennsylvania.

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.

Tony began his career in financial services in 2011 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to joining the firm, he held various roles within the Retail Bank industry including Licensed Banker and Branch Manager.

Tony is a graduate of Fairmont State College where he received a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice. He and his family currently reside in York, PA. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf, skiing, fishing, watching college football and attending concerts.
NMLS#: 786299

About Brendan Fuller

Brendan Fuller is a Financial Planning Director, VP at Morgan Stanley. In that role, he works directly with Financial Advisors and their valued clients to customize and implement financial plans. Often, this takes the form of illustrating retirement income streams, advising on executive compensation considerations, and coordinating with a client’s team of outside professionals on matters of tax and estate planning. The result is a partnership that helps ensure clients receive the highest quality advice and guidance that Morgan Stanley has to offer.

Prior to his work as a Financial Planning Director, Brendan was the Business Development Manager at the Firm since 2021, where he worked with Financial Advisors to establish efficient business practices and deliver thoughtful care to their clients. Brendan began his career as a Financial Advisor in 2015 at another institution.

He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and holds the additional designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠.

Brendan earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning. He and his wife live near Allentown, PA with their two children.

About Andre Shammo

Andre is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in the Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as well as the Central and Eastern Pennsylvania Markets. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients’ and prospects’ financial planning needs.

Andre began his career in financial services in 2017 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2023. Prior to his current position, he was a member of Robert W. Baird’s Wealth Planning team, where he worked with Baird Financial Advisors to deliver financial planning to their clients.

Andre graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Personal Finance and holds his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Personal Wealth Advisor designations. Andre lives in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. Outside of work, Andre enjoys reading, watching and playing sports as well as traveling in his free time.
Wealth Management
From Our Team

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup


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.

Mosaic

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

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Polaris Legacy Group today.
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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.

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2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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3Morgan 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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4Investors should consider many factors before deciding which 529 plan is appropriate. Some of these factors include: the Plan’s investment options and the historical investment performance of these options, the Plan’s flexibility and features, the reputation and expertise of the Plan’s investment manager, Plan contribution limits and the federal and state tax benefits associated with an investment in the Plan. Some states, for example, offer favorable tax treatment and other benefits to their residents only if they invest in the state’s own Qualified Tuition Program. Investors should determine their home state’s tax treatment of 529 plans when considering whether to choose an in-state or out-of-state plan. Investors should consult with their tax or legal advisor before investing in any 529 Plan or contact their state tax division for more information. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Investors should review a Program Disclosure Statement, which contains more information on investment options, risk factors, fees and expenses and possible tax consequences.

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5Fixed Income investing entails credit risks and interest rate risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall.

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6Morgan 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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7Morgan 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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8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.

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9Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.

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10Morgan 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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11When 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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12The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.

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13Morgan 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.

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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)